Though London is a big metropolis and capital of the UK, there are many glorious hikes close to London each inside and outdoors of town. From strolling alongside the South Financial institution to exploring the massive Royal Parks and close by climbing trails, there are hikes round London for all ranges of expertise.
I’ve achieved loads of climbing in London together with on Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill Fields, and Epping Forest. The town makes an excellent base for exploring among 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 record of 10 based mostly on accessibility, ease, crowds, views alongside the best way, and total enjoyment on the path.
1. Hampstead Heath Round
Hampstead Heath is considered one of my favourite locations for London 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 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 midst of the English countryside, (there’s an excellent pub close by too). The 4.5-mile Hampstead Heath Round is a really nice amble and takes round two hours.
Should you’re on the lookout for simple hikes close to London this is a wonderful possibility. It’s excellent for strolling and jogging, and canines are welcome as long as they’re on a lead. The path is open year-round however can get slightly muddy in winter so pack wellies (Wellington boots) if it’s been raining earlier than you intend to go.
Path Particulars and Info
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 here to see the trail 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)
Length: 2 hours
Kind of Path: Circle
Elevation Achieve: 653 toes (199 meters)
2. South Financial institution of the Thames
One among my favourite simple 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 probably the most 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 Street Station) and finishes on the Tate Fashionable (conveniently subsequent to the Founder’s Arms).
That is undoubtedly top-of-the-line hikes round London if you wish to see among the well-known landmarks within the metropolis. Because the path is paved the entire manner and takes simply over an hour, you don’t want to fret about climbing gear. Simply guarantee you may have a snug pair of footwear, and a brolly (umbrella) in case it rains.
Path Particulars and Info
Location: The path begins on the Tower of London. Click 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 Street Station.
Size: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Length: 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 a couple of instances as I used to stay near Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) in north London. This is likely one of the greatest 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 excellent stroll for households as there’s some fascinating wall artwork and photos alongside the route in addition to a play space. There are many locations to cease for a picnic too, so choose 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 effectively 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 beautiful views from its beer backyard.
Path Particulars and Info
Location: The path begins at Finsbury Park Station. Click here to see the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Take the tube to Finsbury Park (Picadilly and Victoria traces).
Size: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Length: 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 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 a couple of years in the past and this a part of the Thames is completely stunning.
That is the place you allow the metropolis behind and as an alternative discover a slice of suburban Britain with canal boats and nation pubs on the river. It’s top-of-the-line hikes close to London for its surroundings and is a simple trek because of its largely flat terrain. The route goes previous the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew which is likely one of the prime places to visit in London.
Path Particulars and Info
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 traces. It’s a two-minute stroll to the bridge.
Size: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
Length: 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 residence 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 climbing trails ranging in size and problem to select from.
Among the finest 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 climbing close to London because it makes an excellent escape from town that’s inside simple attain.
Path Particulars and Info
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)
Length: 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 good place to flee town. This simple round stroll takes encompasses the attractive park and leads you thru tree-lined paths, by way of completely manicured gardens with colourful flowerbeds, and previous the big 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 manner 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 Info
Location: The path begins and ends on the bandstand in Regents Park. See the route on AllTrails.
Getting There: Baker Street Tube (Circle, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & Metropolis traces) is only a two-minute stroll from the park.
Size: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Length: 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 way of the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Beuty (AONB). This is likely one of the most stunningly scenic components 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 notably muddy after rain, so greatest pack wellies if it’s moist.
Path Particulars and Info
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)
Length: 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 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lower than an hour by practice from the capital, and make for among the greatest climbing close to London. This space is famed for its sweeping countryside vistas and is the right place for a day hike exterior town.
The route is reasonably difficult and takes over 4 hours to finish, however it’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’ll be able to cease to take pleasure in sweeping views of the Surry countryside and also you’ll move by way 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, however it’s undoubtedly definitely worth the effort for the attractive views. If the climate isn’t conducive to picnics, otherwise you resolve to hike in winter, you’ll be able to heat your self up within the charming King William VI pub with its roaring log hearth.
Path Particulars and Info
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)
Length: 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 fascinating issues to see alongside the best way together with the Otford Solar System; one of many largest model solar systems on the earth.
It is a incredible trek for extra skilled hikers; there are some steep climbs and components of the path comply with nation roads, making it tough for households or learners. Should 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 realm receives a pleasant breeze in summer time, and in winter it seems much more scenic underneath a layer of snow (make sure you pack a heat coat!). The route begins and finishes off very near The Woodman pub which is effectively price popping in for a refreshment and a few relaxation.
Path Particulars and Info
Location: The route begins and finishes on the Otford Memorial Hall 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)
Length: 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 seaside at Frinton-on-Sea is likely one of the nicest within the southeast of England and someplace I’ve spent loads of time (I swam there so much final summer time).
You’ll be able to both stroll alongside the seaside or comply with 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, that means summer time is the most effective 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 Info
Location: Frinton is positioned on the east coast of England within the county of Essex. Click here for directions.
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)
Length: 1 hour
Kind of Path Out and Again
Ideas for Mountain climbing Round London
Beneath, you’ll discover some useful ideas 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-resistant jacket. Some trails may be very muddy after rain so Wellington boots are beneficial if hitting the 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 prices and many others). As an alternative, make use of London’s glorious public transport. Most 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 change into very busy, and the climate is commonly too sizzling for it to be pleasant. Spring and fall are the right instances because the climate isn’t too sizzling or chilly and the paths aren’t overrun.
- Hike throughout daytime: Though climbing in London may be very secure, make sure you plan your route so that you just don’t find yourself climbing after darkish (which is widespread sense wherever). Persist 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. You too can obtain a climbing app resembling AllTrails which options lots of the routes and useful particulars of the right way to get to trailheads and many others.
Mountain climbing in London: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on climbing round London:
The Hampstead Heath Round Stroll is likely one of the most popular hikes near London because it affords some beautiful countryside environment only a quick tube journey from the middle of town. That is additionally considered one of my favourite London strolling trails and one I’ve achieved many instances.
The South Financial institution is likely one of the best hikes round London because it’s flat and paved all the manner. This is a wonderful approach to see among the prime sights within the metropolis because it follows the Thames from the Tower of London to the Tate Fashionable.
There are some small artifical waterfalls in among the London parks resembling 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 climbing round London is dependent upon the time of yr you go. In summer time, you’ll need to pack mild as summers within the metropolis may be sizzling (convey swimming wear if going to Hampstead Heath). In winter you’ll need to wrap up with layers, and in spring and fall you’ll need 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 likely one of the most beautiful trails near London (and in my residence county of Essex). Discover historic woodland and stroll amongst over 100 lakes and ponds on this attractive forest park.
Mountain climbing round London isn’t harmful in the event you follow acknowledged paths and hike throughout daytime. These London trails are standard and busy areas with loads of individuals round at most instances. Take the identical precautions you’ll wherever and don’t flash priceless gear round. Taking a digital camera is okay, however hold it safe in a bag when not utilizing it.
In Closing
Now you understand about the most effective climbing in London and the encircling areas, which one will you select first? I’ve achieved many of those hikes numerous instances and all the time take pleasure in getting out into components of town which are away from the primary 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 best way). So, mud off these climbing footwear, pack some sandwiches, and have a go at considered one of these strolling trails in London.
