Walking in London

A guidebook to 25 hikes in London's green spaces and nature reserves, covering both the city centre and Greater London area. Taking in woods and forests, parks and heaths, canals and rivers, the guide includes a wealth of information about some of the species you might encounter as well as the history and conservation of these areas.

Discover a wilder side to London with this guidebook of 25 hikes in and around the capital's green spaces and nature reserves. Covering both central and Greater London, the hikes, which range from 4 to 14 miles and take up to six hours, explore woods and forests, royal parks and heaths, canals and rivers.

London is a city of 8 million people and 8 million trees, and its vast open spaces are home to 13,000 species of wildlife. This guide takes in all four corners – including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, the World Heritage site of Kew Gardens and Wimbledon Common – and showcases a greener, more gentle side to the city.

Using the rivers as a guide, the book is divided into four sections, and includes a wealth of information about the wildlife, history and conservation of each area. Each hike is illustrated with an OS map at a scale of 1:25,000, and includes a route description, public transport information and photos. There is also a handy route summary table.

With public transport readily available and no weather restrictions, all you need is good footwear, sensible clothing and an open mind.

Peter Aylmer

Peter Aylmer was born in, and still lives in, London east of the River Lea – in other words, in east London.

Peter’s rich understanding of the London and Essex countryside started young, visiting his uncle’s farm in the Rodings. Since discovering hiking as a pastime when a young man, he’s since climbed many hills and hiked many long-distance paths all over Britain, but still relishes the surprise on people’s faces when he tells them that some of his favourite hiking is in London's green spaces and his home county.