London Loop — Farnborough to Hayes Section

This London Loop section begins at Farnborough station in Kent, reached by National Rail from London Victoria or Bromley South, with no permit or parking needed since the route is a free public path. The 9km walk undulates across the North Downs fringe up to around 100m, with no technical difficulty but sustained gentle climbs across open farmland. Surfaces mix field paths, woodland tracks, and quiet lanes; open farmland stretches offer some exposure to wind and sun, while ancient woodland sections around High Elms Country Park provide shade. Key landmarks include High Elms Country Park's ancient woodland, roughly 4km in and a natural turn-around point for a shorter walk, open green-belt farmland with views back toward the City skyline on clear days, and stretches of quiet countryside lane. There are no water sources directly on the route beyond a small café at the High Elms Country Park visitor centre; walkers should carry their own water and snacks. No shelter or refuge is required given the section's proximity to surrounding villages, though it is one of the quieter, less-serviced London Loop sections. The route ends at Hayes (Kent) station, with National Rail service back to London Charing Cross or Cannon Street. Most walkers complete the 9km in two and a half to three hours, and horse riders share some bridleway stretches, so pedestrians should stay alert on the narrower lanes.