Why run a marathon when you can walk it? That’s the thinking behind the rise of London’s ‘mega walks’ – long treks across the capital that take you through parks, past canals and multiple boroughs.
Of course, you don’t have to commit to walking a full marathon (although some do). Even a half-day wander can get you out of the house and show you parts of London you’d never normally see.
With the weekend coming up and the spring bank holiday on the horizon, why not plan one for yourself and see how much of the city you can discover.
Metro has rounded up some of the best mega walks across the capital. Whether you’re after canal-side coffee shops, sprawling parks or a route that ends at the pub, they’re perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
A scenic stroll
Looking for something scenic but not too intense? The Wandle Trail is a great pick. Stretching for around 12.5 miles, it follows the River Wandle from Waddon in Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, passing through peaceful parks and interesting historic spots along the way.
Along the way, you’ll pass Morden Hall Park, a National Trust site with ornamental gardens, historic buildings and a riverside path. The trail also takes you through Merton Abbey Mills, once a textile factory now filled with independent shops and markets.
The trail wraps up on the banks of the Thames in Wandsworth. For a perfect end to your walk Metro’s Ellie Hutchings recommends stopping by The Ship for a drink.
Walking the tube line
If you’re stuck for inspiration, why not follow the London Underground?
One popular walk doing the rounds on TikTok is the Victoria Line challenge, where people walk the entire route of the tube line above ground, stopping at every station along the way.
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The trend has racked up hundreds of videos under the hashtag #victorialinechallenge, with users turning the walk into a full-day adventure.
TikTok user @issyraeeverett tried the trend recently, stopping off at a funfair, a food market and even having tea outside Buckingham Palace. ‘My body is broken, but this was good fun,’ she concluded.
The 11-mile route takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes, according to AllTrails. It’s considered a moderately challenging walk, so make sure to wear comfy shoes, take breaks and stay hydrated.
It’s not the only tube line people are tackling either. One user @captain.m recorded his attempt to walk the Metropolitan Line – all the way from Amersham (zone 9) to Aldgate, a 30-mile walk which takes over 14 hours to complete, according to Google Maps. He began his journey at 8am and ticked off the 23 stops by 8:15pm.
To get out of London
If you’re looking to escape the city without going too far, the Epping Forest Main Path and Green Ride Circular is a brilliant option.
According to AllTrails, this 8.4-mile loop takes just under 3.5 hours to complete and is considered a moderately challenging route. You can expect forest paths, wide open spaces and peaceful woodlands.
The trail begins near Chingford Green, and leads walkers through Epping Forest, one of London’s largest ancient woodlands.
Metro’s Maria Astardjieve described the route as ‘beautiful’. She says: ‘It’s definitely a whole day out, but there are pubs at the start/finish and along the route. The nature is beautiful.’
Along the river
For a mix of riverside views and green space, the Wandsworth Bridge, Putney and Barnes Circular is a top pick. The route is around 5-6 miles and is mostly flat, making it accessible for most walkers.
You’ll start near Wandsworth Bridge, following the River Thames through Putney and Barnes. Expect stunning views of the river along the way, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Barnes is known for its quaint high street, with plenty of independent shops, cafes and pubs to stop at along the way.
It takes around three hours to complete, according to AllTrails. Hoping for a longer stroll? Metro’s Sarah Hooper suggests lengthening the trail by walking through Richmond Park.
For pub lovers
One of London’s most picturesque stretches, the Little Venice canal path just north of Paddington offers a gorgeous riverside stroll. The area is famous for its colourful narrowboats and peaceful waterside views.
From Little Venice, walkers can follow the canal east along the Regent’s Canal Towpath for about two miles. The walk takes in a mix of urban and green spaces all the way to Camden, where you’re spoilt for choice for a post-walk drink.
Once you reach Camden you can reward yourself with a pint at the famous Hawley Arms.
To make the most of green spaces
Mapped by a Reddit user on the site’s London forum, this walk weaves through Clapham, Battersea, and Camden, hitting Battersea Park, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park on the way. It starts in West Dulwich and ends at King’s Cross.
It takes around four hours – longer with picnic or café stops – and offers plenty of variety, from riverside paths to leafy lawns.
One tip? Don’t skip Paul Rothe & Son in Marylebone, a family-run sandwich shop that’s been around for 100 years.
Tips for completing a Mega Walk
If you’re planning on heading out for a full day trek, don’t make the mistake of going underprepared.
Metro’s Sarah Hooper, an avid walker who has completed 50km walks for charity, has shared her tips. She says: ‘I treat long distance walks more like a hike – be prepared.’
- Be sure to pack some sweets – Sarah says: ‘I always bring a sweetie – my favourite is sour strawberry laces to up your blood sugar if you get tired’
- Bring a backpack and ‘loads and loads of water’
- Pack some suncream – ‘You can burn in the UK, even through clouds’
Official TfL walks
If you’re looking for some more structured walks, TfL’s Walk London Network offers several well-planned walking routes across the city.
The eight routes offer everything from bustling urban areas to peaceful green spaces, and they’re designed to be easily accessible by public transport, so you can stop whenever you need to.
One of the most popular is the Capital Ring, a circular route made up of 15 connected sections, and covering 78 miles in total. Section 5 of the walk, for example, takes you from Streatham to Wimbledon Park and passes through Tooting Bec Common and Wandsworth Common.
Another TfL-endorsed option is the Jubilee Greenway – a 60km route created to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympics.
It connects some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Camden Market and the Olympic Park.
TfL’s Walk London Network
- Capital Ring – a 78-mile route divided into 15 shorter walks, including Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Eltham Palace.
- Green Chain – a network of walks across South East London, it takes in woods and parks as well as Thames Barrier and Crystal Palace.
- Green Link – a route connecting nearly 40 green spaces and a number of waterways between northeast and south London.
- Jubilee Greenway – a path for walkers and cyclists links Olympic and Paralympic venues including the O2 Arena, Greenwich Park and the Serpentine.
- Jubilee Walkway – this route takes in some of London’s most iconic landmarks including St Paul’s and Buckingham Palace.
- Lea Valley – the path follows the 18 miles along the Lee Navigation towpath, from Waltham Abbey to the Thames at Limehouse Basin.
- London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) – this encircles Greater London, nearly 150 miles are split into 24 ‘bite-sized’ walks.
- Thames Path – a 40-mile stretch walking on both sides of the river. It stretches from Hampton Court Palace to the heart of London.
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