크로프턴 우드 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

Yes. Walking boots or comfy wellies definitely needed. (Some people were in trainers which were caked in mud).

Don't be too hung up at following the route. The paths crisscross and as long as you have a rough idea then follow your instinct or dog .

Beautiful path running between fields of crops, and blooming with wildflowers. In the summer, of course.

The Hawkwood Estate is mainly farmland with a small area of woodland to the west. This was added to the National Trusts Petts Wood estate in the 1950's. Running a loop of both Petts Wood and Hawkwood is an amazing escape from the city (which is only 13 miles away). It feels wild yet managed and definitely rural even though you are well within the M25 donut.

Petts Wood is a 300-acre area of woodland close to central London. The National Trust has owned and managed the area since 1927 when it was donated by Robert and Francesca Hall and Colonel Edlmann to prevent development. Today the woodland is a peaceful habitat for many kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life. The running here follows scenic woodland trails, with wildlife ponds and a couple of memorials to discover.

Once a major stopping point along the London-Hastings road - the local pub, the Change of Horses, gives the nature of its past. Now a pleasant little spot with some listed historical buildings.

St Giles the Abbot is a medieval church significantly rebuilt in the 17th century and again in the 19th, although some historic features remain. Sadly was locked on the day I visited so I couldn’t see inside.

Crofton Heath and woodland lie just west of Orpington. There are plenty of trails here to roam around on and enjoy some serenity. As you wander, it's hard to believe settlements surround you just beyond the treeline. The woods span 200 acres (81 ha), enveloping you in greenery.