I just wanted to thank everyone who came, helped, took part or just generally gave us encouragement, but I’m glad to say that the Forest Hill Walking Festival 2026 was another success.
While almost 80 people took part in one or more of the walks, we also gave away something like 200 plants to residents wanting to try their hand at growing something edible.
We hope the legacy of these events is a whole bunch of new friends, and that everyone sees the area around Forest Hill in a new light.
We’ve written up a quick summary and shared a few pictures, but more pictures will be coming soon
Did you come along? What did you think?
We’re also looking to add more routes to next year’s event, so if you have ideas for a new theme, let us know here
I enjoyed leading my group along the High Level railway walk. With frequent stops to discuss points of interest and look at photos and maps it took us about 2 hrs 45, not too far off my 2.5 hr estimate.
Everyone seemed very relaxed about finishing at Crystal Palace Parade, and I think most went to the station and came back to Forest Hill on the Overground.
As well as a very interested and friendly local group of 20 or so, it was nice to welcome a friend who is chair of the Crystal Palace Park Trust.
Having walked parts of the route many times over the years it was great to show people who don’t know where they are all four tunnel entrances along the route.
Likewise, enjoyed standing in to lead this years architecture walk. The planned 1.5 hour walk turned into a 3 hour exploration of the gems along the way, with shared knowledge from the group, which was much appreciated. The highlight was being treated to learn about and experience the inspirational self build community at Walter (Segals) Way first hand by residents.
For those who joined and made it a fun day, thanks for coming along. If you couldn’t make it, the route is available to follow via the Go Jauntly app if you search ‘Forest Hill Architecture Walk’.
On the architecture walk we saw Taymount Grange by George Bertram Carter, a pupil of Lutyens. The block is named after the mini-mansion which occupied the site called Taymount.
If you look up its one time owner Bruce Beveridge Todd you find the wine merchant Findlater Mackie Todd & Co.
The company was continued by his sons James Henry Todd, William James Todd and Alexander Findlater Todd. Of these Alexander is particularly significant for our local history as he played cricket in WG Grace’s London County (based in Crystal Palace Park).
Alexander excelled in rugby, and sadly died in WWI.