Best hikes in and around London

Hiking is a family-friendly activity and a great way to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy the countryside. London has some fantastic scenery for hikers of all abilities, from the steep hills and chalk cliffs to the peaceful country walk in the dense forests.

Many hiking trails are within an hour or two’s drive to where you are staying or visiting London. You can also hop on a train with your hiking boots and make it a day hike.

If you’re tackling a hike in London, don’t be afraid to drop your bags off at Luggage storage London. They are conveniently located near all major train stations, and you can book an appointment by simply visiting their website.

Here we have rounded up the best walks in and around London, which take in historic and ancient sites and some surprising delights that you may never have considered.

While returning from your hike, you can pick up your left luggage at Kings Cross Station at a reasonable fee.

Seven Sisters Cliff Walk

The Seven Sisters is a long-distance route from Newhaven to Eastbourne on the southern coast of England. The trail, sometimes referred to as the Pilgrims’ Way, is approximately 13 and a half miles. The majority of the route traverses through stunning chalk cliffs formed in the Ice Age.

Leading from the town of Seaford to the ruins and wildlife of Dungeness, the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk is one of Britain’s best-loved and most difficult trails.

Chess Valley Walk 

This lovely, slightly over ten-mile trek will take four hours to complete. Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire are all bordered by the Chess River. The stroll takes you through beautiful countryside with various sights and stops. The hike begins in Amersham and continues upstream to Latimer.

This garden is well worth seeing, set in a spectacular riverside setting, so don’t forget to pack light for this trail and bring the right hiking gear. The route then continues along the river taking you out of Chesham and past several places of historical interest such as Hursley House and then through Great Missenden.

Box Hill circular

Box Hill is a small town in Surrey, around 30 minutes outside London. The circular path is about 9 miles (15 kilometers) long and takes four hours to complete. You’ll break a sweat in a few of the more challenging areas. You should be in good shape for this excursion because there are no benches on the trail and only five opportunities to relax.

Epping Forest Oak Trail

Close to London but feels lightyears away, the Oak Trail hike is a two-hour series of accessible trails. This trail begins at Theydon Bois Station and meanders through open fields, Iron Age earthworks, and the Epping Forest. Starting from Theydon Bois Station, walk down Station Road for about 300 meters, then turn left at the T-junction. The entrance to the forest lies on your left.