The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and you don’t want to stay inside watching Netflix all day. But where to go? Discover the best summer walks in London far from the famous places and the crowd, to enjoy peace and nature without leaving the city. From refreshing river walks to the shade of forest walks, there is all that you need to stay cool in the summer heat!
Last Updated: 11 June 2023
Best Summer Walks In London At A Glance
In a hurry? No problem! Compare the best summer walks in London in the table below. I go into more detail about each one of them in this article.
| Walks | Distance | Total Ascent | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| St James’s Park | n/a | n/a | Easy |
| Hampton Court to Kew | 11 miles / 17.7 km | 43 ft/ 13 m | Easy/ Intermediate |
| Regent’s Canal | 11.4 miles/ 18.34 km | 69 ft/ 21m | Easy/ Intermediate |
| Welsh Harp | 5.5 miles/ 8.85km | 180 ft/ 54m | Easy |
| Belvedere to Greenwich | 15.4 miles/ 24.7 km | 171 ft/ 52 m | Intermediate |
| Epping Forest | 8.9 miles/ 14.3 km | 348 ft/ 106 m | Easy/ Intermediate |
| Hampton Court Circular | 8.8 miles/ 14 km | 46 ft/ 14 m | Easy |
| Horsenden Hill | 2.5 miles/ 4.7 km | 278 ft/ 85 m | Easy |
| Waterloo to Greenwich | 7.8miles /12.55 km | 65.6 ft /20 m | Easy |
| Colne Valley Walk | 10.3 miles /16.57 km | 331 ft / 100.8 m | Intermediate |
| Dollis Valley Greenwalk 1 | 14.2 miles/ 22.8 km | 656 ft / 200 m | Intermediate |
| Dollis Valley Greenwalk 2 | 10.9 miles / 17.5 km | 289 ft / 88 m | Intermediate |
| Brentford to Hanwell | 4.2 miles /6.8 km | 59 ft / 18 m | Easy |
Best Summer Walks In London
Let’s start the countdown of the best summer walks in London from gentle river strolls to refreshing forest walks, in no particular order. It’s time to dive into summer!
1 – St James’s Park
The most central
Located in the heart of the city, tucked between Buckingham Palace, Green Park and Trafalgar Square, St James’s Park is a haven of peace in the centre of London. In the 57 acres of this Royal Park, you can walk around the lake and Duck Island, cross over the Blue Bridge where you can see landmarks such as the London Eye, watch the pelicans being fed fresh fish and chill on the long chairs with an award-winning coffee from St James’s Park Coffee shop and restaurant.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the St James Park Walk
- Superficies: 57 acres
- How to get there
- Tube: St James Park (District & Circle lines)/ Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle lines)
- Bus: 3, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 148, 159, 211 and 453.
- Amenities: St James Cafe, Storey’s Gate Cafe, Refreshment Points
- Toilets: Public toilets are available
- Opening times: 5.00 am to midnight all year long
- Contact: 0300 061 250
- Website: St James Park
Highlights of the St James Park Walk
- Buckingham Palace
- Changing of the Guards
- The Mall
- Queen Victoria Memorial
- Blue Bridge
- Horse Guard Parade
- Duck Island Cottage
- Tiffany Fountain
- Duke of York Statue
St James’s Park Map
2 – Thames Path Hampton Court to Kew
Best for River Walk
This longer version of the Thames Path walk from Richmond to Kew takes you from the magnificent Hampton Court Palace to the Royal Garden of Kew following the River Thames. Passing by Kingston – upon – Thames, Richmond, the Teddington Lock, Twickenham Bridge, Deer Park and Syon Park and House, this gentle stroll is perfect for a summer walk by the water.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Thames Path Walk Hampton Court to Kew
- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
- Ascent: 43 feet (13 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate due to the distance
- How to get there: Direct trains from Waterloo Station. The journey takes 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the local buses R68 and 411 to Hampton Court Station depending on where you live
- What to bring with you: It is an easy walk in the city never far from civilisation and amenities should you need more water or buy additional snacks. Wear comfortable footwear and clothing. However, prefer a pair of trainers to the usual hiking shoes as the path is paved. Moreover, avoid wearing a pair of jeans as they absorb sweat but don’t dry easily. Prefer a good pair of gym leggings or shorts depending on the weather. Bring with you a backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks, packed lunch, identification and money
- Additional Information: Public toilets are available at Hampton Court Station and in Richmond at Buccleuch Gardens.
