Bromley Bimble II

Back in February Matt S and I headed south from Lewisham through Bromley and into Kent. The loop brought us back after 31 miles of winter running. We promised to return in the summer to see how the countryside would have changed, and to run the route in reverse.

May arrived and we managed to find a date that worked for both of us. It was 25th May. The sun wasn't shining, but we were in t-shirts this time as opposed to multiple layers and coats. As for our surroundings they couldn't have been more different. In February the trees were skeletal, there was little wildlife and, despite the beauty, nature was in hibernation. Now birds were singing, flies, bees and wasps buzzed through the thick sea of ferns and goose grass. The trees were heavy with bright green leaves and horse chestnut candles. 

In February we took the route anti-clockwise. This time we headed clockwise. The route took us out through Grove Park, Chinbrook and Elmstead before we arrived at the woods. Scrogginhall Wood, Brook Wood, Barnet Wood, Colyers Wood and Padmall Wood gave us some much needed trail therapy. We chatted and enjoyed getting out of the city and away from all the stress we left behind. A lunch stop at Holwood Park by the Wilberforce Oak mirrored our snack break three months earlier. 

We continued south to the appropriately named Leaves Green. This was the southerly tip of the route and we now turned west passing through Jewels Wood and Holt Wood to Chelsham. Next we turned north through Pulpet Wood to Forestdale. Here we again copied our previous experience by stopping at the garage for drinks. 

We were now in Addington and another wood, this time Threehalfpenny Wood where we picked up The Beck river which we would follow consistently for miles. The waterway flowed through West Wickham and High Broom Wood, Eden Park and the Harvington Estate. We followed its path until it pooled in the lake at Kelsey Park.

A series of roads through housing estates took the edge off the scenery, but then we arrived at Beckenham Place Park where we both went our separate ways, Matt towards Northbrook and I towards Athelney for our respective school pick ups.

It had been a great experience to see the changes in the natural world that had taken place in just 12 weeks. The woods were in full bloom with bluebells hanging on and cow parsley taller than the two of us. Meadows were full of daisies and buttercups, and houses were festooned with wysteria.

It had also been a fantastic way to spend the day, in good company, running the trails and exploring the lesser known parts of Bromley Borough.