The best London hiking routes and what to take with you

London might be famous for its busy streets, but there's plenty of green space to discover when you fancy a change of scenery. From peaceful woodland paths to riverside strolls and wide open parks, you don't have to travel far to find a good walk.

Whether you're after a gentle Sunday wander or a little countryside escape without leaving the city behind, we've rounded up five London hiking routes worth exploring.

Because a little preparation goes a long way, we've included what to expect along each route, what we'd pack and a few things we have learnt from our own walks.

Great day London hiking routes at a glance

How to choose the right London hiking route

Not every walk needs walking boots, a packed lunch and a full day's planning. The best route is simply the one that suits your plans, your pace and the weather.

Best for beginners and prams: The Thames Path

A lovely option for an easy day out, with a mostly flat gravel path, riverside views and plenty of places to stop along the way.

Best for a woodland escape: Epping Forest

Fancy a little peace and quiet? This 9 km walk takes you through leafy woodland, with uneven paths and enough gentle adventure to feel like you've escaped the city.

Best for a longer walk: London LOOP, Section 5

At 10.2 km, this route offers a little more of a challenge, with a mix of woodland, open countryside and varied terrain.

Best for hills and open views: Richmond Park

With 234 m of elevation gain, this route has the most climbing of the five. It's a good choice if you fancy a longer walk with plenty of space to roam.

Best for a flatter, wildlife-spotting walk: Lea Valley

With just 118 m of elevation gain, this waterside route is ideal for a more leisurely wander. Keep your eyes open for swans and other wildlife along the way.

Epping Forest – best for woodland walking

Sometimes, all you need is a few hours among the trees to feel a world away from the city. Epping Forest is just the place for that, with winding woodland paths, plenty of greenery and a welcome break from the usual London bustle.

This circular route covers approximately 9 km (5.6 miles), with 173 m of elevation gain. Allow around two to three hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take it all in.

What to expect

The paths can be muddy and uneven, particularly after rain, so comfortable shoes with a good grip are a sensible choice. It's worth checking the weather beforehand, too, as conditions under the trees can be a little different from those on the high street.

Start and finish: There are several options for starting points so you could choose depending on where you are travelling from in London and the lines available to you. Loughton & Theydon Bois on the central line offer direct access to the main woodland trails while you can also access the forest from Chingford, accessible on the Weaver line. 

From our walk

I’ve been to Epping Forest a number of times and I must say each time is slightly different! Our go-to route is circular, starting and ending at Loughton Underground Station. You can enter the forest near Loughton Brook, passing Baldwin’s Pond along the way, followed by a well-earned drink at the Foresters arms before making your way back to the station. It's a lovely circular route if you're after a bit of fresh air, some peaceful woodland scenery and a pub stop along the way! 

What we’d take with us

A waterproof, some water and a snack or picnic should see you through nicely. We'd also opt for a bag that stays close to your body while you're navigating uneven paths. A crossbody bag keeps your essentials close and your hands free for the walk which also makes it ideal if you are taking a furry friend with you.

London LOOP, Section 5 – best for a longer walk

If you're in the mood to put a few more miles behind you, the London LOOP is a great way to discover a greener side of the capital. The route circles London's outskirts and is divided into sections, so you can tackle it a little at a time rather than taking on the whole thing in one go.

Section 5 runs from Hamsey Green to Coulsdon, covering 10.2 km (6.4 miles) with 289 m of elevation gain. Allow around 3-3.5 hours.

What to expect

You'll encounter a mixture of paved paths, woodland and open countryside, making this a walk with a little more variety underfoot. After wet weather, some of the woodland sections can become muddy, so sturdy walking shoes are well worth packing.

For more information on the LOOP and other walks around London, take a look at Inner London Ramblers and TfL's walking routes.

From our walk

We tackled this route in summer, right in the middle of the heatwave, so the ground was very dry. With autumn on the way, we'd expect things to look a little different, particularly through the woodland sections where the paths can get muddy.

As it's a longer walk, we took our medium Healthy Back Bag. It gave us plenty of room for water, snacks and an extra layer without needing to squeeze everything in.

What we'd take along

Water is a must, along with enough snacks to keep you going and a portable charger for your phone. An extra layer or compact waterproof is worth having, too, even when the forecast looks promising.

