Gaia 5k

This last walk describes a route from one end of the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames to the other. It traverses many of the borough's parks and commons and shows how they can be linked by footpaths to form an impressive 15-mile country-style walk we proudly present as "Richmond's Green Trail".

The Brentford to Hanwell canal walk is a gentle stroll perfect for a quiet day out in London to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Accessible by train on the TFL network, this Oyster Card-friendly ramble takes you to the Grand Union Canal towpath, from a seventeenth-century manor house to a viaduct. There is so much to discover on our doorsteps!

The good thing about London is that you do not need to go far to track down some exceptionally decent walks. Take Horsenden Hill for instance: who would have thought that you could walk through meadows, a farm, a forest and along a Canal, all within a London postcode and accessible by tube? And you can! A walk through Horsenden Hill will definitely make you forget you are in the city.

This walk has as its focal point the Leg o’ Mutton Nature Reserve (Formally Leg o’ Mutton" reservoir). The walk uses some of the intriguing network of paved footpaths lined with small terraced houses and cottages, which is characteristic of this part of Barnes and Mortlake. Next the Flood Wall Walkway provides excellent river views and leads on to the towpath. The return via pond, green and Mill Hill gives a taste of the village aspect of Barnes, also of the rural scenery of the Common.

The Thames Path provides easy walking and interesting surroundings. The section from Barnes to Richmond covered by this walk also includes the option to Visit Kew Gardens and enjoy the riverside 'attractions' at Richmond.

This linear London walk follows the River Thames upstream between Putney Bridge and Barnes Bridge.

When the sun makes an appearance, we all want to venture outside. But where to go in London to have a pleasant stroll without melting? Well, a walk around Welsh Harp, also known as the Brent Reservoir, comes as a nice surprise. Not so popular (except if you live locally), the Brent Reservoir offers shade and fresh air. It’s a perfect place for a nice day out with friends and family.

This is a short urban walk exploring the 'lost landscapes of Middlesex'. I was recently introduced to a secret park which I never knew about, and realised this must be the summit of the original Sudbury Hill before it was swallowed up under the tide of suburban housing. The walk visits Elm Park and also takes you past the Harrow School sports fields. It starts and finishes near Harrow School, Harrow-on-the-Hill.