Though London is a large metropolis and capital of the UK, there are many wonderful hikes close to London each inside and outdoors of the town. From strolling alongside the South Financial institution to exploring the massive Royal Parks and close by mountain climbing trails, there are hikes round London for all ranges of expertise.
I’ve accomplished loads of mountain climbing in London together with on Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill Fields, and Epping Forest. Town makes an excellent base for exploring a number of the close by nationwide parks and areas of excellent pure magnificence such because the Malvern Hills and Kent Downs.
10 Greatest Hikes in London
After over 20 years of residing and touring round London, I’ve taken numerous hikes in and across the metropolis. I’ve accomplished many extra hikes than this in London, however I’ve narrowed down my favorites to this record of 10 primarily based on accessibility, ease, crowds, views alongside the way in which, and general enjoyment on the path.
1. Hampstead Heath Round
Hampstead Heath is considered one of my favourite locations for London mountain climbing. Regardless of it being simply 4 miles (6.4 km) from Trafalgar Sq., it covers a whopping 800 acres of gorgeous countryside. Right here, you’ll discover a combination of landscapes from heathland to historic forests and rolling meadows.
I’ve been strolling and mountain climbing on Hampstead Heath many instances because it’s really easy to get to from central London and feels such as you’re in the course of the English countryside, (there’s a superb pub close by too). The 4.5-mile Hampstead Heath Round is a really nice amble and takes round two hours.
In case you’re in search of straightforward hikes close to London this is a wonderful possibility. It’s excellent for strolling and jogging, and canine are welcome as long as they’re on a lead. The path is open year-round however can get just a little muddy in winter so pack wellies (Wellington boots) if it’s been raining earlier than you propose to go.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: Begin the path on the Parliament Hill Cafe (a 2-minute stroll from Gospel Oak overground or 10 minutes from Tufnell Park underground). Click on right here to see the path on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the overground to Gospel Oak, or the tube to Tuffnell Park (Northern Line).
Size: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Period: 2 hours
Sort of Path: Circle
Elevation Achieve: 653 ft (199 meters)
2. South Financial institution of the Thames
Certainly one of my favourite straightforward hikes round London is alongside the South Financial institution of the Thames and I’ve taken this stroll extra instances than I can keep in mind. This isn’t a hike with countryside views, however as an alternative, you’ll be rewarded with views of one of the crucial iconic cityscapes on the earth.
The route takes in a few of London’s most well-known sights together with Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast, Shakespear’s Globe Theater, and extra. The path begins on the Tower of London (I often begin the stroll from Liverpool Avenue Station) and finishes on the Tate Trendy (conveniently subsequent to the Founder’s Arms).
That is positively the most effective hikes round London if you wish to see a number of the well-known landmarks within the metropolis. Because the path is paved the entire means and takes simply over an hour, you don’t want to fret about mountain climbing gear. Simply guarantee you have got a snug pair of sneakers, and a brolly (umbrella) in case it rains.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The path begins on the Tower of London. Click on right here to see the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: The closest tube is Tower Hill (Circle and District Traces). It’s a ten-15 minute stroll from Liverpool Avenue Station.
Size: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Period: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Sort of Path: Out and Again
Elevation Achieve: 404 ft (123 meters)
3. Parkland Stroll (Finsbury Park to Alexandra Park)
That is one other hike I’ve accomplished a number of instances as I used to reside near Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) in north London. This is among the greatest mountain climbing trails in London that takes you thru some lovely countryside alongside an previous, disused railway line (together with an deserted platform).
The Parkland Stroll is a well-liked route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists because it’s comparatively flat. It’s additionally an excellent stroll for households as there’s some fascinating wall artwork and footage alongside the route in addition to a play space. There are many locations to cease for a picnic too, so decide up some provides to make a day of it.
The route finally ends up at Alexandra Park subsequent to the spectacular Alexandra Palace which is properly price a go to alone. There’s a boating lake and a nice rose backyard, and the Phoenix Bar and Kitchen is a wonderful place for a pint with gorgeous views from its beer backyard.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The path begins at Finsbury Park Station. Click on right here to see the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the tube to Finsbury Park (Picadilly and Victoria strains).
Size: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Period: 1 hour and 37 minutes
Sort of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 528 ft (191 meters)
4. Thames Path Nationwide Path (Hammersmith to Richmond)
In contrast to the path alongside the South Financial institution, this Thames mountain climbing path takes you out of the town and into semi-rural areas on the outskirts of London. I cycled the Thames Path Nationwide Path when biking from London to Bristol a number of years in the past and this a part of the Thames is completely lovely.
That is the place you permit the metropolis behind and as an alternative discover a slice of suburban Britain with canal boats and nation pubs on the river. It’s the most effective hikes close to London for its surroundings and is a straightforward trek due to its largely flat terrain. The route goes previous the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew which is among the prime locations to go to in London.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The path begins at Hammersmith Bridge. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the tube to Hammersmith which is on the District and Picadilly strains. It’s a two-minute stroll to the bridge.