Thames Path – best for an easy riverside walk

For a walk that's more about the views than the hills, the Thames Path is a lovely choice. This stretch follows the river from Hammersmith Bridge to Richmond Bridge, taking in leafy riverbanks, passing boats and some familiar London landmarks along the way.

The route covers 11.1 km (6.9 miles), with 176 m of elevation gain. Allow around two and a half to three hours, although you'll probably want to leave a little extra time for a coffee stop or two.

The gravel path is largely pram-friendly, making it one of the more accessible options on our list.

Here's where we went

We started at Hammersmith Bridge and followed the north bank of the river towards Richmond Bridge. With stations at either end, it's a straightforward walk to plan without worrying about getting back to your starting point.

Here's what the route was like

It was lovely and quiet when we set off, although things got busier as we approached Richmond, as you'd expect on a Saturday morning.

The riverside views were a highlight. We passed Chiswick Eyot early in the walk, spotted Kew Gardens further along and used the bridges as handy landmarks along the way. It's the sort of route where there's always something to look at, even when you're simply enjoying the fresh air.

Here's what we carried

We took our small Healthy Back Bag, which had just enough room for a water bottle, a book for the train home and our everyday essentials. The water was the heaviest thing inside, but the bag stayed comfortable throughout the walk.

It's a good reminder that you don't need to pack half your house for a few hours out and about!

A little tip from our walk

Just before Twickenham Bridge, we stopped at One Day coffee cart for a quick coffee before carrying on towards Richmond. We finished with a pub lunch at the White Cross, a well-known riverside pub with an outdoor terrace that can flood at high tide, which does make it quite fun!

Don’t fancy getting wet feet? It's worth checking the tide and river conditions if you're planning to sit outside.

What we'd take along

A water bottle, your phone, a few essentials and perhaps a book for the journey home should be plenty. A small bag is ideal for this kind of walk, leaving you free to enjoy the views without carrying more than you need.

Not sure which size would suit you best? Our Healthy Back Bag size guide will help you find your fit.

Lea Valley – best for waterside walking

If you prefer your walks with a little more water and wildlife, the Lea Valley is well worth a visit. Its towpaths and marshy green spaces feel a long way from London's busy streets, making it a lovely spot to slow down and enjoy a different side of the city.

This linear route stretches for around 10 to 11 miles (14-16 km), taking you right along the peaceful riverways of the Lea Valley. It’s about 3.5 - 5 hours depending on your pace and of course any stops along the way. 

Start and finish: Start Ware, finish Cheshunt. 

From our walk

We visited on an overcast day, and the route was wonderfully quiet. Much of the walk passes through rural, marshy areas, giving it a peaceful feel that's easy to forget it’s so close to London.

Although most of the way follows the towpath there were some sections that were muddy, so shoes with a little grip came in handy. The wildlife was the real highlight for us, with swans and other birds spotted along the water.

At just over halfway we stopped for a much-earned drink at The Crown. Located right on the river with plenty of outdoor seating it’s great for people and wildlife watching while you rest the legs. 

What we'd take along

Pack water, a few snacks and something for the weather. Towpaths can be shared with cyclists, so keeping your bag close to your body is a good idea when the path gets busy. A comfortable crossbody style keeps your hands free and your essentials close.

Richmond Park – best for wide-open views

Richmond Park is one of those places that reminds you just how much green space London has to offer. With wide open grassland, ancient trees and roaming deer, it's a great choice when you're after a decent walk without travelling too far.

The Tamsin Trail follows the park's perimeter, covering 11.7 km (7.3 miles) with 234 m of elevation gain. Allow around three to three and a half hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

What to expect

There's plenty of space to explore, with a mix of paths and open scenery. The hills make this the hilliest route on our list, so it's a good choice if you're looking for a walk with a little more of a workout.

Keep an eye out for deer, too. They're one of the park's best-known sights, but remember to give them plenty of space and never approach or feed them.

For current visitor information, including access and park guidance, visit The Royal Parks website.

From our walk

We visited on a crisp but sunny day in March, and it wasn’t too busy. I think setting off later in the afternoon helped us miss the crowds. We brought our dog along, too. Dogs can generally be walked off lead in Richmond Park,  but it’s important to keep them under close control, especially around the deer. From 1 May to 31 July, dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the park. If you’ve ever seen the legendary “Jesus Christ, Fenton!” video, you’ll know why! If not, it’s worth a quick search before your visit. Let’s just say it’s a classic reminder of what can happen when a dog spots a deer!

