Section 1 of 10, Vanguard Way
Croydon to Chelsham Common
4.3 miles (6.9 km). About 1½ hours, easy.
Start: TQ 347 636. Finish: TQ 371 591. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
About 183 m of climbing and 113 m of descent; highest point 180 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Croydon.
- Bus stops
- Farley Road / Croham Valley Road, 410 m from the start. Directions TQ 344 633Ballards Way, 480 m from the start. Directions TQ 343 636
- Car parks
- Car park, 440 m from the start. Directions TQ 348 640Heathfield Car Park (free), 520 m from the start. Directions TQ 352 638Car park, 640 m from the start. Directions TQ 352 640
Getting back
The section finishes at Chelsham Common. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Chelsham Common, 10 m from the finish. Directions TQ 371 591Bramber Way, 250 m from the finish. Directions TQ 369 592
Planning the Vanguard Way
- Planning the whole trail: vanguardway.org.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: gravel and tracks 59%, earth, rock and mud 24%, paved or flagged 17%.
About 5% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 2 kissing gates, 1 gate.
Steepest climb: about 42 m in a kilometre (1 in 24), from the start.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
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