Best 5 Trails in London

No matter what you’re looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best walking trails in London to suit your needs. Plan your next outdoor London adventure on one of 5 trails with scenic views.

Hampstead Heath

Enjoy this 7.2-km circular trail near Islington, London. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, running, and walking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.

This trail through Hampstead Heath has many different options but all walk through beautiful ancient woodlands that offer some views of the city as well as open spaces, swimming ponds, gardens and a pergola. While the path can get muddy when it rains there are route alternatives that are paved. The area has lots of dog walkers and runners and is busy, especially on the weekends. It is one of the most popular green spaces in the London area.

Parliament Hill is one of the focal points of the heath, with the highest point popular for flying kites. The hill has excellent views of the London skyline.

Richmond upon Thames

Experience this 7.6-km circular trail near Richmond upon Thames, London. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 51 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Most of the walk follows tarmac paths put about a quarter of it follows grass paths which can get muddy in winter and after rain. There are only a few steady climbs and descents. The paths can be quite busy and you are likely to be sharing them with plenty of joggers and cyclists. Dogs are welcome in Richmond Park but remember there are free roaming deer so you need to keep them under close control. The deer can become aggressive towards dogs during the breeding season (Sep/Oct) and the birthing season (May to July). There is a park information centre, refreshment kiosk and public toilets alongside the car park at the start. Approximate time 2 hours.

Finsbury Park to Alexandra Park

Explore this 6.6-km point-to-point trail near Haringey, London. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 37 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.

This route goes to a historic railway line with beautiful views from the nice mix of local animals, a few fine noticeable Victorian architectural railway elements, including arches and station platform in the centre, and some little mysteries in the bushes for interested children to uncover for themselves. A modest play area is also available. Explorers may walk from the Finsbury Park entrance to Highgate Wood, which has a café, along a modest rise on the road.

Scadbury Manor Circular

Explore this 9.7-km circular trail near Bromley, London. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 16 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

A circular walk from Chislehurst Station in South East London, heading through Petts Wood, taking in several memorials and on to the remains of Scadbury Moated Manor.

There are a number of inclines and declines, however nothing strenuous. The paths are mostly through woodland and therefore they will get muddy after periods of rain (in the summer trainers normally suffice). There is a road crossing immediately after the station, but there is a bridge to allow safe crossing. Mid-way through the route there is another road crossing, which needs to be crossed twice (once there, once back); cars travel at speed on this road however the route crosses at a traffic island and there are generally plenty of gaps in the traffic. You will not be sharing any of the paths with livestock and there are no stiles on route. Allow 3 hours.

There are no toilets or shops on the route, so make sure you have everything you need at Chislehurst.

Battersea Park and River Thames Circular

Discover this 3.9-km circular trail near Wandsworth, London. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for mountain biking, road biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.

This is a nice trail in Battersea Park. A river promenade, a lake, several significant trees, ecological spaces, children’s play areas, a children’s zoo, the Pump House gallery, a ceremony venue, and sports facilities are all included. This path provides a wide range of outdoor activities for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Based on materials of All Trails

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