Though London is a big metropolis and capital of the UK, there are many glorious hikes close to London each inside and out of doors of 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 achieved loads of mountain climbing in London together with on Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill Fields, and Epping Forest. The town makes an awesome base for exploring a few of the close by nationwide parks and areas of excellent pure magnificence such because the Malvern Hills and Kent Downs.
10 Finest Hikes in London
After over 20 years of dwelling 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 checklist of 10 based mostly on accessibility, ease, crowds, views alongside the way in which, and total 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 lovely 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 occasions because it’s really easy to get to from central London and feels such as you’re in the midst of the English countryside, (there’s an glorious pub close by too). The 4.5-mile Hampstead Heath Round is a really nice amble and takes round two hours.
In the event you’re searching for simple hikes close to London this is a superb possibility. It’s good 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 a bit 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
Kind of Path: Circle
Elevation Achieve: 653 toes (199 meters)
2. South Financial institution of the Thames
One in every of my favourite simple hikes round London is alongside the South Financial institution of the Thames and I’ve taken this stroll extra occasions than I can keep in mind. This isn’t a hike with countryside views, however as a substitute, you’ll be rewarded with views of some of the 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 Road Station) and finishes on the Tate Trendy (conveniently subsequent to the Founder’s Arms).
That is undoubtedly among the finest hikes round London if you wish to see a few 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 will have a cushty 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 Strains). It’s a ten-15 minute stroll from Liverpool Road Station.
Size: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Period: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Kind of Path: Out and Again
Elevation Achieve: 404 toes (123 meters)
3. Parkland Stroll (Finsbury Park to Alexandra Park)
That is one other hike I’ve achieved just a few occasions as I used to dwell near Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) in north London. This is without doubt one of the finest mountain climbing trails in London that takes you thru some stunning countryside alongside an outdated, 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 awesome stroll for households as there’s some attention-grabbing 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 pleasing rose backyard, and the Phoenix Bar and Kitchen is a superb place for a pint with beautiful 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
Kind of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 528 toes (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 town and into semi-rural areas on the outskirts of London. I cycled the Thames Path Nationwide Path when biking from London to Bristol just a few years in the past and this a part of the Thames is totally stunning.
That is the place you allow the metropolis behind and as a substitute discover a slice of suburban Britain with canal boats and nation pubs on the river. It’s among the finest hikes close to London for its surroundings and is a straightforward trek due to its principally flat terrain. The route goes previous the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew which is without doubt one of the high 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
Kind of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 360 toes (110 meters)
5. Epping Forest Oak Path
Epping Forest is positioned simply exterior of London in my house county of Essex. It covers a large 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 issue to select from.
Among the best and most stunning of those is the Oak Path. This reasonably difficult route takes round three hours to finish, however I extremely suggest packing a picnic and making an entire day of it. That is considered one of my favourite locations to go mountain climbing close to London because it makes an awesome escape from town that’s inside simple 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
Kind of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 850 toes (259 meters)
6. Regents Park to Primrose Hill
Regent’s Park is considered one of London’s Royal Parks and is a superb place to flee town. This simple round stroll takes encompasses the gorgeous park and leads you thru tree-lined paths, by means of completely manicured gardens with colourful flowerbeds, and previous the big boating lake the place you may 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 beautiful panoramic views of town skyline. This a part of north London is typified by giant, Victorian homes, boutique retailers 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 Road 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
Kind of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 380 toes (116 meters)
7. Chess Valley Stroll (Chiltern Hills AONB)
For extra hardcore hikers, the Chess Valley Stroll (it’s most undoubtedly a hike) is an 11-mile trek by means of the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Beuty (AONB). This is without doubt one of the most stunningly scenic elements of the nation that’s inside simple 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 have to be reasonably match to try this hike however you’ll be rewarded by stunning scenes of rural England. The path can get significantly muddy after rain, so finest 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
Kind of Path: Level to Level
Elevation Achieve: 1,493 toes (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 few of the finest mountain climbing close to London. This space is famed for its sweeping countryside vistas and is the proper place for a day hike exterior town.
The route is reasonably difficult and takes over 4 hours to finish, but it surely’s higher to take it simple and permit an entire day for the expertise. There are many glorious locations for a picnic the place you may cease to take pleasure in sweeping views of the Surry countryside and also you’ll move by means of historic woodland, open fields, and valleys.
