Where to Walk: The Top London Trails Ranked by Distance and Difficulty

London’s summer walkers have more choice than ever, with a new citywide guide rating the capital’s top trails by distance and difficulty—just in time for step-counters and fitness fans keen to beat the July crowds.

Urban exercise surged steadily since lockdown, but with the recent expansion of the TfL Cycle Superhighways and Royal Parks conditioning new footpaths, London’s green spaces draw record numbers each week. And as Parkrun and NHS walking programs remind us, tailoring walks to ability and ambition is vital to keeping people moving—especially for those managing health conditions or coming back to exercise after a break.

Easy Strolls and Quick Loops

For a gentle start, the Inner Circle in Regent’s Park offers a well-maintained 2km loop around Queen Mary’s Gardens, lit by lanterns in the evening and flat enough for every age and ability. A little further east, Victoria Park’s 4.3km perimeter path is beloved by casual walkers and buggy-pushing parents; it’s even fully step-free after the 2023 accessibility update. Parkrun events here take place every Saturday at 9am, attracting hundreds of locals and providing route marshals for those keen to add a social element.

Many walkers prefer the shaded avenues of Hampstead Heath, with moderate undulation along the 6km Capital Ring stretch between Highgate and Hampstead Lane. This section rewards with Parliament Hill’s famous cityscape view—but anyone after a true test should look to the Heath Extension’s sandy tracks, frequently used by local running clubs for their hill training.

Long Distance Challenges

Intermediate and advanced walkers often set sights on the Thames Path, where the 11km stretch from Putney Bridge to Richmond locks first-timers with its riverside scenery and historic boathouses. The ground alternates between tarmac and hard-packed earth, and the section between Hammersmith and Barnes was resurfaced last spring. For extra challenge, hikers can link this route to the South Bank’s Jubilee Greenway, pushing total distance to 20km without leaving the city proper.

The full London LOOP trail, circling the outskirts, puts serious legs to the test. The 242km route is split into 24 segments, but South Londoners often target the 12.8km section from Petts Wood to Hamsey Green—marked by woodland inclines and signed with distinctive blue badges. Locals recommend comfortable shoes, as this segment can stay muddy for weeks after summer rain.

Data from London Parks and Gardens Trust shows a 28% rise in year-round trail use in 2025, with 64% of surveyed walkers saying they want clearer wayfinding and difficulty ratings on signage and local websites. The new interactive map on the Royal Parks website, launched in April, lets users filter recommended walks by time, distance and elevation—including wheelchair-friendly options.

Outdoor exercise retains its popularity as the city prepares for next week’s Big Step London campaign, coordinated with NHS GPs to encourage walking as preventative medicine. Organisers expect at least 15,000 Londoners to take part, pushing for one million collective steps recorded on the Stride London app by the campaign’s close on 12 July. For now, trail maps are free at local park cafés or downloadable from Parkrun’s and Royal Parks’ websites. And with forecasted cool mornings ahead, there’s no better time to lace up.