The best running trails around the London Borough Of Croydon

The London Borough of Croydon offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 260 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy park loops to more challenging trails with elevation changes, ensuring a diverse running experience.

Croydon's running trails feature a diverse landscape. You'll find flat, traffic-free paths along river trails like the Wandle Trail, as well as more varied terrain through woodlands and heathland in areas such as Addington Hills. The borough also boasts extensive parkland and areas of chalk grassland, offering a mix of surfaces for your run.

Yes, there are several easy running routes in Croydon. For instance, the Kenley Common & RAF Kenley loop from Dollypers Hill Nature Reserve is an easy 4.5 km (2.8 miles) trail. Lloyd Park also offers well-maintained paths perfect for beginners, and the Riddlesdown Parkrun course is known for being gentle with minimal elevation.

For a more challenging run, Addington Hills provides a network of trails through woodlands and heathland with varying terrain and some steep sections, ideal for hill training. Additionally, the Sydenham Hill Woods – Crystal Palace Dinosaurs loop from Norwood Junction is a difficult 19.9 km (12.4 miles) route with significant elevation changes.

Absolutely. Routes like the Farthing Downs & Happy Valley loop from Coulsdon offer extensive countryside views. Addington Hills provides panoramic views of London. You can also explore unique landmarks such as the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs on the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs – Crystal Palace Bowl loop from Crystal Palace. For other scenic spots, consider highlights like View of London from Addington Hill or Farthing Downs Scenic Road.

Yes, Croydon has several options for 5k runs. The South Norwood Country Park hosts a weekly 5K event with a flat and fast course. The Riddlesdown Parkrun also offers a cross-country 5k loop. For a specific route, the Kenley Common & RAF Kenley loop from Dollypers Hill Nature Reserve is close to 5k at 4.5 km.

For longer runs, the Wandle Trail is an excellent choice, stretching 12.5 miles (20 km) and following the River Wandle. On komoot, the Sydenham Hill Woods – Crystal Palace Dinosaurs loop from Norwood Junction is a challenging 19.9 km (12.4 miles) route. Other routes like the High Brooms Wood – High Broom Wood Totem Poles loop from Norwood Junction at 13.3 km (8.3 miles) also provide substantial distance.

The running routes in the London Borough of Croydon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 45 reviews. Over 4000 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the extensive green spaces and diverse landscapes.

Many of Croydon's numerous parks and green spaces are dog-friendly, making them suitable for running with your canine companion. Areas like Happy Valley Park and Farthing Downs offer extensive open spaces where dogs are generally welcome. It's always a good idea to check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs in certain areas or on particular trails.

Croydon is well-served by public transport, making many running routes accessible. Major transport hubs like East Croydon provide connections to various parts of the borough. Many parks and green spaces, including Lloyd Park and South Norwood Country Park, are reachable via local bus routes or tram services. For specific routes, you can plan your journey to nearby starting points like Coulsdon or Crystal Palace.

Yes, many of the running routes in Croydon are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Farthing Downs & Happy Valley loop from Coulsdon and the Red Sphinx Statue loop from Selhurst Park. These loops are convenient for planning your run without needing to arrange return transport.

Yes, Croydon is committed to providing fitness opportunities. Outdoor gyms are available in several locations across the borough, including Lloyd Park and Duppas Hill. These can be a great addition to your running routine, allowing for strength and conditioning exercises before or after your run. You can find more information on outdoor gyms on the Croydon Council website.