Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bride Loop

London, England

St James Park and Green Park Loop

London, England

Vanguard Way

London, England

Capital Ring

London, England

Walthamstow Wetlands Short Loop

London, England

The Regent's Park Circular Walk

London, England

Barnes Bridge to Putney Bridge Loop

London, England

London Loop Trail

London, England

River Thames via The Queen's Walk and Sugar Quay Walk

London, England

Hampstead Heath Loop

London, England

Best river hikes in London

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in London.

Most popular hikes

Easy

Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bride Loop

London, England · star 4.5 (2) · 6.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 20 min

Easy

St James Park and Green Park Loop

London, England · star 4.5 (2) · 5.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 1 min

Easy

Vanguard Way

London, England · star 5.0 (21) · 107.1 km · Est. 4 days

Easy

Capital Ring

London, England · star 4.4 (24) · 117.7 km · Est. 5 days

Easy

Walthamstow Wetlands Short Loop

London, England · star 4.3 (7) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 8 min

Easy

The Regent's Park Circular Walk

London, England · star 4.5 (4) · 4.0 km · Est. 54 min

Easy

Barnes Bridge to Putney Bridge Loop

London, England · star 4.4 (5) · 12.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 38 min

Easy

London Loop Trail

London, England · star 5.0 (7) · 244.1 km · Est. 9 days

Easy

River Thames via The Queen's Walk and Sugar Quay Walk

London, England · star 5.0 (2) · 9.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 11 min

Easy

Hampstead Heath Loop

London, England · star 4.2 (5) · 7.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 42 min

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Reviews for river hikes in London

Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bride Loop

Curlywalker · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Easy trail with amazing views. Lots of places to rest and grab a coffee.

St James Park and Green Park Loop

HavenWayfinder61 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Vanguard Way

MarcusR · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Capital Ring

becca · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Started Eltham Community Hospital. Missed 1 mile, 20 minutes.

Walthamstow Wetlands Short Loop

Robin · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in London

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

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In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape.

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

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In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

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Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

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In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

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England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

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While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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