Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health, by increasing cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and boost muscle power and endurance. BDO’s LAG U Board have put together a list of various walking routes around London, along with some great walking tips and Podcasts to listen to while walking.
LAG U BOARDSWALKING TIPS AND ROUTE RECOMMENDATIONS March 2022 TAKE A BREATH
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London is home to lots of beautiful walking routes, for you to put on your walking shoes and start to reap these benefits.
Walking every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, boost muscle power and endurance, lighten your mood and improve your sleep. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.
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BODY SUBHEADING Second level subheading Body Text X Red Bullet – Indented Bullet 01 – Indented Bullet 02 From canal towpaths, parks, palace gardens and cemeteries, there are loads of hidden gems of green ry, it’s just a case of knowing where to look!
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THE JUBILEE LOOP
DISTANCE: 2 MILES Why not see some of the magic London is known for. The Jubilee Loop includes lots of green spaces including St James’s Park and Parliament Square, but also stops off by Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square for some sightseeing, too. Get Directions
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HIGHGATE TO STOKE NEWINGTON
STOKE NEWINGTON TO HACKNEY WICK
DISTANCE: 5 MILES North London is famed for its leafy parks, and this pleasant walk gives you the opportunity to stroll through many of them. Starting at Priory Gardens in Highgate, the route continues to Parkland Walk London’s longest nature reserve. Then onto Finsbury Park, the Stoke Newington Reservoirs, Clissold Park and House before arriving at the beautiful Abney Park Cemetery. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 4 MILES This relatively short walk is perfect for those who love the water, with a route that tracks the River Lea and crosses through the nature reserve at Springfield Park. Finishing in Hackney Wick, which is great news for those looking to reward themselves with a drink at the end. Get Directions
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ERITH RIVERSIDE TO OLD BEXLEY VILLAGE
THREE MILLS TO EAST INDIA DOCK
DISTANCE: 8.5 MILES Take this easy amble which consists mainly of riverside pathways and views alongside the Thames, and end up in the historic village of Old Bexley. As you go, you’ll see sights such as the Waterside Gardens and Hall Place, which has plenty of cafes and shops to stop at. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 2 MILES This is just a little one to get you started, perfect for those who haven’t done a long walk in a while. Starting at Bromley-by- Bow, you’ll head out of this lovely, leafy area of South East London straight for the river, passing highlights such as St Anne’s Church and Bow Creek Ecology Park as you go. Ending at the East India Docks, you can explore the wealth of shops and restaurants at Canary Wharf nearby, or continue into east London. Get Directions
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CLISSOLD PARK TO SPRINGFIELD PARK
HAMPTON COURT TO ALBERT BRIDGE
DISTANCE: 23 MILES There’s a lot to see on this lengthy walk, but don’t worry this route can be done in smaller sections, depending on what you’d like to see most. Starting at Hampton Court and following the river the entire way, highlights include Kew Gardens, Syon Park, Chelsea Harbour and Marble Hill. There are some great traditional pubs and cute cafes along the way too. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 3 MILES Starting off in Clissold Park, which was built in 1790, there’s lots of history to take in as you stroll through the nearby Abney Park Cemetery grounds, hailed one of the ‘magnificent seven’ garden cemeteries built in the second half of the 19th century. From here it’s on to Stoke Newington Common and eventually to Springfield Park, with views over the flood plains of the River Lea. Get Directions
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THE THAMES PATH FROM PUTNEY BRIDGE TO BARNES
RICHMOND TO HAM HOUSE WALK
HAMPSTEAD HEATH CIRCULAR WALK
DISTANCE: 4 MILES This walk begins on Hampstead High Street, where you pass the Wells and Campden Baths and Wash Houses, red brick public buildings built in 1888 to help north London’s workers stay clean. You head back further in time as you reach Burgh House, a museum and arts centre, dating back to 1703. Then it’s onto the Heath proper. Then start the slow ascent up Parliament Hill. The panorama at the top – across central London – is well worth the effort. On the way down, take in Kenwood House and its art collection, which includes works by Turner, Gainsborough and Rembrandt, and look out for Barbara Hepworth’s Monolith-Empyrean on Kenwood’s lawn. The home stretch includes Hampstead’s peaceful woods and picturesque views at Viaduct Bridge, as well as Hampstead Grove. