A guidebook to 25 walks in London’s open spaces. Exploring the green spaces of both the city centre and Greater London area, the walks are suitable for beginners and experienced walkers alike.

Walks range from 6 to 21km (4–14 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–6 hours, perfect for either a short stroll or a full day out.

• 1:25,000 OS maps included for each walk
• GPX files available to download
• Features information on parking, public transport and refreshments
• Highlights include Royal Parks and Hampstead Heath
• Each walk showcases a particular species of wildlife that you might encounter, plus information on the history and conservation of the capital's wild spaces

Map key 
Route summary table 

Introduction 
The geology of London 
London’s open spaces 
When to go 
Safety in London 
Getting around London 
Access 
What to take 
Maps 
Using this guide 

East: Essex to the Lea 
Walk 1 Rainham Marshes and the lower Thames 
Walk 2 Dagenham’s open spaces 
Walk 3 Epping Forest from Chingford 
Walk 4 Wanstead Flats and Park 
Walk 5 Olympic Park and Greenway 
Walk 6 River Lea 

North: Lea to Brent 
Walk 7 Enfield Chase 
Walk 8 Regent’s Canal 
Walk 9 New River and Parkland Walk 
Walk 10 Royal Parks 
Walk 11 Hampstead Heath 
Walk 12 Dollis Valley Greenwalk 

West: Brent to Wandle 
Walk 13 Ruislip Woods 
Walk 14 Yeading Brook 
Walk 15 Crane Park 
Walk 16 Bushy Park and Home Park 
Walk 17 Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park 
Walk 18 Kew and Isleworth 
Walk 19 Wandle Trail 

South: East of the Wandle 
Walk 20 Happy Valley 
Walk 21 Hills and woods of Croydon 
Walk 22 Sydenham Hill Wood 
Walk 23 Woodlands of south-east London 
Walk 24 Chislehurst 
Walk 25 Downe 

Appendix A Long-distance paths in London 
Appendix B Where to find out more 

Seasons

winters are rarely too cold, nor summers too hot. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn bring first a blooming of life and second the transformation of leaf.

Centres

all of these walks can be undertaken from a base within the Greater London area

Difficulty

all of these walks are within the range of most occasional walkers, though some routes can be linked together to give longer days for those who want them. Little specialist equipment is needed beyond comfortable footwear and clothing appropriate to the season.

Must See

woods and forests, parks and heaths, London's rivers - far more than just the Thames - and canals. Many of the walks pass by some of London's architectural jewels, while others delve so deep into countryside that it's difficult to believe you are still in London.

February 2025

Walk 1

February 2024

The Town Wharf pub

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