It’s time to run around the city. Leave your excuses at home and drag out those running shoes, because London has some great nature-friendly runs to satisfy that exercise craving. And if you check out the following list, you won’t even need to dodge traffic while stretching your legs. Start running!
Four Parks (Kensington, Hyde, Green, St. James’s)
Where to go? A running tour around Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, St. James’s Park and Green Park.
Where to start? Start at Royal Albert Hall and head west to Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’ Park and then back around.
What’s the distance? 11.6km
Best time of day? Around 11am when the Changing of the Guard is happening. Weekends see more crowds. Access to Kensington Gardens is restricted after sunset.
Quick tip: Enjoy the green parrots in Kensington Gardens, Victory Arch at Hyde Park Corner and the Canadian War Memorial in Green Park. This run is probably one of the most scenic in London. If you have more time on the weekends, try taking a family member or friend along with you. This route will fulfil all need for exercise amidst nature’s greenery.
Richmond Park
Where to go? Enter the park at Richmond Gate and the Tamsin Trail should be visible to you through the blue arrows. You run towards Sheen Gate past nicely trimmed trees to Roehampton Gate (toilets, bike hire and cafe options here), Robin Hood Gate (enjoy pockets of grassland and oak trees), Ladderstile Gate (this marks the start of the descent and is a pedestrian-only entrance), Kingston Gate (toilets available here), Ham Gate Pond and then back to the Pembroke Lodge. Here you can warm up and enjoy coffee or ice-cream as a reward for running hard!
Where to start? Pembroke Lodge
What’s the distance? 11.7km
Best time of day? Any time. They close at dusk and reopen at 7:30am (7am in summer).
Quick facts: Enjoy the moderate hills and check out spectacular views at King Henry’s Mound just north of Pembroke Lodge. You can head to Thames Park and explore more at the centre of the park. A word of caution: avoid touching or feeding deer, and if you’re running with a dog, don’t let them chase the deer. Parking is available at Pembroke Lodge.
Grand London Tour
Where to go? At Trafalgar Square, start running from the base of Nelson’s Column, over the pedestrian crossings and head south to Whitehall Street. Keep running on the right side of Whitehall Street and make your way to Parliament Square. Cross the square for a closer look at Westminster Abbey. If you’re not interested, turn left to the subway (toilets available if required).
Then head east, crossing Westminster Bridge. Stairs on your left take you to South Bank. Run past Waterloo Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge (check out the Tate Modern), Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Tower Bridge, where you take the stairs up from the Thames path. On the way back, check out St. Paul’s Cathedral near Blackfriars Bridge. Once you reach Golden Jubilee Bridge, a 500m run up Northumberland Avenue will take you back to Trafalgar Square.
Where to start ? Trafalgar Square
What’s the distance? 11.25km
Best time of day? Try running before 9am as this route sees lot of tourists. Watch for the one-way streets as footpaths can be really busy. Factor in a few photo ops. Paths are always open.
Quick facts: If you’re obsessed with shopping, this is the perfect route. You can run a few miles to the West End from Trafalgar Square to reach the shopping hubs of Regent and Oxford Streets. If you want to explore further, head east along Oxford Street to the theatre hub. Charing Cross Road will bring you back to Trafalgar Square. Don’t take the car as there is maximum traffic congestion and a lack of parking.
Victoria Park
Where to go? Historic Victoria ‘Vicky’ Park is a beautiful green, traffic-free space. You can get to Regent’s Canal and Mews Bridge from here. Regent’s Canal also has a path that’s good for running. You can run for over 14km from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin.
Where to start? Route starts from Crown Gate.
What’s the distance? 7.7km with 187ft of elevation
Best time of day? Early morning or early evening.
Quick facts: Tree-lined, paved paths with several cafes and, restrooms. The Pavilion Cafe near Crown Gate is a great refreshment stop after you’ve completed your run.
Battersea Park
Where to go? Battersea Park is an amazing location for running with its lush, constantly changing greenery. You can run around it, across it or through, past ponds and ducks. You can also run alongside the Thames or around the 3km Carriage Drive loop; or even work out on the running track at Millennium Arena.
Where to start? Battersea Park
What’s the distance? 2.9km with 63ft elevation
Best time of day? Daytime is safe, but after dark it can get tricky.
Quick facts: Battersea is one of the wildest parks in the city, with great views, where you can run for miles without needing to worry about traffic. Opened in 1854, it was originally known as Battersea Fields. Millennium Arena has an eight-lane track, fitness centre, tennis courts, exercise classes and changing/shower facilities available.
So now you know the best places to go, start running!
The post Stunning Runs Around London appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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