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 4 MILES This stretch along the River Thames forms the majority of the route taken during the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race. Along the mainly-flat path, you’ll go through Fulham Palace Gardens, with its 19th century walled garden, and briefly skirt away from the river to circumvent the perimeter of Fulham Football Club. Then it’s back to the riverside where you can spy Harrods’ exceedingly grand depository across the way and the boat houses of St Paul’s School. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 4.5 MILES This walk begins with an iconic view from the top of Richmond Hill down towards the Thames. Look out for deer as you head into Richmond Park and King Henry’s Mound, where on a clear day you can see St Paul’s Cathedral, 10 miles away. After leaving the park, you’ll find yourself in the village of Ham with its beautiful Georgian mansions and polo club. Get Directions
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CRYSTAL PALACE TO NUNHEAD CEMETERY GREEN CHAINWALK
THE PRINCESS DIANA MEMORIAL WALK
DISTANCE: 5.4 MILES This walk starts from the high point of Crystal Palace before beginning a descent. After heading past the giant dinosaur sculptures of Crystal Palace Park and through the leafy avenues of SydenhamWells Park, you’ll come to the Horniman Museum and Gardens. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s worth stopping off at its little aquarium but otherwise continue on to the pretty gravestones of Camberwell Old Cemetery. It’s then on through Brenchley Gardens and into the peace and quiet of New Camberwell Cemetery before the final leg takes you to the third and final cemetery on this route at Nunhead. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 7 MILES As well as taking visitors through four of the city’s royal parks, this commemorative walk features buildings and locations associated with Princess Diana during her lifetime. Starting at St James’s Park, it’s a quick hop across the Mall to Green Park, then under the Wellington Arch to Hyde Park and onto Kensington Gardens. Look out for the three palaces and two mansions along the way, as well as The Albert Memorial, The Round Pond and Green Park’s Broad Walk, which comes into its own in the summer. Get Directions
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NORTH GREENWICH TO BLACKHEATHWALK
THE LIME TRAIL, WANSTEAD FLATS
DISTANCE: 3 MILES This walk starts with the Millennium Dome and Antony Gormley’s Quantum Cloud artwork at North Greenwich Pier, before it follows the river past Greenwich Yacht Club and continues on to the Thames Barrier. Next it’s on through Hanging Wood, where 18th century highwaymen once lay in wait, and on to Charlton Park and Charlton House, where you can also visit the Amnesty International Peace Garden. The walk continues onto the grassy expanse of Woolwich Common, via the smaller Hornfair Park. The next highlight is Morden College, a 17th century alms house with extensive landscaped gardens that takes you to the corner of Blackheath and its village pond. Get Directions
DISTANCE: 1.5 MILES With its short distance and well-maintained path, it’s easy to see why the Lime Trail, which meanders through Bush Wood Flats, is one of the hotspot for families on warm weekends. The walk only takes 30 minutes to complete but highlights include the 300-year-old sweet chestnut trees that line part of the route and the chance to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which has made this wood its home. Get Directions
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THE RIVER RAVENSBOURNE
DISTANCE: 2.3 MILES This pleasant walk, which is entirely along canal towpaths, forms the second leg of the Jubilee Greenway, a 37-mile route around the north of London. You follow the Grand Union Canal as it turns into the Regent’s Canal, and finish at Camden Lock. A large section of this walk is also along the north side of Regent’s Park with its neat landscaping and pristine lawns. Camden marks the end of the ramble but leave time to wander around its market and find a bargain. Get Directions THE JUBILEE GREENWAY (LITTLE VENICE TO CAMDEN LOCK STRETCH)
(CATFORD TO THE THAMES)
DISTANCE: 4.2 MILES If you fancy a river-side stroll, this stretch of Waterlink Way is worth a try. Start at Catford Bridge Station and finish at the River Thames at Greenwich. The River Ravensbourne flows through parkland and open concrete chutes as it weaves through south London. However, over the past few decades, some of these chutes have been removed to allow the river to flow through a more natural environment and wildlife to return – so expect the best of both worlds. Get Directions
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TIPS FOR FITNESS WALKING
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TRACKING YOUR STEPS on smart phone apps or Fitbits can provide additional motivators.
INVEST INGOOD SHOES. Since these are the only expense and equipment you’ll need, pay attention to the fit and quality of your shoes.
BE SURE TO CARRYWATER if you’re walking long distances or are exercising in hot weather.
ALWAYSWARMUP by walking at a slow or normal walking pace for five minutes before picking up the tempo of your workout.
In the heat of summer, don’t forget to WEAR A HAT AND TOAPPLY SUNSCREEN TO EXPOSED AREAS.
