The best walking routes in London – where to go as the weather improves

The sun is out, a long bank holiday is looming and summer is just around the corner.

As things head into brighter months and longer days, a stroll around the capital could be just what the doctor ordered.

London is full of beauty spots perfect for this.

From an instagrammable art route to urban nature trails teaming with wildlife and hill climbs with magnificent views of the capital, we’ve curated a list of the best walking routes in London below.

• Read more: 5 scenic country walks you can reach by train from London

Here’s what we have found:

Where? Stratford, E20 2ST

Fancy a stroll with a side of art? No worries, we have you covered.

Taking a leisurely meander from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Greenwich Peninsula will tick your boxes.

Head to east London to walk The Line. Heralded as London’s first contemporary art walk, The Line gives you the chance to see installations and sculptures by contemporary artists.

Organisers say: “The Line is an experience. It is a space for discovery and adventure, as well as quiet contemplation. The seasons and tides are always changing. Every visit is unique. Spend time on The Line. It’s yours to explore.”

To find out more, visit: the-line.org

Where? Glass Yard, Woolwich, SE18 6DX

Forget the Circle Line, TFL has come up with a circular walking route around London called the Capital Ring Walk. Split into 15 easy-to-walk sections, it covers 78 miles of nature reserves, open space and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest. There’s likely to be a start point near you, just look out for large aluminium signs featuring the walking man symbol. In open spaces, you can follow the route by looking for a white disc on a wooden post with the Big Ben logo and an arrow.

To find out more, visit: innerlondonramblers.org.uk/ideasforwalks/capital-ring-guides.html

Where? Finsbury Park, N4 3JP

The Parkland Walk is now officially London’s longest local nature reserve, which makes it one of the best walks to spot wildlife.

Forget the normal pigeons London is famous for, we are talking much rarer species. Depending on the time of year, you’ll share your walk with hedgehogs, foxes and even muntjac deer. The leafy 4km route follows a disused railway line that used to connect Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace.

To find out more, visit: parkland-walk.org.uk/

Where? St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ

There are 90 plaques in the ground around this memorial walk, which covers four parks, three palaces and two mansions.

Check off four of eight royal parks as you wander through St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens as part of this wondrous stroll.

This is also a great place to take the kids as there is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground complete with pirate ship, teepees and sculptures, all inspired by the magical adventures of Peter Pan.

To find out more, visit: royalparks.org.uk/diana-princess-wales-memorial-walk

Where? Richmond, TW10 7RS

Starting at Richmond station, this 4.5 mile walk should take between an hour- and-a-half to two hours and will lead you through Richmond Park to King Henry's Mound where, on a clear day, you can see St Paul’s Cathedral. From here, you’ll continue on to Ham Avenues and Ham House – a 17th Century National Trust building with pretty gardens – before returning to Richmond. If you have time, it’s well worth a detour in Richmond Park to have a picnic at Isabella Plantation – 40 acres of lush woodland and gardens.

To find out more, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/

Where?Hampstead, NW5 1QR

This 6.5 mile, three-hour walk begins and ends at Hampstead underground station on the Northern Line. It explores some of London’s best-loved places, passing by Highgate Cemetery and stopping on the top of Parliament Hill where you can take in some stunning views over the capital.

To find out more, visit: haringey.gov.uk/

Where?Leicester Square, WC2H 7DE

A walk that celebrates all the best bits of London, the Jubilee Greenway was completed in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic Games. The route is 60km long – one kilometre for each year of the Queen’s reign - and starts at Buckingham Palace, passing landmarks like Kensington Palace, Regents Park, Camden Market and the Thames Barrier. TFL has split the walk up into 10 sections so you can take your pick.

To find out more, visit: tfl.gov.uk/

Where?Dulwich, SE26 6LT

To truly feel like you’re ‘getting out’ of London while still technically being in London, head to Sydenham Hill Wood and follow Cox’s Walk. The wood forms part of the largest remaining tract of the old Great North Wood and is home to more than 200 species of trees and plants as well a hidden Victorian folly which is a marvel when found. An old railway line cuts through the wood and you can follow the track to a disused tunnel – now a registered bat roost.

To find out more, visit: wildlondon.org.uk/

Where? across London.

While the whole Thames Path is 184 miles long, starting at its source in the Cotswolds, walking sections of the path can be a great way be an accidental tourist for the day. The best and most central section of the path is between Albert Bridge and Tower Bridge, where you’ll walk past the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern and Tower of London. For a quieter section, try Tower Bridge to Greenwich, finishing with a picnic in Greenwich Park at the end.

To find out more, visit: tfl.gov.uk/

Where? outer London.

Looping around London’s borders, this 150-mile route has (helpfully) been split into 24 sections, each around 6.2 miles long. The walks are mostly flat or gentle slopes and it combines open spaces with walks past historic buildings like Hall Place and Black Jack's Lock & Mill.

To find out more, visit: tfl.gov.uk/

Where? South London.

One for South London lovers, this 50 mile walk can be divided into 11 sections, taking you from Thamesmead to Nunhead as it winds through the leafy hills of South East London. Look out for the 18^th century Gothic folly at Severndroog Castle and check out the formidable Thames Barrier for yourself.

To find out more, visit: tfl.gov.uk/