Some of the best hiking trails near London include the South Downs Way, accessible by a 1.5-hour train from London Victoria to Winchester or Eastbourne; the Chiltern Hills, reachable via a 40-minute train to Henley-on-Thames; and Epping Forest, which is a short 30-minute tube ride from central London. These trails offer a range of distances and terrain suitable for day hikes or longer walks, with clear public transport connections and well-marked paths.
Day hikes and weekend trips with easy public transport access from London.
Convenient train and tube links allow quick access to varied countryside landscapes without needing a car.
Some trails, like the South Downs Way, require multiple days to complete fully, so day hikers must choose shorter sections.
The Lea Valley Walk, accessible by train to Waltham Cross, offers a mostly flat route along the River Lea suitable for easy walking closer to London.
Map of London
London is often associated with its historic landmarks and busy streets, but it also serves as an excellent starting point for many countryside hikes. Within an hour or so by train, you can find yourself walking through ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil villages. This guide provides detailed practical information on some of the best hiking trails near London, with tips on how to get there, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Top Tours for Hiking and Outdoor Adventures Near London
Hand-picked tours — top pick first, then sorted by price.
Hike London (2-part tour with Borough Market Lunchbreak)
- Experience the major landmarks of London on foot with an expert local guide.
- Meet fellow travelers and locals while engaging in an active exploration of the city.
Explore The Cotswolds: Private Day Trip from London
- Knowledgeable driver guides share rich local history and stories.
- Opportunity to visit hidden gems and lesser-known villages off the typical tourist path.
Private Guided FullDay Downton Abbey Tour
- Experience the English countryside through the lens of Downton Abbey.
- Visit iconic filming locations, including Highclere Castle and picturesque Cotswold villages.
Self-guided electric bike tour of Kent
- Opportunity to visit historic sites like Sissinghurst Castle Garden and local vineyards.
- Comfortable electric bikes make cycling accessible for all skill levels.
- 100% ticket guaranteeReceive tickets on time for the experience you’ve booked.
- Free cancellation*Get a refund if your plans change — most options up to 24h before.
- Instant mobile ticketShow your ticket on your phone — no printing needed, confirmed instantly.
What is the South Downs Way and how can I hike it from London?
The South Downs Way is a 160-kilometer long-distance trail stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, passing through chalk hills, farmland, and seaside views. It is accessible via train from London Victoria, with day hikes possible on shorter sections.
The entire South Downs Way usually requires several days to complete, but shorter sections are ideal for day trips. For instance, you could take a 1.5-hour train from London Victoria to Winchester or Eastbourne and start from either end. The trail passes through rolling chalk landscapes, quaint villages such as Amberley, and features sea views near Eastbourne. The terrain is mostly gentle but includes some steep ascents, especially near the coast.
Many hikers favour walking sections between Lewes and Eastbourne, which feature the famous Seven Sisters cliffs. Expect well-marked paths and occasional stiles. Facilities along the route include pubs and small shops in villages like Alfriston.
Trains from London Victoria run frequently, and single tickets to Winchester or Eastbourne typically cost £15 to £25 depending on advance booking. For planning multi-day hikes, local B&Bs are available along the route. For trail maps and accommodation options, check the official South Downs National Park website.
See more day trip ideas from London
How can I get to Epping Forest and what hiking options are available?
Epping Forest is a large ancient woodland covering around 2,400 hectares, located just 30 minutes from central London by Underground, with diverse trails suitable for all abilities.
To reach Epping Forest, take the Central Line from central London to Loughton Station. From there, several walking routes are accessible, ranging from short loops to longer hikes of 10 kilometers or more. The forest smells of damp earth and pine, with birdsong often filling the air. You will pass serene ponds, moss-covered oaks, and open glades.
One recommended walk is from Loughton Station to High Beach, about 5 kilometers, which includes panoramic views from the forest ridge. The area is popular with families and dog walkers, with benches and picnic spots near the main car parks.
No entrance fees apply. The forest is open year-round from dawn until dusk. For a longer hiking day, combine trails to form loops from Loughton or Chingford stations. Nearby pubs like The Queen Victoria on Baldwins Hill offer hearty meals post-walk.
Check other hiking trails near London Official Epping Forest information
What hiking routes are available in the Chiltern Hills and how do I get there?
The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about an hour northwest of London, feature varied trails including the Ridgeway National Trail, with moderate hikes passing through hills and villages.
Trains from London Marylebone to Wendover take approximately 45 minutes, making it a convenient starting point. The 16-kilometer walk from Wendover to Tring is a popular day hike through rolling farmland and beech woodlands. The path undulates gently and leads past small villages such as Great Missenden, where Roald Dahl lived.
