London Walks

Posted by Cathy Smith Sep 21, 2009

London is one of the best major world cities for walking. There are huge parks, historic neighbourhoods and meandering canals. This is not a city that can boast grand boulevards like those in Paris, or the easy to negotiate grid plan of New York. This is a city where the streets meander and logic does not prevail.

In September 1666 a small fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane, alongside the River Thames. It quickly spread and within three days four-fifths of the City had burned down. This was London’s chance to re-build the City in an orderly, coherent manner. But this didn’t happen. Traders and merchants were too eager to get back to business and the new City reverted to its previous medieval street plan.

So, the opportunity to bring some order was missed and London today is not the easiest place to find your way around. However, there is an argument for this being a plus. It certainly makes exploring more interesting and turning corners into small quiet streets can bring its own pleasures, and surprises.

Below are a variety of walks to choose from.

• London - A Country Walk in the City
• London - Stroll Around Historic Bloomsbury
• London - Walk Along the Strand
• London Walk - Camden Town
• London Canal Walk - Mile End to Islington
• London - Explore Hampstead Heath