Riddlesdown Parkrun. LonDone #9! [Course Overview & Stats]

🏃‍♂️ Riddlesdown parkrun! Course overview, amenities, things to know, and another step closer to LonDone! 📊 RIDDLESDOWN PARKRUN IMPORTANT BITS: • PB Potential: Moderate to Low (seasonal). Mostly flat (46m elevation) with mild undulations. Off-road, uneven terrain, narrow start line, and heavy winter mud make winter PBs unlikely, though summer dry spells can be quite fast! • Size: ~130–200 runners. A welcoming, friendly countryside event on the southern fringe of Greater London! • Pacers: No regular weekly pacers. • Terrain & Footwear: Pure cross-country course! A mix of grass, dirt, gravel, stony paths, tree roots, and uneven chalky trails. Road shoes work fine in bone-dry summer months, but trail shoes are essential in autumn and winter when the route turns into an infamous mud bath! • Toilets: Available inside Warlingham School (in the redbrick building near the car park). • Café / Post-Run Coffee: The core team and runners head to Whyteleafe Park Pavilion Café in Whyteleafe Park (CR6 9TH) for post-run drinks and breakfast treats! • Transit: Free car parking is available at Warlingham School on Tithe Pit Shaw Lane (satnav: CR6 9YB). Nearest train stations are Whyteleafe and Upper Warlingham (~20–30 minute walk up the hill to the Downs). Local buses include the 403 (dropping at Hamsey Green) and 407 (dropping at Whyteleafe). • Buggies: Highly variable by season. Terrain is bumpy, narrow, and uneven with tree roots. Possible with a sturdy off-road running buggy during dry summer conditions, but virtually impossible in winter mud. • Dogs: Allowed! One dog per runner on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead. ⚠️ Course Tips: • Give Yourself Time to Walk to the Start: The meeting point/briefing and the actual start line (at Ibetts Piece) are about a 10-minute walk (approx. 700m) from the Warlingham School car park—don't cut it too fine! • Protect the Wildlife (Skylarks): The Downs are part of a National Nature Reserve and home to ground-nesting Skylarks. All runners and spectators must strictly stick to the designated paths and keep off the long grass! • Narrow Start: The start line on the trail is quite narrow, so position yourself carefully to avoid getting stuck in a queue during the first few hundred metres. 🎒 THINGS TO DO NEARBY (PERFECT FOR POST-RUN): ☕ Whyteleafe Park & Pavilion: Enjoy a relaxed coffee, slice of cake, or cooked breakfast at the park pavilion while letting kids burn off remaining energy at the playground. 🌳 Riddlesdown Common & Nature Reserve: Take a leisurely walk around the ancient woodland and chalk grassland to admire panoramic views over the valley toward Kenley. 🏰 Kenley Aerodrome & Bourne Park: Explore the historic WWII Battle of Britain airfield at nearby Kenley Common, or enjoy the tranquil valley trails heading towards Caterham. 🏃 Beat the Strava Segment: Choo Choo up the Quarry! 71m elevation gain in 260m. I only managed 4 minutes 26. Can you beat it?!   / strava   🎵 Music: Inossi:   / inossi   #parkrun #Riddlesdown #LonDone #Running #5k #SouthEastLondon #London