The Grand Capital Ring (78 miles)
Spanning an impressive 78 miles, the Capital Ring walk originates and culminates at the historic Woolwich Foot Tunnel. Comprising of 15 distinct segments, this route boasts a myriad of pastoral locales that gives trekkers a taste of rural countryside living in the heart of London. Highlights of the journey includes a visit to the majestic Syon Park, known for its illustrious glass dome; and the reed-lined Brent Reservoir, fondly known as the Welsh Harp. Participants can also revel in the sight of the grandeur of the Grand Union Canal and the Walthamstow Marshes that serve as home to a diverse range of avifauna such as geese, swans and kestrels all thriving in the wetland habitat. After an exhilarating day exploring the scenic beauty of the Capital Ring, why not unwind in some of the city’s best accommodations in one of the iconic boroughs? The selection of inviting hotels near Westminster Borough http://www.hotels-of-london.com/en/near-westminster-borough-dr132647/ makes it easy for walkers to rest and recharge in comfortable surroundings, without straying far from the city’s main landmarks. For an even wider range of options, check out tophotels.com. This resource provides a comprehensive list of top-rated hotels in London, ensuring that every visitor finds the perfect home-away-from-home to compliment their urban exploration. Whether you prefer the sophisticated charm of a historic townhouse or the sleek comfort of a modern apartment, you're certain to find an accommodation that enhances your London hiking expedition.
Thames Path (184 miles)
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The Thames Path starts at the source of the Thames, in the Cotswolds, and hugs the river all the way to the Thames Barrier, only a few miles from the sea. It passes through rural villages, past palaces and post-industrial waterside.
For a London section, you could choose any stretch from Hampton Court to Woolwich for a memorable amble: the west is the greener, lusher end, where you’ll pass the bulk of the paddleboarders and canoes, while to the east there’s a greater sense of the history of the working river. There’s a 10 mile extension from the Thames Barrier to Crayford Ness, where you can join the London LOOP.
The Great London LOOP (150-mile Circuit)
Around the heart of London flows the ambitious walker's haven, the incredible London LOOP, alternatively recognized as the London Orbital. Far more captivating than what it's mundane M25 equivalent suggests, this walking trail offers a noteworthy journey for passionate hikers. It comprises 24 distinguishable partitions leading from Erith station all the way to Purfleet, presenting untouched regions such as the breathtaking greens of Hainault Forest Country Park and Bushy Park. These parks are home to wild deer, often spotted gamboling amidst the forest, adding a touch of wilderness to the metropolitan tract. Notably, the trail blends suburban exploration and nature's solitude, threading through the perceived "heart of darkness" — a term borrowed from JG Ballard's critique of Iain Sinclair's impactful book London Orbital. This encapsulates areas including various golf courses, commercial parks and industrial estates, painting a unique picture of London's urban sprawl. An exceptionally picturesque segment is Stage 8, which takes you on a tranquil journey along the banks of the Grand Union Canal.
The Majestic Green Chain Walk – A 50-Mile Adventure
Experience the splendid beauty of Southeast London with the Green Chain Walk. This expansive 50-mile journey crosses 11 different sections, weaving together more than 300 fields, lush woods, and idyllic meadows. It's a circular walk, presenting a delightful mix of hilly trails leading you through the serenity of the ancient woods, peaceful parks, and solemn cemeteries. Expect your journey to be highlighted by stunning spots such as the Severndroog Castle, an 18th-century Gothic masterpiece, the Art Deco elegance of Eltham Palace, the birdwatching paradise at Southmere, and the ancient deciduous trees that grace Oxleas, Dulwich, and Sydenham woods.
Embark on the Jubilee Greenway (Stretches for 37 miles)
A remarkable walking route that spans sixty kilometers, the Jubilee Greenway, is a tribute to each year of Queen's tenure. Unveiled during the historic 2012 Olympics, this pathway connects the iconic locations from the famous games. From the majestic Buckingham Palace, it weaves its way past picturesque Little Venice, bustling Camden Market, serene Greenwich Park, electrifying O2 Arena, the historic HMS Belfast, the global landmark of Tower of London, and finally the hub of modern art, Tate Modern.
