Explorers Connect

Hikes in and around London

There are so many hikes within 90mins of London that can be done within a day and by public transport and all can be reached easily by train from central London.

If you want to go for a hike and fancy some company put up a post or an event on the Explorers Connect in the South East Facebook Group and invite others to join you. Happy Hiking! 


  • Woodberry Wetlands - London's newest nature reserve, opened on 1st May 2016 by Sir David Attenborough. All this in Zone 2, only 5mins walk from Manor House. You can also kayak and sail in the reservoir next door. (Thanks to Will Philips for sharing this)

  • Old Ford Island This reserve is an open grassland and woods, surrounded by scrub on the River Lee. It is found in the heart of the new Olympic Park.

  • London Outer Orbital Path - The 'Loop' is nearly 152 miles and almost encircles London. The 'M25 for walkers' is split into 24 bite sized stages.

  • Jubiliee Walkway - a classic collection of London's most iconic landmarks on a 15mile route

  • Green Chain - A 50 mile walk in south east London that takes in dozens of woods, parks, Crystal Palace and the Thames Barrier.

  • Seaford to Eastbourne (21km / 7 hours walking) - A dramatic cliff walk passing Cuckemere Haven, the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, as the South Downs meets the sea. This is one of the best and most scenic coastal walks in England, a truly amazing walk! Ends with Eastbourne's promenade and pier. Two trains go every hour from London Victoria to Seaford, just change at Lewe (journey time: 80mins). If by car, its best to park at Seaford or Exceat and catch the bus back there from Eastbourne.

  • Richmond Park and King Henry's Mound (2-5 hours) - As the largest enclosed space in London, Richmond Park is a major draw for tourists and Londoners alike. This 3.69 mile national nature reserve is home to the Isabella Plantation, Pembroke Lodge, and 630 red and fallow deer. It is great for short or long walks, at any season. Watching deer frolic in the winter snow during sunset is priceless. Be sure to check out the stunning view from King Henry's Mound also.

  •  Box Hill Circular (15km / 4.5 hours) - This more strenuous hike goes through a very beautiful part of the North Downs. The views are famous. Hourly trains from London Victoria to Box Hill (journey time 50mins).

  • Henley via Stonor Circular in Oxfordshire (22km / 7 hours) - Many consider Henley a riverside town but it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills. This offers a pretty area of hidden valleys, woodland and farmland. Finish the walk going past hidden farms and ancient woodland into Henley. Hourly trains between Paddington and Henley, changing at Twyford (journey time: 1hr). If by car, there is a railway station with a car park that charges £2.20 per day or you can park in Henley town centre.

Google the walks above and you'll find plenty of information and maps online. If you fancy finding more inspiration for walks in and around London here are some useful links:

http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walks/map.shtml

http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/country-walks-outside-london-4

http://www.wegoplaces.me/walks-near-london/


MORE ADVENTURES