Size: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
Period: 2 hours and 11 minutes
Sort of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 360 ft (110 meters)
5. Epping Forest Oak Path
Epping Forest is situated simply outdoors of London in my dwelling county of Essex. It covers an enormous space of two,400 hectares and incorporates a variety of landscapes and habitats from pastures to meadows, forests, and over 100 lakes and ponds. There are many mountain climbing trails ranging in size and problem to select from.
Probably the greatest and most lovely of those is the Oak Path. This reasonably difficult route takes round three hours to finish, however I extremely advocate packing a picnic and making a complete day of it. That is considered one of my favourite locations to go mountain climbing close to London because it makes an excellent escape from the town that’s inside straightforward attain.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: Epping Forest is 30 miles (48 km) northeast of London. The path begins at Theydon Boyce. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the Central line to Theydon Boice (penultimate eastbound station).
Size: 6.7 miles (10.8 km)
Period: 2 hours and 48 minutes
Sort of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 850 ft (259 meters)
6. Regents Park to Primrose Hill
Regent’s Park is considered one of London’s Royal Parks and is a good place to flee the town. This straightforward round stroll takes encompasses the gorgeous park and leads you thru tree-lined paths, by completely manicured gardens with colourful flowerbeds, and previous the massive boating lake the place you’ll be able to cease to take a ship out on the water.
You’ll move an open-air theater earlier than making your means as much as Primrose Hill for gorgeous panoramic views of the town skyline. This a part of north London is typified by massive, Victorian homes, boutique outlets and artisan bakeries, cafes, and eating places and is considered one of my favourite locations to hike in London.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The path begins and ends on the bandstand in Regents Park. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Baker Avenue Tube (Circle, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & Metropolis strains) is only a two-minute stroll from the park.
Size: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Period: 1 hour and 36 minutes
Sort of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 380 ft (116 meters)
7. Chess Valley Stroll (Chiltern Hills AONB)
For extra hardcore hikers, the Chess Valley Stroll (it’s most positively a hike) is an 11-mile trek by the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Beuty (AONB). This is among the most stunningly scenic elements of the nation that’s inside straightforward attain of the capital.
This point-to-point route will take you thru picturesque villages, alongside valleys, and throughout open farmland and rolling hills. You’ll must be reasonably match to try this hike however you’ll be rewarded by lovely scenes of rural England. The path can get notably muddy after rain, so greatest pack wellies if it’s moist.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The practice begins at Rickmansworth railway station. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: There are a number of hourly trains from London’s Marylebone station and the journey time is simply 22 minutes. The route finishes in Chesham and there are tube trains again to London on the Metropolitan line.
Size: 11.4 miles (18.3 km)
Period: 4 hours and 44 minutes
Sort of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 1,493 ft (455 meters)
8. Field Hill (Surry Hills AONB)
The Field Hil, Lodge Hill, and Juniper Hill Trails are located within the Surry Hills Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence lower than an hour by practice from the capital, and make for a number of the greatest mountain climbing close to London. This space is famed for its sweeping countryside vistas and is the proper place for a day hike outdoors the town.
The route is reasonably difficult and takes over 4 hours to finish, however it’s higher to take it straightforward and permit a complete day for the expertise. There are many wonderful locations for a picnic the place you’ll be able to cease to take pleasure in sweeping views of the Surry countryside and also you’ll move by historic woodland, open fields, and valleys.
There are some steep climbs so that you’ll must be pretty match to sort out this hike, however it’s positively well worth the effort for the beautiful views. If the climate isn’t conducive to picnics, otherwise you determine to hike in winter, you’ll be able to heat your self up within the charming King William VI pub with its roaring log fireplace.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The path begins and ends simply outdoors the village of Pixham close to Dorking. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the practice from London Blackfriars to Dorking (Deepdene) by way of Redhill. The journey time is one hour.
Size: 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
Period: 4 hours and 4 minutes
Sort of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 1,818 ft (554 meters)
9. Otford Round (Kent Downs AONB)
This reasonably difficult hike takes within the lovely Kent Downs Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) an hour southeast of London. Along with the beautiful rolling hills, forests, and valleys, there are many fascinating issues to see alongside the way in which together with the Otford Photo voltaic System; one of many largest mannequin photo voltaic programs on the earth.
It is a incredible trek for extra skilled hikers; there are some steep climbs and elements of the path observe nation roads, making it troublesome for households or freshmen. In case you go in spring you’ll be met with a sea of bluebells, however this time of yr is usually a fairly muddy so put on appropriate footwear.
It is a good hike at any time of yr as the world receives a pleasant breeze in summer season, and in winter it seems much more scenic beneath a layer of snow (you should definitely pack a heat coat!). The route begins and finishes off very near The Woodman pub which is properly price popping in for a refreshment and a few relaxation.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: The route begins and finishes on the Otford Memorial Corridor within the village of Otford, Kent. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: There are direct trains from London Blackfriars to Otford railway station and the journey time is one hour.
