Along with out of doors sports activities – like swimming, tennis and golf – strolling stays one of many few issues we’re permitted to do at this stage of the Government’s roadmap.
So, lace up your boots and pack your walktails (sadly no pub pitstops for now) — right here’s the place to flee the concrete jungle, with out straying removed from town in any respect.
North-East
Tottenham Lock to Bromley-by-Bow
How lengthy: Around 6 miles and a pair of hours
Route: The Lea Valley stroll is an 18-mile stretch alongside the River Lea working from Waltham Abbey and the Thames at Limehouse Basin. Begin at Tottenham Lock veering off the towpath barely to detour by way of the serene Walthamstow Wetlands (pictured above) London’s largest city wetland nature reserve and residential to numerous wildlife species.
Continue in the direction of the Hackney Marshes and Olympic Park (which might be in your left) ending at Bromley-by-Bow. If you fancy a mooch round Victoria Park, flip proper just a little earlier at Hackney Wick. The route is signposted with swan symbols.
USP: One of the few spots in north-east London the place it’s possible you’ll catch sight of informal grazing cows.
North
Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace
How lengthy: Around 3 miles and 1 hour
Route: The Parkland Walk is a linear park that follows the deserted railway line that linked Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. It’s cut up into two components, the north part runs between Cranley Gardens and Muswell Hill, whereas the bigger part, Parkland Walk South, connects Highgate and Finsbury Park — take the scenic route through Queens Wood and Highgate Wood to get between the 2.
USP: Marvel on the considerable flora — over 300 sorts of untamed flowers have been discovered alongside the route — and look out for hedgehogs, foxes and butterflies.
Hampstead Heath
/ Unsplash
Hampstead Heath Circular
How lengthy: Around 6.5 miles and a pair of hours
Route: The Hampstead Heath loop begins and finishes at Hampstead station, hitting up the entire Heath’s highlights, together with the steep ascent up Parliament Hill and rewarding iconic views of London, taking you previous the Hampstead and Highgate Ponds, Kenwood House and Jack Straw’s Castle.
USP: Set on 791 acres of gorgeous meadows and woodland, Hampstead Heath is a sanctuary for many Londoners needing to flee city stresses.
Deer at Richmond Park
/ UnsplashSouth-West
How lengthy: Around 12.5 miles and 4 hours
Route: Make a day of it and tackle the Wandle Trail, a well-liked strolling and biking route that winds alongside the River Wandle in south-west London from the River Thames at Wandsworth to Croydon.
USP: The River Wandle has a wealthy industrial historical past, greater than 90 waterwheels — additionally fittingly the path’s brand — are thought to have operated alongside its tree-lined banks, powering mills and workshops producing copper, iron, tobacco and textiles.
How lengthy: Around 4.5 miles and 1.5 hours
Route: Starting at Richmond station, this hike leads you thru Richmond Park to the perspective at King Henry’s Mound, one of many highest locations in London and the place, on a transparent day, you possibly can see St Paul’s Cathedral. Continue on to Ham Avenues and Ham House — a Seventeenth-century National Trust constructing with fairly gardens (price a go to when you’re allowed).
USP: With 630 pink and fallow deer roaming freely in the grassland habitat, Richmond Park is a improbable spot for deer recognizing. Autumn is rutting season, when the pink stags and fallow bucks compete for females — simply keep in mind to maintain your distance.
South-East
Bostall Woods to Oxleas Meadows
How lengthy: Around 3 miles and 1 hour
Route: Over in south-east London, the Green Chain stroll takes you thru dozens of woods and parkland starting in Thamesmead and ending at Nunhead Cemetery. There are 11 sections of the stroll, which spans 50 miles and is signposted with the G-C brand. Take the stretch between Bostall Woods which passes by way of the open grassland at East Wickham with its considerable hen and plant species and on to Oxleas Wood.
USP: The soothing historical forest at Oxleas Wood, a delegated Site of Special Scientific Interest, is residence to oak bushes, silver birch, hornbeam and coppice hazel.