- Pub Stop: Coach & Horses
Highlights of the Thames Path Walk Hampton Court to Kew
- Hampton Court
- Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Canbury Gardens
- Teddington Lock
- Richmond
- Richmond Railway Bridge
- Old Deer Park Obelisk
- Syon Park and Syon House
- Kew Gardens
Map of the Thames Path Walk Hampton Court to Kew
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
3 – Regent’s Canal
Best for seeing it all
Walk across London this summer from posh Maida Vale to modern Canary Wharf following the Regent’s Canal. A gentle stroll following the water makes you see London from a different perspective. Starting in Little Venice, passing near the London Zoo, you arrive in vibrant Camden Town right on time for a lunch break. Continue to King’s Cross and divert from the towpath to visit Victoria Park and the Chinese Pagoda. End the walk at Canary Wharf, so quiet on the weekend, for a drink and a meal.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Regent’s Canal Walk
- Distance: 11.4 miles (18.34 km)
- Ascent: 69 feet (21 m)
- Walking Estimate : 3 hours and 50 minutes at a speed of 4.8 km/hour
- Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate due to the distance
- How to get there: We are doing the walk from Warwick to Canary Wharf. You can of course do it the other way around. Bakerloo Line to Warwick Avenue Station in Zone 2 or Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf in Zone 2
- What to bring with you: You can leave all the fancy gear at home, this is a city walk! Make sure you wear comfortable footwear with lots of cushioning as you are walking on concrete all the way. Based on the weather, but preferably do it on a sunny day, wear layers that you can take on and off as you are walking. A T-shirt, a pair of leggings and a fleecy top will do perfectly well. Bring a backpack with you to carry water and snacks or even lunch if you are not planning to buy it on the way. Bring a headcover, sunglasses and sunscreen as the path is exposed
- Additional information: There are public toilets in Camden Town, Granary Square and Victoria Park
Highlights of the Regent’s Canal Walk
- Regent’s Canal
- Little Venice
- Regent’s Park
- London Zoo
- Camden Town
- Gasholder Park
- Granary Square
- Hackney Sharks
- Victoria Park
- Canary Wharf
Map of the Regent’s Canal Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
4 – Welsh Harp
Best for freshness seekers
Take a walk around an oasis in London: the Hendon Reservoir (also called Welsh Harp). A circular path under the shade of the trees and vegetation alongside the refreshing water of the reservoir is the best walk if you were looking to cool down. You could even rent a kayak and get on the water.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Welsh Harp Walk
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.85 km) for the whole tour of the Welsh Harp. Of course, you can shorten this walk depending on where you start or where you turn around
- Ascent: 180 ft/ 54 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 20 minutes including the walk to the pub
- How to get there:
- By Train: Trains to Hendon Station (Thameslink). It then takes 10 minutes on foot to get to the reservoir
- By bus: The closest stop is Hendon Broadway where you can find buses 32, 83, 142, 183
- By tube: The nearest station is Hendon Central on the Northern Line. You will then need to take bus 83 to West Hendon Broadway. Alternatively, you can take the Jubilee or Metropolitan line to Wembley Park and then bus 297 or 182 to Blackbird Hill. From there it is a short walk to the reservoir
- By car: To visit the North bank, park on Woolmead avenue. Please note that the whole area is reserved for resident permit holders on weekdays only. Additionally, there is a small free car park on Cool Oak Lane. For the South bank, park on Aboyne Road
- What to bring with you: Comfortable clothing and a pair of trainers. You cannot swim in Brent Reservoir so there is no need to take your swimsuit. You can bring your own food and drinks, or alternatively, there is a Co-op on Hendon Broadway where you will find what you need. I recommend you take sunscreen and headcover if you are going on a sunny day as there is no shade by the picnic tables
- Additional information:
- The paths in Welsh Harp are not suitable for prams and wheelchair users
- Public toilets are available on the North bank by the Environment Education Centre
- Pub Stop: Claddagh Ring
Map of the Welsh Harp Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
Related Content: 12 Spring Walks Near London
5 – Thames Path Belvedere to Greenwich
Best for urban landscape
Walk the Thames Path on the East side from Belvedere to Greenwich. Starting with fields and a nature reserve, you then join the Thames Path walking alongside the marshes, and then you pass by the River Thames Barriers before reaching the O2 Arena. Here, jump on the Cable Cars for an impressive view of London Skyline and end the walk at Greenwich Park and enjoy a takeaway meal from the famous Greenwich Market.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Belvedere to Greenwich walk
- Distance: 15.4 miles (24.7km)
- Ascent: Flat
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the distance
- Walking estimate: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the distance. However, you can shorten the walk and do Woolwich to Greenwich which is 6.94 miles (11.16km) to make it an easy walk
- How to get there: Trains from London Bridge. Belvedere is in fare zone 5 so you only need your Oyster or contactless card.