Size: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Period: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Sort of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 958 ft (292 meters)
10. Frinton to Walton Coast Path
Though there aren’t any waterfall hikes close to London, there are some wonderful coastal hikes inside an hour or two of the capital. The seaside at Frinton-on-Sea is among the nicest within the southeast of England and someplace I’ve spent a whole lot of time (I swam there quite a bit final summer season).
You’ll be able to both stroll alongside the seaside or observe the coast path on the prime of the cliffs the 2 miles from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze the place my household used to personal a seaside hut. The cliffs across the Naze are spectacular and you’ll see proof of various geological durations right here.
Frinton is simply 90 minutes by practice from London and makes an ideal day journey to the coast, which means summer season is the very best time to sort out this hike in the event you just like the concepts of ending off with cooling sea dip. Take the entire household and take a look at the amusement on Walton Pier earlier than leaping on a practice again to the capital.
Path Particulars and Data
Location: Frinton is situated on the east coast of England within the county of Essex. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: There are hourly trains from London Liverpool Avenue station to Frinton-on-Sea. The coast path and seaside are a ten-minute stroll from the station.
Size: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Period: 1 hour
Sort of Path Out and Again
Ideas for Mountaineering Round London
Under, you’ll discover some helpful suggestions that will help you get probably the most out of those London treks:
- At all times convey waterproofs: England is famed for its moist climate, so it’s greatest to be ready and pack a water-proof jacket. Some trails might be very muddy after rain so Wellington boots are really helpful if hitting the mountain climbing trails close to London.
- Use public transport: Most of the greatest hikes in London begin in or across the metropolis so it’s greatest to not convey a car (to keep away from parking issues, congestion expenses and so on). As a substitute, make use of London’s wonderful public transport. Most of the trails begin close to an underground station so are straightforward to get to.
- Hike in spring or fall: To get the very best out of trekking London keep away from the summer season as the paths can grow to be very busy, and the climate is usually too scorching for it to be satisfying. Spring and fall are the proper instances because the climate isn’t too scorching or chilly and the paths aren’t overrun.
- Hike throughout daylight: Though mountain climbing in London could be very protected, make sure you plan your route so that you simply don’t find yourself mountain climbing after darkish (which is frequent sense anyplace). Stick with the paths and don’t wander away into areas you’re unfamiliar with.
- Obtain a map: I take advantage of Maps.ME which doesn’t require an web connection or knowledge because it makes use of real-time GPS. It’s also possible to obtain a mountain climbing app reminiscent of AllTrails which options most of the routes and useful particulars of how one can get to trailheads and so on.
Mountaineering in London: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on mountain climbing round London:
The Hampstead Heath Round Stroll is among the hottest hikes close to London because it provides some gorgeous countryside environment only a quick tube experience from the middle of the town. That is additionally considered one of my favourite London strolling trails and one I’ve accomplished many instances.
The South Financial institution is among the best hikes round London because it’s flat and paved all the means. This is a wonderful method to see a number of the prime sights within the metropolis because it follows the Thames from the Tower of London to the Tate Trendy.
There are some small artifical waterfalls in a number of the London parks reminiscent of Regent’s Park, St James’ Park, and Holland Park, however to see bigger, pure falls you’ll want to move away from the town to Scotland or Wales.
What you need to put on when mountain climbing round London is dependent upon the time of yr you go. In summer season, you’ll wish to pack mild as summers within the metropolis might be scorching (convey swimming wear if going to Hampstead Heath). In winter you’ll wish to wrap up with layers, and in spring and fall you’ll wish to have a mix of layers. It’s a good suggestion to take waterproofs at any time of yr.
The Epping Forest Oak Path is among the most lovely trails close to London (and in my dwelling county of Essex). Discover historic woodland and stroll amongst over 100 lakes and ponds on this beautiful forest park.
Mountaineering round London isn’t harmful in the event you stick with acknowledged paths and hike throughout daylight. These London trails are widespread and busy areas with loads of folks round at most instances. Take the identical precautions you’d anyplace and don’t flash worthwhile tools round. Taking a digicam is okay, however hold it safe in a bag when not utilizing it.
In Closing
Now you realize about the very best mountain climbing in London and the encircling areas, which one will you select first? I’ve accomplished many of those hikes numerous instances and at all times take pleasure in getting out into elements of the town which might be away from the principle vacationer traps. From straightforward metropolis walks to London day-hikes in gorgeous countryside, there’s one thing for everybody.
With so many wonderful hikes close to London, there’s no excuse to not get outdoors and soak up some recent air (and cease by one or two pubs alongside the way in which). So, mud off these mountain climbing sneakers, pack some sandwiches, and have a go at considered one of these strolling trails in London.
