Each yuletide season, the Ramblers Association host a number of free walks — an opportunity to lure in prospective new members and for the rest of us, to force ourselves to walk off some of the Xmas excesses.
Chosen and led by Ramblers and Walking for Health volunteers, the walks aim to showcase Britain at its wintry best. Many of the walks are short and family-friendly, although there are always plenty of longer walks for the seasoned hiker too.
Although I personally prefer rambling alone with my thoughts, as I am also a quite lazy person who might wake up one morning and say “sod it”, I do find organised events a very good way of committing myself to getting out and doing something.
A look at their website shows a number of walks happening in the London area.
The walks are free, and most are just turn up and go.
Saturday 21st December
A linear walk of about 11 miles to Blackheath station via parts of the Green Chain Walk and The Thames Path.
Walking across Leyton Flats, towards Wanstead Park and then onto Valentines Park, ending at Valentines Mansion and café. Return by bus or tube
Chigwell – Explore local countryside.
Grange Hill station for circular walk including Chigwell and Chigwell Row.
Hampstead and Highgate Circular
Visiting Hampstead Heath and Highgate Village where there will be an extended refreshment stop, affording time to visit part of Highgate Cemetery (small admission charge).
Meet at High Barnet tube station for a Christmas walk and drink.
Sunday 22nd December
Hawkmoors London Churches walk
11 mile walk starting at Greenwich passing the six London Churches wholly designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor (1661-1736).
Linear walk. Almost flat. Cafe or picnic lunch.
Thurs 26th December
A linear walk to Chingford.
Friday 27th December
Greenwich to Thames Barrier via Blackheath
Moderate walk through South East London’s parkland, including Greenwich Park, Blackheath, Woolwich Common & Charlton Park. Light refreshment stops may be possible – but bring packed lunch & drinks
Forest walk to High Beach with hills and views. Lunch – High Beach. Pub but café might not be open.
Saturday 28th December
Clapton / Walthamstow – Linear amble.
Paved marshland stroll to St James Street station.
Regents Canal walk: Limehouse to Chalk Farm
8 mile linear to Chalk Farm Station following the Regents Canal from Limehouse Basin via Victoria Park, Islington, Camden Lock and Primrose Hill.
Meet at Hacton Bridge for a circular walk in Hornchurch Country Park.
A flat and leisurely walk. Could be muddy. Coffee stop in Clissold Park.
Sunday 29th December
10 mile walk around the Hainault area.
At a moderate to fast pace, starting at Tower Bridge on the North bank and walking westwards along the riverside crossing the bridges for as long as we feel inclined and stopping for refreshment along the way.
Informative meander from Holborn to Charing Cross via Bloomsbury, Soho, St James, Westminster and The Royal Festival Hall.
A stroll via the Regent’s Canal and Victoria Park to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The walk – jointly with Blackheath Ramblers – should take around 2.5 hours.
A linear walk of about 4 miles (2½ hours) from Islington to Hackney Wick.
Monday 30th December
From Mile End to Little Venice along the Regent’s Canal
Walk passes Victoria Park, Islington, Camden Market, London Zoo and St. John’s Wood, finishing at Little Venice.
Wednesday 1st January
Meet Temple underground station. There will be a lunch break at a place to be decided. Pub or cafe or bring your own refreshments if you prefer.
9 mile linear walk. Some undulation. Cafe lunch. Finish Richmond station.
Victoria park and the Lea valley.
Meet at Bethnal Green Underground Station for linear walk to Walthamstow. Pub stop.
Meet at the car park in Harold Wood Park for a ramble in the Thames Chase.
Thursday 2nd January
Circular Trail through Epping Forest
11 mile walk with lunch at Copthall Green.
Saturday 4th January
Meet at Westminster Station for a walk through Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden finishing at Embankment Station.
Linear walk via Canonbury and Highbury.
Meet at Holloway Road for linear walk to Barbican via Canonbury and Highbury. Pub stop at end.
Monsters, Spas and a Passsage to India
Linear walk from Crystal Palace to Streatham Common via Crystal Palace Park, Beulah Spa open space, Norwood Grove, the Rookery and Streatham Common.
This walk goes through Petts Wood woods, to Chislehurst Common and on to Scadbury Park, and back.
Sunday 5th January
12 Mile linear to Finsbury Park Station over undulating terrain following the Green London Way via Hampstead Garden Suburb, Hampstead Heath, Hampstead village, Kenwood and Highgate
Easy paced walk along Putney Embankment, Putney Common, Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Cafe or picnic lunch: Wimbledon windmill.
Classic Greenwich and Blackheath
A linear walk of about 4½ -.5 miles (3 hours) with some climbs, through classic Greenwich and Blackheath.