- What to pack: Comfortable clothing, pair of trainers for walking in concrete, water (2 litres recommended)
- Additional Information: Public toilets are available in the O2 Arena
Highlights of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
- Crossness Nature Reserve
- The Assembly
- Hydra and Khali
- The O2
- The cable car
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
- Greenwich park
- The Royal Observatory
Map of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
6 – Epping Forest
Best for the shade
Let’s stay on the East side of London for this walk under the shade of the trees in Epping Forest. This is the ideal summer walk in London for whoever seeks to stay away from the sun. Take a stroll through the woods, sheltered from the sun by the trees and stay cool all the way until the end with a pub stop In Epping for a refreshing drink.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Epping Forest walk
- Distance: 8.9 miles (14.3km)
- Ascent: 348 ft/ 106 m
- Walking estimate: 3 hours and 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there: Central Line to Epping Station
- What to pack: Comfortable clothing and footwear. Wear footwear you don’t mind getting muddy and don’t forget the gaiters if you are going on or after a rainy day. If you are going when the weather is nicer, a pair of trainers is sufficient. Bring a backpack with snacks and water (2 litres recommended)
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: George & Dragon
Highlights of the Epping Forest Walk
- Epping town
- Epping Forest
- Mushrooms
- Eat at the George & Dragon
Map of the Epping Forest Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
7 – Kingston Loop
Best for historical landmarks
You could walk the Thames Path from Hampton Court to Kew, but if you prefer staying local, here is a circular walk around Hampton Court perfect for a sunny day out. This walk takes you through the nearby Royal Park of Bushy Park where you can take a stroll among the deer and walk alongside refreshing pounds before following the Thames Path to get to Kingston-upon-Thames. End the walk with a drink by the River Thames.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Kingston Loop walk
- Distance: 8.8 miles (14km)
- Ascent: 46 ft/ 14 m
- Walking estimate: 3 hours and a half
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there: Trains to Kingston Station from London Waterloo or by bus if, like me, you live in West London
- What to pack: Comfortable clothing, pair of trainers, water (2 litres recommended)
Highlights of the Kingston Loop Walk
- Kingston Upon Thames market town and retail centre
- Toppling Telephone Boxes sculpture
- Bushy Park deer
- Diana Fountain
- Hampton Court Palace
- Hampton Court Gardens
Map of the Kingston Loop walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
8 – Horsenden Hill
Best for families and kids
We continue the selection of the best summer walks with my favourite of all places in London: Horsenden Hill, or the countryside in the city. Located a few minutes walk from Perival tube station, this heaven of nature is composed of fields, a forest, a hill with a trig point, a golf foot terrain and the Grand Union Canal at the bottom. Horsenden Hill also has a Gruffalo trail inspired by the children’s book, a farm shop with local products and a playground: the perfect place for a fun day out with the family.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics for the Horsenden Hill walk
- Distance: There are a variety of walks you can do on Horsenden Hill including a Gruffalo Trail which is ideal for kids. I have put below the map of a 2.7 mile (4.3km) walk I have done as a reference, but there are many more you can do
- Ascent: 85m
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate depending on your ability to climb the hill. The climb is the only difficult part of the walk
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour for the 2.7 miles reference walk
- How to get there: Central Line to Perival then it is a 10-minute walk to the car park where the trail starts. Alternatively, you can take bus 297 which will take you much closer. Get off at Perival Community Centre stop and walk to the car park