There are some steep climbs so that you’ll have to be pretty match to sort out this hike, but it surely’s undoubtedly well worth the effort for the attractive views. If the climate isn’t conducive to picnics, otherwise you resolve to hike in winter, you may 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 exterior 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
Kind of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 1,818 toes (554 meters)
9. Otford Round (Kent Downs AONB)
This reasonably difficult hike takes within the stunning Kent Downs Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) an hour southeast of London. Along with the attractive rolling hills, forests, and valleys, there are many attention-grabbing issues to see alongside the way in which together with the Otford Photo voltaic System; one of many largest mannequin photo voltaic techniques on the earth.
It is a improbable trek for extra skilled hikers; there are some steep climbs and elements of the path comply with nation roads, making it tough for households or rookies. In the event you go in spring you’ll be met with a sea of bluebells, however this time of 12 months could be a fairly muddy so put on appropriate footwear.
It is a sensible hike at any time of 12 months as the realm receives a pleasant breeze in summer time, and in winter it seems much more scenic underneath a layer of snow (make sure to 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
Kind of Path: Round
Elevation Achieve: 958 toes (292 meters)
10. Frinton to Walton Coast Path
Though there aren’t any waterfall hikes close to London, there are some glorious coastal hikes inside an hour or two of the capital. The seashore at Frinton-on-Sea is without doubt one of the nicest within the southeast of England and someplace I’ve spent a variety of time (I swam there loads final summer time).
You may both stroll alongside the seashore or comply with the coast path on the high of the cliffs the 2 miles from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze the place my household used to personal a seashore 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 time is the most effective time to sort out this hike should 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 positioned 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 Road station to Frinton-on-Sea. The coast path and seashore are a ten-minute stroll from the station.
Size: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Period: 1 hour
Kind of Path Out and Again
Suggestions for Mountaineering Round London
Beneath, you’ll discover some helpful ideas that can assist you get probably the most out of those London treks:
- All the time deliver waterproofs: England is famed for its moist climate, so it’s finest to be ready and pack a water-resistant jacket. Some trails could be very muddy after rain so Wellington boots are beneficial if hitting the mountain climbing trails close to London.
- Use public transport: Lots of the finest hikes in London begin in or across the metropolis so it’s finest to not deliver a car (to keep away from parking issues, congestion fees and so forth). As a substitute, make use of London’s glorious public transport. Lots of the trails begin close to an underground station so are simple to get to.
- Hike in spring or fall: To get the most effective out of trekking London keep away from the summer time as the paths can turn out to be very busy, and the climate is usually too scorching for it to be satisfying. Spring and fall are the proper occasions because the climate isn’t too scorching or chilly and the paths aren’t overrun.
- Hike throughout sunlight hours: 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 wherever). Persist with the paths and don’t wander away into areas you’re unfamiliar with.
- Obtain a map: I exploit Maps.ME which doesn’t require an web connection or knowledge because it makes use of real-time GPS. You can too obtain a mountain climbing app reminiscent of AllTrails which options most of the routes and useful particulars of the right way to get to trailheads and so forth.
Mountaineering in London: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on mountain climbing round London:
The Hampstead Heath Round Stroll is without doubt one of the hottest hikes close to London because it presents some beautiful countryside environment only a quick tube experience from the middle of town. That is additionally considered one of my favourite London strolling trails and one I’ve achieved many occasions.
The South Financial institution is without doubt one of the best hikes round London because it’s flat and paved your entire means. This is a superb approach to see a few of the high 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 few 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 go away from town to Scotland or Wales.
What it’s best to put on when mountain climbing round London is dependent upon the time of 12 months you go. In summer time, you’ll wish to pack mild as summers within the metropolis could be scorching (deliver 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 combination of layers. It’s a good suggestion to take waterproofs at any time of 12 months.
The Epping Forest Oak Path is without doubt one of the most stunning trails close to London (and in my house county of Essex). Discover historic woodland and stroll amongst over 100 lakes and ponds on this attractive forest park.
Mountaineering round London isn’t harmful should you stick with acknowledged paths and hike throughout sunlight hours. These London trails are in style and busy areas with loads of individuals round at most occasions. Take the identical precautions you’d wherever and don’t flash priceless gear round. Taking a digicam is ok, however maintain it safe in a bag when not utilizing it.
In Closing
Now you realize about the most effective mountain climbing in London and the encompassing areas, which one will you select first? I’ve achieved many of those hikes numerous occasions and at all times take pleasure in getting out into elements of town which can be away from the principle vacationer traps. From simple metropolis walks to London day-hikes in beautiful countryside, there’s one thing for everybody.
With so many glorious hikes close to London, there’s no excuse to not get exterior and soak up some contemporary 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.
