With the end of the lockdown restrictions on outdoor activities, it is a relief after three months of walking in our neighbourhood to finally be able to go wherever we want! But where should we go? Not to worry, I have prepared for you a selection of seven beautiful circular walks near London. So, if you feel the urge to adventure yourself outside of your local area like me, then dust your hiking boots and let’s go fill our lungs with the fresh air of the countryside.
Why a circular walk?
After months of not planning much more than “what I am gonna be watching on Netflix this week?”, I thought we would take baby steps and go for something easy to plan; you end where you started, easy! Circular walks also have a financial advantage as you only need to pay for a day’s return and not for two different tickets, unless you are lucky enough that your starting and endpoint are on the same train line. Alternatively, with a circular, you can also drive there, which might end up being cheaper in some cases. As usual in my posts, I only write about hikes I did myself and that you might not find anywhere else, as I like to create my own trails.
From beginners’ walks to more challenging hikes, passing by good wine and food spots, let me take you around some of my favourite walks.
7 Circular Walks Near London
Henley Circular
Best for beginners
If you are new to hiking or if you are looking for an easy and fairly flat stroll, then this is for you. Starting in the ancient town of Henley, home of the Royal Regatta, this walk takes you from scenic river paths and to evergreen woodlands. The village of Hambleden is conveniently located halfway through the walk for lunch. In the end, the town of Henley offers a large choice of restaurants and cafes for a post-walk treat. The only inconvenience of this circular walk is that there are no direct trains from London.
- Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
- Montée: 240 m
- Estimation de la marche: 3 hours and a half to 4 hours
- Difficulté: Facile
- Comment s'y rendre: Train from Paddington Station to Twyford and change at Twyford for a train to Henley-on-Thames. The journey takes around an hour, depending on the waiting time at Twyford Station
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Comfortable clothing and footwear (I would recommend waterproof hiking boots as the trail is mainly on the river path so it can get extremely muddy depending on the weather or alternatively pack a pair of gaiters with you) water (2 litres recommended)
Farnham Circular
Best for history enthusiasts
A picturesque walk taking you back 1,000 years is the best way to describe the Farnham circular. From the old market town of Farnham to ancient woodlands, passing by a battle place and an XII Century Abbey, this is just a glimpse at the rich history of this walk. This walk is a nice mix of undulant river paths, open clearings and woodlands. It is mainly flat with just a few hills at the end. As a bonus, there is even a Witch Cave – will you dare enter?
- Distance: 12 miles (19km)
- Montée: 270 metres
- Estimation de la marche: 4 hours and a half to 5 hours
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre: Trains from London Waterloo. It takes approximately 1 hour
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Comfortable clothing and footwear, water (2 litres recommended)
Wendover Circular
Best for long-distance devotees
If you like the Chilterns, then you would love this circular walk around Wendover. This is quite a long hike, approximately 17 miles (27km), so I would not recommend it to beginners. From scenic views at the top of the hills to lush green meadows, passing by the encounter of horses and sheep, this walk is perfect to break from the fuss of the city.
- Distance: 17 miles (27km)
- Montée: 460 m
- Estimation de la marche: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre: Trains depuis la gare de Marylebone
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Vêtements et chaussures confortables, veste et sur-pantalon imperméables, eau (2 litres recommandés).
East Grinstead Circular
Best for wine lovers
I always joke that with this walk you can turn water into wine. This is because you start with the Weirwood reservoir and end in a vineyard. But before you get to the wine shop at the end, there is an unmissable stop to make at the Cat Inn. This excellent pub is conveniently located halfway through the hike. So you have it all: water, wine and good food! This walk also offers breathtaking views over the reservoir, lush green grassy hills and woodlands. It is a must-do!
- Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
- Montée : 360 m
- Estimation de la marche: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre: Trains from London Victoria
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Vêtements et chaussures confortables, eau (2 litres recommandés)
Circulaire de la rue Sole
Best for pub food fanatics
Be careful not to end up at the wrong station, like our friends on that day. We are talking about Sole Street near Cobham in Kent, not in Surrey. This walk follows part of the North Downs way which cuts across the South East of England, stretching from Farnham to Dover. This circular walk takes you from open farmland to green woodlands. The main viewpoint is the Darnley Mausoleum which I highly recommend you visit if it is open to the public. It is quite a short walk (3 hours), which could be done on a Sunday to end at Charles Dickens’ favourite Alehouse in Kent, the Bouteille en cuir, for a roast.
- Distance : 11.09 miles (17.84km)
- Montée: 277m
- Estimation de la marche: 3 hours
- Difficulté: Facile
- Comment s'y rendre: Train for London Victoria
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Vêtements et chaussures adaptés, eau (idéalement 2 litres)
Circulaire de Lewes
Best for challenge seekers
Hikers looking for a more challenging walk, keep reading. This loop around the ancient market town of Lewes is composed of three hills, equating to a total ascent of 630m. It’s a hilly walk with stunning views over the Ouse valley. You can even see as far as the sea on a good day. It would also highly recommend you do this walk on a sunny day, not only for the view but also because there is no tree or woodlands on this walk, therefore you are completely exposed. The town of Lewes offers a variety of restaurants and cafes at the end of the hike. My recommendation would be The King’s Head for their lovely back garden.
- Distance: 15 miles (24km)
- Montée: 630m
- Estimation de la marche: 5 hours and a half to 6 hours
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Ce qu'il faut emporter: Comfortable clothing and footwear, a hairband or beanie to cover your ears as it can get extremely windy, water (2 litres recommended)
- Comment s'y rendre : Train from London Victoria
Guildford Circular
Best for addicts of scenic views
Our selection of circular walks near London comes to an end. Our final hike takes you on a loop around the picturesque city of Guildford. This trail follows part of the North Downs Way. It is a reasonably hilly walk, offering spectacular views of the valley. You would see places of interest such as St Martha’s Church and the ruins of the Chilworth Gun Factory. I would recommend doing this hike during the autumn season for the colours.
- Distance: 13.4 miles (21.7km)
- Montée: 395m
- Estimation de la marche: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre : Day return ticket from London Waterloo, from £36 pp
- Ce qu'il faut emporter : Comfortable clothing and footwear, water (2 litres recommended)
Vous avez aimé ces promenades ? Épinglez-les !
I hope you enjoyed reading about the selection of circular walks near London. If you are looking for circular hikes in London, please check the following posts.
Promenades circulaires dans l'Essex : 3 boucles à Epping Green
La forêt d'Epping : Une promenade accessible en métro
Boucle de Kingston : Une promenade parfaite par temps ensoleillé
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