- What do I pack: Comfortable clothing and a decent pair of shoes. You will be climbing a hill as well as walking through a forested area where the path can get muddy if it has been raining during the week. I would recommend hiking shoes or a pair of trainers if you do not mind getting dirty. Bring with you a snack and a packed lunch as there is a kid’s playground which is perfect for a picnic. On a bright day, bring sunscreen and a headcover as you will be walking through open lands
Highlights of the Horsenden Hill walk
- Community Farm & Farm Shop
- Gruffalo Trail
- Horsenden Hill Trig point
- Horsenden Wood
- Playground
- Grand Union Canal
- Horsenden Hill Activity Center
- Sudbury Golf
- Walk part of the Capital Ring
Map of the Horsenden Hill Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
9 – Waterloo to Greenwich via the Thames Path
Best to discover London
A 7.8 mile (12.55 km) linear walk along the Thames Path in London is the best way to discover the city, its iconic landmarks and rich history. Come on a trip with me to the Capital city where I take you through 20 of the most remarkable monuments and prominent features the city has to offer.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics of the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Distance: 7.8miles (12.55 km)
- Ascent: 65.6 ft (20 m)
- Highest Point: 49.2 ft (15 m)
- Lowest Point: 0 ft (0 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Jubilee, Bakerloo or Northern Line to Waterloo Station. Waterloo Station is in fare zone 1
- For the return, take Thameslink, DLR or Southeastern Train from Greenwich Station. Greenwich Station in on fare zone 2 & 3
- Both journeys are within London’s rail and tube network, so you can travel using your Oyster or contactless card
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Please bear in mind that the path is paved all the way, so it is highly recommended to wear trainers. Tarmac can be hard on the sole of your feet so hiking shoes and boots are not suitable for this type of terrain.
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that the bank of the Thames Path is pretty much exposed with few options to find cover.
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day for the same reason as above
Additional Information
- Toilets are available at the Surrey Docks Farm
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- Many options throughout the walk as you are in the city
- Advice: Surrey Docks Farm for a coffee and snack break on the way
Highlights of the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Southbank
- Somerset House
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The City
- The Shakespeare Globe
- The Great Hall
- The Golden Hinde
- Southwark Cathedral
- The Shard
- Hay’s Galleria
- HMS Belfast
- Tower Bridge
- Cumberland Wharf
- Canary Wharf
- Surrey Docks Farm
- Circumsphere
- Sayes Court Park
- Peter the Great Statue
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
Map of the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
10 – Colne Valley Walk
An oasis of vegetation, a tranquil canal, boathouses and ducks, here are a few of the things you will find on your way through the Colne Valley walk. This underrated Natural Reserve lies within the London Area at the border with Buckinghamshire. The Grand Union Canal run through the heart of Colne Valley Park, offering a perfect stroll on its towpath for a relaxing day out in nature.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here
Logistics of the Colne Valley Walk
- Distance: 10.3 miles (16.57 km)
- Total Ascent: 331 ft (100.8 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes at an average speed of 2.9 mph (4.7 kph)
- Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate due to the distance
How to get there:
- Tube: Metropolitan Line to Moor Park Station
- Buses: 331, R1, R2. Get off at Batchworth Heath
What to bring with you: Comfortable footwear and clothing. You are walking on easy terrain so you could wear trainers as long as you are sure they can handle the distance. Sunscreen, head cover and sunglasses if the sun is out and rain gear and gaiters if it is not the case. Take a backpack to carry water (2L recommended), snacks and a packed lunch – unless you plan to stop for food in a pub on the way.