USE GOODWALKING POSTURE. It is recommended to maintaining the following posture when exercise walking: Swing your arms. Keep your head up, back straight, and abdomen flat. Point your toes straight ahead. Take long strides, but don’t strain. CONSIDER GETTING A PEDOMETER to track the distance you’ve walked or the number of steps you’ve taken. Watching your improvement over time is a terrific source of motivation.
VARY YOUR ROUTE IF YOU’RE GETTING BORED. To increase your fitness, add a route with some hills or changes in terrain. Or alternate routes on different days of the week. Keep your workout interesting. Many people walk with a buddy or in groups for support and motivation. While lots of walkers listen to their iPods to keep them going, others prefer to pay extra attention to the sights and sounds around them. Find the solution that keeps you moving.
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BODY SUBHEADING Second level subheading Body Text X Red Bullet – Indented Bullet 01 – Indented Bullet 02 good comedy and find yourself through guided meditative practice too. With so many podcasts to choose from, it can be difficult to choose one to listen to. Next are a few recommendations of some of the best series centred around popular interests. You can get lost in a good story, chuckle away to some MAIN PAGE SUBTITLE A podcast is a great companion on a walk. MAIN PAGE TITLE
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BODY SUBHEADING Second level subheading Body Text X Red Bullet – Indented Bullet 01 – Indented Bullet 02 p dcast to tune into if you love live music and enjoy songs when they are stripped down to just what makes them beautiful. MUSIC PODCAST - TINY DESK CONCERTS, AUDIO NPR (National Public Radio) Music makes it easy to discover new music with episodes of beautiful, heartfelt live performances recorded in NPR’s Washington D.C. office. This is a great
A CRIME PODCAST - CASEFILE TRUE CRIME
A SPIN-OFF PODCAST - NO SUCH THING AS A FISH
A MINDFUL PODCAST - UNTANGLE
BODY SUBHEADING Second level subheading Body Text X Red Bullet – Indented Bullet 01 – Indented Bullet 02 For those of us who are dangerously curious, brave and interested in true crime, look no further than Casefile. Listeners will find episode after episode of true crime stories from all over the w rl and throughout history. Casefile is a great partner on long walks for people who quite enjoy things that go bump in the night! This podcast generally sticks with the facts for each case, making it a perfect listen for those of us who fancy ourselves to be a bit of a detective. A FUNNY PODCAST - THEWORST WRITER INTHEWORLD This podcast will appeal to creatives and funny folk alike! English teacher Rufus and (ex-wannabe writer) Howard host a comedy storytelling podcast in which Rufus tries to read stories that Howard wrote as a kid. Spoiler alert. They’re not very good. This podcast is a great accompaniment on a walk if you don’t mind laughing out loud by yourself in the street.
No Such Thing as a Fish is a weekly podcast presented by the brilliant minds behind quiz show QI. They discuss their favourite new fact of the week and listeners can expect to learn some interesting stuff. A different presenter brings something in each episode and the “QI Elves” discuss the information surrounding it. It’s a great podcast for those of us who love a good pub quiz or sharing random facts!
BODY SUBHEADING Second level subheading Body Text X Red Bullet – Indented Bullet 01 – Indented Bullet 02 Untangle is a weekly podcast that covers everything from self- compassion to meditation. It is a great accompaniment on a walk through nature or a busy street! More and more of us are looking for ways to feel more content, patient or less stressed– and this podcast is a brilliant place to start. The Untangle podcasts feature experts and everyd y people. They are also relatively short and easy to digest, ranging from 20-50 minutes in length… perfect for a mindful walk to the shops or a quiet walk back from dropping the kids off at school.
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A CHATTY PODCAST - DAVID TENNANT DOES A PODCASTWITH…
AWORK PODCAST - INGOOD COMPANY
A FOOD PODCAST - THE SPLENDID TABLE
There are a lot of good business and work podcasts out there, but In Good Company stands out for its relaxed, informative and accessible approach. It’s a podcast created for working women that’s full of advice and practical ideas on a range of topics. Whether you’re young and new to the workplace, or a seasoned veteran in the office, you have 25 episodes of interviews, conversations and tips to explore!
Those of us thinking up recipes or dreaming about dinner on our walks home from work or to the supermarket should download an episode of The Splendid Table. Food writer Francis Lam takes us on a delicious journey that explores different foods, cultures and feelings! Tune in every week to learn about food and to add some delicious ideas to your belt, too.
Doctor Who– we mean, David Tennant hosts a fantastic podcast where he has conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Listeners are able to feel as though we’re in the room, find out some interesting secrets and chuckle along to ourselves while listening to their interesting conversations. Expect to walk along with Catherine Tate, James Corden, Tina Fey and more!
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