London Hiking Trails: Best Walks, Hidden Paths, and Nature Escape Routes

When you think of London, you probably picture busy streets, iconic landmarks, and bustling pubs. But London hiking trails, networks of walking paths that connect green spaces across the city. Also known as urban walking routes, they offer real escape—no plane ticket needed. You don’t need to drive an hour to find quiet woods or rolling hills. Right in the city, you can walk along the Serpentine, climb Primrose Hill, or follow the River Lea through forgotten corners of East London.

These trails aren’t just for fitness. They’re where locals unwind after work, where families picnic on weekends, and where you can spot herons, foxes, and even kingfishers without leaving the city limits. Hyde Park, a former royal hunting ground turned public green space. Also known as London’s central park, it connects to other trails that lead straight into Kensington Gardens and beyond. Then there’s Hampstead Heath, a vast, wild expanse of open land with ancient trees and panoramic views of the skyline. Also known as London’s lungs, it’s where people go to breathe deep and forget they’re in a metropolis. These aren’t manicured gardens. They’re wild, messy, and alive—just like the city itself.

Some trails follow old railway lines turned footpaths, like the Parkland Walk from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. Others trace historic boundaries, like the London Outer Orbital Path, which circles the city for 150 miles. You’ll find paths that lead to Roman ruins, hidden watermills, and even abandoned wartime bunkers. And yes, you can walk from the Thames to the edge of Epping Forest in a single day if you want to.

What makes these trails special isn’t the distance—it’s the surprise. One minute you’re passing a bus stop, the next you’re walking past deer in a quiet dell. You’ll find benches where people read, open-air art installations, and community gardens tucked between trees. These aren’t tourist trails. They’re lived-in spaces, shaped by generations of walkers who came here to think, heal, or just get away from the noise.

Whether you’re looking for a 20-minute break or a full-day adventure, London’s trails have you covered. You’ll find routes that are flat and stroller-friendly, steep climbs that challenge your legs, and hidden loops that only locals know about. The city doesn’t just have parks—it has a whole network of green arteries that keep it breathing.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve walked these paths—what they saw, who they met, and why they keep coming back. No fluff. No fake reviews. Just the truth about where to go, what to bring, and how to find the quiet spots before the crowds do.