Location: London National Park City* (London becomes NPC in July 2019) Travel Dates: 18.06 – 25.06
Walking distance: ~120 km/75 miles
Looking back to this week in London I covered around 120 km of streets and paths (140 km according to my walking app and 100 km according Google maps). Overall I visited approximately 36 parks and green spaces, walked by Thames and Regent’s Canal, passed many green squares and gardens and saw large variety of nature and wildlife.
This week helped me to really appreciate the variety of London’s green spaces and accessibility to outdoors and wildlife as well as understand the challenges of nature walking in city environment. It also provided valuable research for my walking maps.
I also met many interesting and creative people…. thank you all for inspiration!
Day 1 – Central London/Thames Path (North Bank) (21 km)
AM/noon – Brompton Cemetery and Barbican Estate
PM – From Charterhouse Square to Somerset House
Starting from Charterhouse Square, now open for publicFound a green rounded garden with seating next to Museum of LondonLooking at lush foliage in Postman’s Park, quiet green space near BarbicanWalking through St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard Garden greeneryIt’s getting really wet now, so I’m hiding under the umbrellaPeeking into Middle Temple Gardens, not open for public (at least not from Thames side)
Day 2 – Central London/South Bank (20 km)
AM – Kensington/Hammersmith
PM – From Waterloo to Barbican
One of the many private garden squares in KensingtonWalkway in railway tunnel at Waterloo, South Bank
Day 3 – North London (32 km)
From Golders Hill Park to Canary Wharf
At the start of the walk by gates of Golders Hill ParkPassing the Kenwood House on Hampstead HeathThe impressive sign in Highgate Wood gatesEntering to Queen’s Wood Nature ReserveWalking along Parkland Walk that runs along a railway line
From here I left the path and continued in Hackney Downs
Impressive London Plane trees in Hackney Downs ParkPassing beautiful wildflower meadow in London Fields ParkSpotting this beautiful brick building covered with foliage on Regent’s CanalTaking a detour from the canal via Victoria ParkBack on Regent’s Canal path and surrounded by greeneryModern landscaping of Mile End Park, running along the canalFinally arriving to Limehouse Basin.. tired, but happy!Colourful boats mooring at Limehouse BasinQuirky seagull statue on Ropemakers FieldTurning to Thames Path for a ferry back to Central London from Canary Wharf.. It’s been a great day!
Day 4 – Central/Royal London (21 km)
From Victoria Tower Gardens to Primrose Hill
Starting the walk today with coffee and green view in Victoria Tower GardensFound a quiet space in Jewel Tower gardens in WestminsterSpotting marching pelicans in St James’s ParkWalking path just for myself in Green Park.. look at the crowds on the left!Lovely and tranquil Queen’s Meadow in Green Park.. next to busy junctionThe Italian Gardens Cafe with living roof, taken over by natureHenry Moore’s nature inspired Arch in Kensington GardensArrived in Regent’s Park wilder areaRegent’s Park’s wildlife garden with useful tips for gardenersPassing wildflower meadow in Regent’s ParkCrossing the bridge over Regent’s Canal next to London ZooAfter a short climb the view over London from Primrose Hill. This is the end of my walk!
Day 5 – South London (27 km)
From Wandsworth Park to Bushy Park
Starting the walk from Wandsworth Park by ThamesWalking through the nature on Putney HeathSpotting a windmill on Wimbledon and Putney CommonsArriving to Richmond Park… hooray!Fallen trees in Richmond Park providing shelter for Stag Beetles and rest for walkersHalf the distance done and feeling great!Winding trail ahead in Richmond ParkRichmond Hill/Terrace Field with stunning views over Thames towards SurreyBack on the Thames Path for the next 10 kmAfter a while passing the Teddington LockApproaching Kingston Bridge in the distancePassing quiet Canbury Gardens, it’s late on Sunday eveningMade it to Kingston Bridge.... and looking exhausted. 5 km to go!Finally in Bushy Park at Hampton Wick Gate!In leafy and quiet Bushy Park and breathing in the freshest air in LondonMeeting the herd of deer in Bushy Park.. a perfect end of the day!
Day 6 – Central London/South Bank (15 km)
From Tower Bridge to Waterloo
100 km behind me and on one of my favourite Thames walkTranquil wilderness spot in Potters Fields ParkDetour through Borough MarketCrossing Waterloo Bridge with green views over South Bank. The walk is done and my week in London is finished.. until next time!
Conclusion: My walking week in London proves London is great destination for walkers, who appreciate the variety and culture of the city, but still want to see nature close by. London has many species of wildlife and provides unique environment for wildlife spotting. However navigating in urban environment can be stressful at times and the routes are not always straightforward. Large parks have plenty of space to enjoy nature, but the main paths are often crowded and traffic can be heard nearly everywhere. I loved to see few smaller squares and parks in city centre opening up for public in recent years. I sometimes felt unwelcomed outside city centre, yet again few people stopped to help me. Some paths lacked facilities such as fresh drinking water or toilets. If not to account these few issues, London’s urban forrest is very special city environment and I hope more people will choose London as nature walking destination.
Next: I would explore certain area, instead of taking linear path. London has lot of cultural variety and North feels completely different than South or Docklands. I would love to take time discovering different areas in depth as each area is unique.
