Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Brockwell Park, Dulwich Park & Sydenham Hill Woods loop from Herne Hill

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Brockwell Park, Dulwich Park & Sydenham Hill Woods loop from Herne Hill

Moderate

4.7

(23)

hikers

Brockwell Park, Dulwich Park & Sydenham Hill Woods loop from Herne Hill

02:37

9.88km

100m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate 6.1-mile (9.9 km) hike that winds through a delightful mix of South London's urban parks and ancient woodlands. This route, taking about 2 hours and 37 minutes to complete with 325 feet (99 metres) of elevation gain, offers varied terrain from paved paths to natural, unpaved sections, so good walking shoes are a must. You will discover the sweeping views of the London skyline from Brockwell Park before entering the charming Victorian landscape of Dulwich Park, known for its "American Garden" vibrant with azaleas and rhododendrons in spring. The trail then leads you into the serene, ancient Sydenham Hill Wood, where uneven footpaths and steps add to the natural feel of this remarkable green escape. You will find yourself immersed in nature, surrounded by over 200 species of trees and plants. This hike is a fantastic way to experience the diverse beauty of South London's green spaces.

While the paths are generally accessible, the moderate difficulty means a good level of fitness is recommended, especially for the sections with steps and uneven ground in Sydenham Hill Wood. Dulwich Park offers convenient amenities like a café and toilets, perfect for a mid-hike break. Consider visiting in April or May to see the azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom within Dulwich Park's "American Garden." The trail starts from Herne Hill, making it easily reachable by public transport. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially after rain, as some natural paths can become muddy.

This loop takes you through remnants of the ancient Great North Wood, particularly evident in Sydenham Hill Wood, which is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. Keep an eye out for historical elements like the disused railway tunnel, now a registered bat roost, and a hidden Victorian folly within the wood. You will also walk along Cox's Walk, an 18th-century oak-lined avenue, adding a layer of history to your journey. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and urban parkland, making it a standout experience in the city.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.34 km

Brockwell Park

Highlight • MTB Park

There’s some small up and downs!

Tip by

5.57 km

Sydenham Hill Wood & Cox's Walk

Highlight • Forest

Sydenham Hill Wood forms part of the largest remaining tract of the old Great North Wood, a vast area of worked coppices and wooded commons that once stretched from Deptford to Selhurst. The wood is home to more than 200 species of trees and plants as well as rare fungi, insects, birds and woodland mammals.

The Nunhead to Crystal Palace (High Level) railway once passed through the Wood, and you can follow the track bed to a disused and closed tunnel, now a registered bat roost. There is also a Victorian folly, once a garden ornament, hidden in the wood. Cox's Walk is an 18th Century oak-lined avenue that crosses the wood by an ornamental footbridge over the old railway track.

(taken from wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/sydenham-hill-wood-and-coxs-walk)

Tip by

5.78 km

Sydenham Hill Folly

Highlight • Historical Site

The ruins on Sydenham Hill look like an old monastery but are actually much newer. An old mansion once stood in these grounds, Fairwood. The folly was built in the Victorian Era as a way of showing off the wealth of the landowner and enthralling their visitors.

Tip by

6.13 km

Cox's Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A tree-lined avenue leading to Sydenham Hill Woods. Created in the 1730s by local publican Francis Cox to connect his Green Man Tavern with the nearby Sydenham Wells.

Tip by