Food stops:
Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
Highlights of the Colne Valley Regional Park Walk
- Moor Park
- The sitcom The Good Life’s house
- Colne Valley Regional Park
- The Grand Union Canal
- Colne River
- Broad Water Lake
- Denham Deep Lock
- Uxbridge
- Uxbridge Lock
Map of the Colne Valley Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
11 – Dollis Valley Greenwalk
Are you up for a walk through the last remaining parts of the countryside fields in London? If the answer is YES, then the Dollis Valley Greenwalk is what you need to do. Starting in Mill Hill and undulating all the way to Hampstead Heath, the Dollis Valley Greenwalk takes you through areas in London you would not even imagine could still exist today. The countryside is not dead, and this walk is proof of it.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk
Colne Valley Greenwalk walk 1 – with Hampstead Heath
- Distance: 14.2 miles (22.8 km)
- Total Ascent: 656 ft (200 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the distance
- How to get there: Start at Mill Hill Broadway Station on the Thames Link, fare zone 4 and return from Hampstead Heath Station, Overground, fare zone 2
Colne Valley Greenwalk walk 2 – Without Hampstead Heath
- Distance: 10.9 miles (17.5 km)
- Total Ascent: 289 ft (88 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the distance
- How to get there: Start at Mill Hill Broadway Station on the Thames Link, fare zone 4 and return from Golders Green Station, Northern Line, fare zone 3
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing and footwear (trainers are fine)
- Day Backpack
- Snacks
- Water
- Packed lunch is optional as there is a coffee shop stop
- Money
- Sunglasses and sunscreen if the weather is nice
- Waterproof jacket if it is raining
Additional Information
- There are public toilets in Hampstead Heath Park
- Coffee stop for lunch: Em’s Coffee
- The walk is suitable for dog walkers
- Accessible for wheelchair users
Highlights of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk
- Dollis Valley
- Dollis Brook
- Whetstone
- Woodside Park
- Windsor Open Space
- Little Wood & Big Wood
- Hampstead Heath
- Totteridge Nature Reserve
- Dollis Brook Viaduct
Map of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
12 – Brentford to Hanwell Canal Walk
We end our selection of the best summer walks in London with a gentle stroll along the River Brent. Starting in Brentford, passing through Boston Manor Park, you then join the towpath before reaching the Hanwell Flight of Locks. An easy stroll on a sunny summer day.
To know more about this walk, check my complete guide here.
Logistics of the Brentford to Hanwell Walk
- Distance:4.2 miles (6.8 km)
- Ascent: 59 ft (18 m)
- Highest Point: 98 ft (29.8 m)
- Lowest Point: 16 ft (4.9m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- South Western Railway train from London Waterloo Station to Brentford Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- For the return, take a Great Western Railway or an Elizabeth Line train from Hanwell Station to Paddington Station. The journey takes 20 minutes
- The outbound and inbound journeys are not operated by the same train line so you cannot book a day return ticket. However, both stations are on the TFL network, so you can use your Oyster Card or contactless payment instead of booking a train ticket.
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that the banks of the Grand Union Canal are pretty much exposed with few options to find cover.
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day for the same reason as above
Additional Information
- There are toilets in Boston Manor Park, but you need to check if they are open before going due to the improvement works taking place in the park
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- There is a Cafe in Boston Manor Park, but please check before going if it is open due to the ongoing improvement works taking place in the park
Highlights of the Brentford to Hanwell Walk
- Boston Manor Park
- Grand Union Canal
- Hanwell Flight of Locks
- Wharncliffe Viaduct
- River Brent
Map of the Brentford to Hanwell Walk
Download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. You can then upload it onto your favourite navigation app and follow the route. For more information about how to upload the map on your navigation app, check at the end of this post.
Final Thoughts on the Best Summer Walks in London
How to upload the maps
For more information about how to upload the maps from the Best Summer Walks in London post onto your favourite navigation app, check my step-by-step guide here.
When summer is over, head to the Best Autumn Walks near London post for more inspiring hikes!
And you, what are your favourite summer walks in London? Let me know in the comments below.
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