Route Developer: AG

Route Checker: JE

[1] Turn right out of the community centre, and almost immediately, cross Turves Green Road (take care, this is a very busy road) and turn left into The Oak Walk. After a few yards, turn right into a small offshoot of Turves Green Road and then left into Willetts Road. Follow the road around, crossing Heathlands Grove and Harpers Road.

[2] At the end of Willetts Road, cross Harpers Road and turn right. At the next crossroads, go left along Coley’s Lane going straight ahead into Station Road, crossing at the lights. As you walk along Station Road, on the left is Northfield Station, originally built in 1870. At the end of Station Road, cross West Heath Road using the controlled crossing near the railway arch. After crossing, turn right and then left into Middlemore Road and take the path down to the river, after the National Cycle Network signpost. Follow the River Rea Heritage Trail along the bank, keeping to the surfaced path with the river on your right.

The river Rea is home to many species of animal, bird and insect life. Keep a look out for water voles, dragonflies and frogs! A water vole has a massive diet; they are known to eat over 200 types of plant!

[3] After a short while, you will come to a bridge, cross over and turn left, walking with the river now on your left hand side. Follow the hard path until you come to Wychall Road.

[4] Turn right and then shortly after, turn right again into Staple Lodge Road. Stay on the right hand side of Staple Lodge Road as you continue as there are fewer busy roads to cross. After passing Rea Valley Drive, cross Staple Lodge Road to the left hand side. Then, taking great care, cross West Heath Road and carry on straight ahead into Turves Green Road. Cross Moorpark Road twice, and after a short distance, you will have returned to the community centre.