볼딩엄‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪17‬개의 천연기념물

Worth stopping off to look at the ancient yew tree.

The very modern monument we encounter here was erected to mark the turn of the millennium, from the end of the 20th century to the 21st century. Nevertheless, its formal language draws on ancient models that take us far back into the past, several millennia before Christ.

Lovely little spot to rest up and realise how small and insignificant we are.

It's the highest point of the Downs and there are some helpful interpretation boards about the history of the area.

The stones were not visitable when I went yesterday (Monday, around 3 pm). Gates, a distance away, were locked, by the main sign, couldn't see a way in. Google says it's "open 24 hours", but it isn't!

From this spot there are brilliant views of the London skyline on a clear day. The Millenium Cairn has direction pointers on top so you can identify what you are looking at. Although beware, the cairn was erected in 2000 so there are now so many more buildings to be seen.

The Millenium Stones were installed between 1998 and 1999 to mark the double millenium between 1AD and 2000AD. Look closely at the stones as each is engraved with a quotation from each of the 200 years in that time period.

This is part of the London LOOP, section 5, Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/hamsey-green-to-croydon