On clear days, the Chiltern Hills offer wide views across the countryside. The air carries the scent of wildflowers during summer and the faint rustle of leaves in autumn. Village pubs along the way provide chances to rest and refuel.
The Ridgeway Trail itself runs for 139 kilometers from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon, so you can easily extend your hike if time allows. Trains back to London run until late evening from Tring station.
Chiltern Hills AONB official site Guided hiking tours near London
What makes Box Hill a good hiking destination and how do I get there?
Box Hill is part of the North Downs with steep, challenging trails and panoramic views over the Surrey Hills, accessible by train from London Waterloo in under an hour.
The Box Hill Hike is an 8-kilometer loop starting from Box Hill & Westhumble Station, involving steep climbs and descents. The path takes you through chalk grasslands and woodland, with open viewpoints overlooking the River Mole valley. The area often has a fresh scent of wild thyme and grass, and the buzz of insects in summer.
The National Trust manages the site, with facilities including a café, toilets, and a visitor centre near the station. The trails are well signposted and suitable for hikers with moderate fitness.
Train tickets from London Waterloo cost around £15-£20 return. The trail is best tackled between March and October when the weather is mild.
Information on London Waterloo station National Trust: Box Hill
What is the High Weald Landscape Trail and how can I hike it from London?
The High Weald Landscape Trail covers 145 kilometers through woodlands, farmland, and historic villages between Horsham and Rye, with accessible day hikes from London.
A popular section runs from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge, about 8 kilometers of woodland and country roads. To reach Tunbridge Wells, take a 60-minute train from London Charing Cross. The trail is marked with green acorn symbols and passes through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The atmosphere includes scents of pine and damp leaf litter, along with the occasional call of woodland birds. Small tea rooms and inns along the route provide refreshment.
The trail is open year-round; spring and early autumn offer the best weather. Walking boots are recommended due to occasional muddy patches.
Getting to London Charing Cross station High Weald Landscape Trail details
What hiking opportunities does Ashdown Forest provide and how do I reach it?
Ashdown Forest, about 50 kilometers south of London, has heathland and woodland trails inspired by the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, with routes suitable for families and casual hikers.
Access is via train to East Grinstead (about 1 hour from London Bridge), followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the forest. The Pooh Walks include routes between 5 and 10 kilometers that pass by landmarks like Poohsticks Bridge and various viewpoints.
The forest smells of dry heather and pine resin, with open areas where you can see wide skies. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle hills, making it accessible for children and less experienced hikers.
Open year-round from dawn to dusk, Ashdown Forest has no entrance fees. Some car parks charge a small fee (£3-£5).
What can I expect from hiking Leith Hill near London?
Leith Hill is the highest point in southeast England at 294 meters, with a 9-kilometer moderate circular hike starting near Dorking, featuring panoramic views and a historic tower.
Reach Leith Hill by taking a train from London Waterloo to Dorking (about 55 minutes), then a short local bus or taxi to the base of the hill. The climb is steady but manageable, winding through woodland and open fields.
At the summit, the Leith Hill Tower features 360-degree views extending to the English Channel on clear days. The tower café sells tea and cakes, providing a restful spot after the ascent. The air here is often fresh with the scent of pine and damp earth.
The hike usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace. No entrance fee applies, and parking is available nearby if arriving by car.
London Waterloo station details Surrey County Council: Leith Hill
How far is the Cotswolds from London and what hiking options does it provide?
The Cotswolds, about 90 minutes by train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, feature rolling hills and historic villages along the 164-kilometer Cotswold Way long-distance path.
While the full Cotswold Way takes about 10 days to complete, many day hikes are possible for those short on time. Popular sections include the stretch between Broadway and Stanton, passing through honey-coloured stone villages and gentle hills.
The landscape is dotted with sheep, dry stone walls, and wildflowers in summer. Local inns and tea rooms serve traditional fare such as cream teas and pies, ideal for a post-walk meal.
The best seasons for hiking here are spring through early autumn, when days are longer and weather is milder. Accommodation options range from country hotels to guesthouses in the villages.
London Paddington station information National Trails: Cotswold Way
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“The South Downs Way is a great way to see both the countryside and the coast without straying too far from London. Many local walkers prefer the stretch between Lewes and Eastbourne for its manageable terrain and access to village pubs. For Epping Forest, the best advice is to visit early in the day during weekdays if you want quieter paths, especially in spring when the bluebells bloom. The forest paths can be muddy after rain, so durable footwear is essential.”
