There are some great trail runs near the centre of London. Here we give you some ideas to escape the urban, and find the trails. Here are our must visit areas for trail runners based in London.
In a follow-up to our Trail Runs Near London, we wanted to add some more ideas, particularly if you don’t want to go too far from the city centre, in fact we have come up with five green spaces where you don’t have to go outside the M25. This really is a great time of year to escape urban life and discover some new trails. Don’t forget to gear up for the weather and be prepared to get muddy but also have a lot of fun.
Epping Forest
This is a huge area of ancient woodland covering 6,000 acres, making it London’s largest open space. There is a great mix of trails with circular loops and the ability to make your run be as long or as short as you need. The area is easily reached by Tube (Central Line to Loughton) or by car. See more information here.
Lea Valley
Head over to East London and then take one of the canal paths up to Lea Valley. From here you can follow riverside paths, marshes, and reservoirs, covering a green space which is 26 miles in length, all of which create a surprisingly wild feel given it’s inside the M25. See more information here.
Hainault Forest
Another great place to explore trails within the M25 but at the same time provides some beautiful trails within its 414 acres. There are marked trails, a visitor centre, café and good parking. Take the tube to Hainault station and from there a bus. See more information here.
Oxleas Wood
Part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich is the smallest of our recommended spots at 178 acres. Marked paths, cafes and a visitor centre make for great access. You can get public transport out to Shooters Hill or use the parking nearby. See more information here.
Richmond Park
We thought we would save this one until last as it’s probably the most well-known and large at 2,500 acres, this makes it one of the largest parks in an urban setting in Europe. There are so many trails passing lakes and over hills and it must be on your list if you haven’t been there yet! The nearest tube stop is Richmond on the District Line. See more information here.
Written by Karin – Running Guide
