After the station of Hayes (Kent), the LOndon Loop meanders south and westwards along the borders of Bromley and Croydon. The path seeks out whatever stretch of green open space divides two housing estates and gently explores ancient woodland. All of the land here is an extension of the North Downs, and the slopes become steeper as the walk trends south towards Whyteleaf and Kenley.
The Loop shares its apth with two other ways: the Vanguard Way (completed) and the Tandridge Border Path. South of Croydon, the path is supposed to entertain the spirit of the rural. This was not my expectation or experience. A series of commons was advertised but felt like a succession of London's wilder parks. Only Happy Valley and the view back from Farthing Downs convinced me that I was part of a wider landscape.
The section from Hayes to Coulsdon South has merit but, imprisoned by the city: the promise of heath and woodland hemmed in all around, only served to leave the path wanting in a wider sense.