Experience London: The Jubilee Walkway (15 miles)
Desiring an immersive ambulation through the heart of London? The Jubilee Walkway could be your perfect match. This route, divided into five individual stages, flaunts an array of prime city attractions. The path sweeps by the contemporary Tate Modern, the majestic Houses of Parliament, and the tranquil oasis of St James’ Park. Also included in this sightseeing spectacle are the British Museum, known for its vast and diverse array of artifacts, the peaceful Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the historic Fleet Street, the world-renowned St Paul’s, and the Tower of the London, a castle steeped in fascinating histories.
The Circular Path at Hampstead Heath (6.5 miles)
One of the largest rural terrains that London boasts of is the hilly expanse of Hampstead Heath. The more comprehensive version of its Circular Path includes a 4.5-mile subsection and stretches towards Highgate as well as the unspoiled echelons of the heath. This scenic journey commences at Hampstead Underground, presenting opportunities to leisurely explore the beautiful architecture of Hampstead Village. This includes skimming the ponds and scaling Parliament Hill for a sweeping view of London. As the trail progresses, walkers pass by Highgate Ponds, get a glimpse into history with the 18th-century Kenwood House, and witness the picturesque web of Highgate Cemetery.
The Wandle Trail: A Green Adventure (14 miles)
The vibrant and serene Wandle Trail stretches along the energetic chalk stream known as the Wandle, curving its path from the urban setting of Croydon to the lush verdure of Wandsworth. The name derives from this serene location itself. This trail has a historical prestige recorded in the Doomsday Book, indicating there were 13 mills located along its course. This increased drastically by the 19th century, with over 90 mills leaving their mark. Unfortunately, during the sixties, relentless industrialization had transformed the pristine stream into a mere sewer. But, the noble efforts of the Wandle Trust in recent times have successfully revived this picturesque trail. Step onto the pathway, and you'll weave your way through an impressive count of 10 parks and green spaces, each with their own unique charm. This historic trail, once a hub of industry, has become a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The Diana Princess of Wales Tribute Trail (7 miles)
If you've recently indulged in the fourth installment of the popular series, The Crown, you're inevitably going to love the Princess Diana Tribute Trail. This picturesque route covers numerous iconic royal landmarks. Kensington Palace, the former dwelling of the Princess, which is now the official abode of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, is among these landmarks. The trail also includes other noteworthy locations such as Buckingham Palace; Clarence House, the residence of Charles and Camilla; St James's Palace; and Spencer House, an 18th century neoclassical mansion, the ancestral seat of the Spencer family.
Embark on the Lea Valley Walk (15.6 miles)
Beginning at the historical site of Waltham Abbey in Essex, the scenic Lea Valley Walk invites you to stroll along idyllic towpaths towards the south. Journey through Cornmill Meadows, a splendid sanctuary for dragonflies and go past the expansive King George V Reservoir, a hot spot for wintering species like the grebe, goldeneye, and teal. Traverse the contemporary ambiance of Canary Wharf with their glass and steel structures, go by numerous heritage-rich locks, and venture into the biodiversity-rich Tottenham Marshes, a wetland spread over 100 acres.
Extra: A Sweet Short Stroll - The Line (3-miles)
A quick yet enriching journey that art lovers would find intriguing, The Line deserves a mention. It originates from the mesmerizing twist of scarlet metal known as Anish Kapoor's ArcelorMittal Orbit, a spectacle created for the 2012 Olympic events. Following this, in 2016, Carsten Höller's slide was introduced. Continuing on a southward trajectory, you'll come across striking installations like Abigail Fallis's fusion of shopping carts taking a double helix form, a slice of a sand dredger by Richard Wilson, and Antony Gormley's piece known as Quantum Cloud. An integral part of this walk offers a different kind of experience, voyaging on the London cable car while being immersed in an audio masterpiece created by Larry Achiampong.