Trying to find a good trail running route in London might feel like the equivalent of trying to find a seat during rush-hour on the tube. London is, after all, one of the most populous cities in Europe. It’s also, thankfully, blessed with amazing parks, commons and forests: 20% of the city is, in fact, made up of publicly accessible green space.
Consequently, the London-based trail runner need not leave the M25 to enjoy the rugged and remote. Look in the right places, and the English capital is far greener and wilder than most imagine.
But where are these trails? And which is right for you? Read our eight-strong list below for inside info on the capital’s best off-road routes.
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(For the purposes of this article, we’re looking at specific walking/running routes, rather than pointing out that, say, Hampstead Heath and Wimbledon Common are lovely spots for a trail run. Because you know that already, right?)
The London Loop
Distance: 150 miles
Start/end: Erith/Purfleet
Maps: here
Described as “the M25 for walkers”, but better thought of as London’s very own UTMB, the London Loop is, to our minds, the capital’s greatest trail. Underused with some questionable signage, it offers the runner the chance to enjoy splendid isolation inside the M25. Over the course of its 150 miles, you’ll take in some of the city’s greatest, unheralded green spaces, including the Addington Hills in the south and Havering-atte-Bower in the north. Complete the whole thing and you won’t just be a better trail runner – you’ll never see London in the same way again.
The Capital Ring
Distance: 78 miles
Start/end: Woolwich/Beckton
Maps: here
The London Loop’s little brother, the Capital Ring scores points for its varied terrain and easy accessibility: its loop spends most of its time in Zones 2 and 3, where a lot of Londoners live. Though it lacks the remoteness of the Loop and, by necessity, is only about 50% trail, it’s very pretty – particularly south of the river. If you’re only going to run one bit of it, the stretch from Wimbledon Common to Richmond Park is particularly nice.
Epping Forest Centenary Walk
Distance: 15 miles
Start/end: Manor Park/Epping
Maps: here
Here’s a handsome under-the-radar one for those looking to explore the trails of north-east London. Starting in Manor Park, the route gets progressively more rural (and hilly) as you make your way through the south-east tentacles of Epping Forest. You will actually cross the M25 and venture OUTSIDE of London if you complete the whole route. But rest assured, Londoners, Epping is on the tube so the return journey is very straightforward.
The Vanguard Way
Distance: 66 miles
Start/end: Croydon/Newhaven
Maps: here
A great trail in Croydon? Actually, there are many. This one, though, gains points for its easy accessibility – it starts from well-connected East Croydon station. If you’re looking to get a sense of how rural and remote London can be, the Vanguard Way provides the proof. It’s possible to spend several hours on the trail and encounter less than a handful of other walkers/runners. The full route extends all the way to Newhaven on the south coast, but the stretch from East Croydon to Oxted (just outside the M25) is a beaut.
Epping Forest
Distance: 15 miles
Start/end: Chingford
Map: here
London’s great forest is a mecca for urban trail runners, so is worthy of two mentions. This route is very different to the one above and is used for the legendary Orion 15 race, which takes in some of its best bits of the forest. Be warned: it is seriously hilly and, depending on the weather, extremely muddy. But if you’re looking to challenge yourself on terrain that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the English capital, this takes some beating.
Thames Down Link
Distance: 15 miles
Start/end: Kingston-upon-Thames/Box Hill
Map: here
Starting in the attractive market town of Kingston-upon-Thames, this underused route winds its way to the magnificent Box Hill in Surrey, taking in pretty rivers, parkland, overgrown paths and, towards the end, some chunky elevation. Signage is unreliable, particularly at the start, so you’ll want to download a GPS of the route, but the payoff is sections of genuine isolation.
Hillingdon Trail
Distance: 20 miles
Start/end: Cranford/Harefield
Map: here
Things get pretty rural out in the ‘Metroland’ of Hillingdon. This 20-mile route is a celebration of some of the north-west London borough’s ample green spaces. It combines sections of other walks – London Loop, Chess Valley, Colne Valley and Grand Union Canal – but has its own identity and takes in attractive nature reserves, parklands and canals. Signage can be a little short on the ground, so keep your wits about you.
Smog Graham Round
Distance: 184 miles
Start/end: Up to you
Map: here
The role of extreme bias should not be overlooked here as I, dear reader, created this route. But hear me out as it’s a good’un: a circumnavigation of the highest points in all 32 London boroughs. London’s answer to the Bob Graham Round, it’s been constructed to be as green and runner-friendly as is practically possible. The south-of-the-river section probably edges it in terms of scenery. Like the idea of taking in a London summit but don’t want to do the whole route? You sound sensible. The location of each individual summit can be found here.
