[1] When you leave the gate of Sydenham Gardens, go left down Wynett Road (unsigned). Turn left into Mayow Road. Follow the pavement to the junction with Dacres Road and Queenswood Road, crossing Mayow Road via a refuge in the middle. Turn left and cross Dacres Road via another refuge. Continue along the pavement to the gate of Mayow Park. (The park, opened on 1/6/1878 , is maintained by the borough of Lewisham, from whom further details might be extorted).
[2] Enter the park and follow a concrete path bending slightly left, to reach a drinking fountain. Keep on the path to the left towards the next park gate. (If the weather is dry, from the first entrance to the park, you can follow the perimeter of this park across grass and firm earth to this second gate).
[3] Within 50 yards of this gate, turn sharp right along another concrete path, past a tennis court. Continue to the next gate. Turn sharp right downhill along another concrete path, ignoring a path to the left, to re-pass the tennis court. At the next junction take the path left back towards the drinking fountain. At the next fork keep left again; ignore the path to your right. Follow the path to a red dogs’ dung container. Here those with youngsters may wish to note the play area straight ahead; otherwise, fork right to reach the park’s remaining gate.
[4] Turn right along Silverdale (unsigned). Just below the junction with Dacres Road, you may wish to cross the road and follow the path with blue slate paving to reach the gate of the engaging-looking Dacres Wood.
(A) Dacres Wood is a nature reserve incorporating oxbow lakes formed when the Croydon Canal was constructed in the early 19th century. It is a habitat for nuthatches, chiffchaffs, blackcaps, smooth newts and the rare bee-chafer. Unfortunately it is currently closed to the public; contact Green Scene on 0208 314 2047 for further details.
[5] Where Silverdale becomes Dacres Road, go straight ahead down it. Past Clairville Point turn right down an asphalt path bordered on the left by a low black railing. Again, those with small children may wish to use the small play area to your left. Past the play area, turn left down a path like the one you have left. Follow it round the corner to the left to rejoin Dacres Road.
[6] Turn left again and continue to Hyndwood. Follow the paved path to your right; take care where the flags have risen. Go straight ahead, keeping Reidwood on your right, to reach Bampton Road (unsigned) opposite the playground of Forest Hill School. Turn left and cross Bampton Road where it is safe to do so.
[7] Turn right into Inglemere Road. At its end aim for the arch straight opposite the junction. (There are low-level kerbs just to the right). Go through the arch and follow the path which bends right towards a green space. At the next path junction, go right towards a sign reading “1-8 Kelmscott”. Follow the path round a bend to the left to regain Wynett Road. Turn right along the pavement to reach the gate of Sydenham Gardens.