City of Westminster walks

There is so much to discover when you walk along the Thames in London. From Waterloo to Greenwich, encounter London’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems, from ancient sites to modern developments. Take a walk down the history lane along the iconic River Thames to see London from a different perspective.

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".

A walk off the beaten path from central London to Canary Wharf.

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

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 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 Regent's Canal provides a watery escape from the bustle of the streets of London. Starting at Limehouse this walk takes you across London finishing at Little Venice. In general the route is easy to follow and any lileky problems are dealt with in the walk decsription.

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.

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!

An interesting, but industrial, walk from the Olympic Park to the skyscrapers in Docklands.

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.

The walk connects Richmond Park with Wimbledon Common by two different routes, over varied terrain and with a wide range of views without any retracing of steps. It includes some of the best-loved features of the Park and Common, such as Isabella Plantation, the Windmill and Pen Ponds with, by way of contrast, a short section through the exclusive residential area of Coombe. Three alternative routes are given across Wimbledon Common.

Don't want to venture too far from London to find a countryside walk? This is when the Dollis Valley Greenwalk makes an entry. This decently long walk through Barnet and Finchley is that good surprise as it takes you through what is left of former countryside fields in the Capital city.

The Wealdstone Brook is one of the lost rivers of Middlesex. It's a short urban walk, one of my 'lost landscapes' routes around the Harrow area. Ironically, there is no trace of the river left in Wealdstone itself, where it has all been culverted. However, it meanders very prettily through Woodcock Park in Kenton, surrounded by grassy banks and willow trees. This is the best bit! There are further glimpses of it along the route of this walk.

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.

This easy circular walk mainly uses sections of Epping Forest Centenary Walk and Greenwich Meridian Trail enjoying paths in woods and wildlife along Hollow Pound.

It’s sunny and you don’t want to stay home? Here is the perfect walk for you: a loop around Kingston-Upon-Thames passing by Bushy Park for deer sighting and Hampton Court Palace for a history class.

This is an interesting walk through Bushy Park to Hampton Court Bridge and then following the rivers Mole and Ember to Molesey Heath. The walk continues through Field Common and West End Common to end in beautiful woods beyond Esher. There is then the option to visit the National Trust gardens at Claremont or continuing to Oxshott. Waterproof footwear is strongly advised.

A walk from Malden Manor rail station to Kingston rail station, following the course of the Hogsmill River and part of the London Loop long distance path. This walk is published through a collaboration with Surrey County Council.

The Green Belt Way is a 238.4 mile long distance path around London's green belt. It meanders through beautiful countryside and passes many interesting sites. Described here are some of the landmarks and history of the places you pass on the walk.

The start is inside the main entrance to Hampton Court Palace. The leg is mainly on the Thames Path and flat. It crosses the Thames at two points, Hampton Court and Walton Bridges. Diverts on road, through Lower Halliford, Old Shepperton and then again along the Thames, past, Shepperton, Chertsey and Penton Hook Locks to finish at Staines Pier and behind Staines Town Hall.

Spend the day in London without feeling in London with this Thames Path Walk from Hampton Court Palace to Kew. Wander alongside the River Thames, from the quiet towpath to the busy suburbs riverside, passing by landmarks such as bridges and gardens. With a pub recommendation at the end, you’ve got your perfect day out in West London sorted!

This pleasant circular walk combines several paths in Bury Woods including Holly and Willow Trails. Then, you will walk around Connaught Water enjoying its wildlife!

This quiet circular walk provides a good way to discover paths in Bury and Hill woods using a small section of the Epping Forest Centenary Walk. During this walk, you will see a beautiful oak reckoned to be about 350 years old!