Also, don’t miss The Richmond Hill viewpoint. We stopped here for a look on the way back to the station and the views are certainly worth it. There’s also plenty of cafes and pubs nearby too if you’re peckish at the end of your walk. 

What we'd take along

Water, a picnic and an extra layer are good starting points. With a longer distance and a few hills to tackle, we'd choose a comfortable bag with enough room for the essentials, without making the walk feel like hard work before you've even started. A medium Healthy Back Bag would be my choice here because it also allows for any additional dog bits like a small frisbee, treats, and poo bags.

What should you take on a London hike?

The beauty of walking in London is that you can often be back on public transport or popping into a café within minutes. Even so, it's worth taking a few essentials, especially if you're heading somewhere more rural or planning a longer route.

The trick is to pack for the walk you're doing, rather than every possible thing that might happen along the way.

For most walks, we'd start with this list:

• Water bottle

• Phone and portable charger

• Bank card or a little cash

• Snacks or a picnic

• Sunglasses and SPF

• Compact waterproof or an extra layer

• Tissues

• A few first-aid essentials, such as plasters, for longer walks

A few walking do's and don'ts

Do:

• Check the forecast before you leave, and take an extra layer if the weather looks changeable.

• Wear shoes you've already walked in.

• Carry water, even when it's cooler.

• Make time for a picnic, pub or a coffee stop. It's all part of the fun!

Don't:

• Pack too much just in case. You'll appreciate travelling lighter after a few miles.

• Rely on your phone battery alone, especially on longer routes.

• Wear brand new shoes for a long walk.

• Assume there'll be a café exactly when you fancy a break.

Our golden rule? Keep it simple and take what you'll actually use. If you're planning a longer adventure, our guides on what to pack for a hike and how to pack light for a long walk have a few more handy tips.

What size bag do you need for a London hike?

There's no need for a huge hiking pack for every walk. The right size depends on how long you'll be out, what the weather has in store and whether you're planning to carry anything extra.

For a short stroll, a coffee stop or a wander around the park, something small is often all you need. For a longer walk, you'll want a little more room for water, snacks and an extra layer.

The other thing to think about is how your bag feels while you're walking. When you're stepping over tree roots, navigating muddy paths or sharing a towpath with cyclists, having your essentials close and your hands free makes life that bit easier.

Here's where we'd start:

For the bare essentials

The Nomii Pocket is a handy option for carrying your phone and cards when you want to travel light and the distance is short.

For a little extra room

A 1-litre Mini Baglett or 1.5-litre Baglett gives you space for a few more essentials without adding unnecessary bulk.

For a few hours outdoors

The 6-litre Small Healthy Back Bag has room for a water bottle, snacks and a compact extra layer, making it a useful everyday companion for longer walks especially in the cooler months when the weather is more unpredictable.

For a longer day out

If you're carrying extra food, more water or a few layers for a longer route like the LOOP, a Medium Healthy back Bag or Big Bag offers more space. If you're heading out for a full day's hiking with specialist equipment, a traditional hiking backpack may be the better fit.

Still deciding? Our size guide will help you find a bag that suits your plans.

What should you wear for hiking in London?

British weather likes to keep us guessing, so it's always worth being prepared for a change of plan.

Start with comfortable shoes you've already worn in, and dress in layers that you can add or remove as you go. A lightweight waterproof is handy even when the morning starts out sunny, and sunglasses and SPF are worth packing for brighter days.

Think about the route, too. A riverside path is very different from a muddy woodland trail, so choose your footwear accordingly.

For more seasonal tips, have a look at our guide to what to wear on a hike.

Explore London's urban escapes by foot

One of the best things about walking in London is that you don't have to go far to find a little breathing room. Whether you fancy a peaceful woodland wander, a riverside coffee stop or a longer route through open countryside, there's something for every kind of walker.

Choose a route that suits your pace, check the conditions before you set off and pack the things you'll genuinely need. Then all that's left to do is get outside and enjoy it.

And if you're looking for a bag to take along, explore our range of lightweight crossbody and sling hiking bags. With clever pockets, comfortable carrying options and room for your everyday essentials, they're made for days when you want to take the scenic route.