London has been named one of the UK's best hiking spots

Hiking trails probably aren’t the first thing you think of when it comes to London. But believe it or not, London has been named one of England’s best hiking spots.

The city, probably best known for the underground, black cabs, and red buses, has been crowned one of the best places to walk in the country.

The UK capital was named the seventh-best spot for hiking in England, beating places such as Swindon, Bristol, and Chelmsford. The top spots were taken by Brighton, Plymouth, and Derby, respectively.

In addition to this, London was rated as the MOST popular hiking spot on social media, with 258,602 posts.

The data comes from a credible source, Blacks Outdoor compared the 55 biggest towns and cities in England and gave them a score out of 10. It calculated an average trail score for each city based on the number of easy, hard, wildlife, dog-friendly, and other walking routes.

Unsurprisingly London scored highly for walks with water views and for walks that are deemed ‘moderately difficult’. The capital also scored well for hikes with access-friendly restaurants and dog-friendly trails. It has an overall hiking score of 8.84 out of 10.

It lost percentage points for lack of ‘hard’ walking trails and trails with 1,000m+ elevation gain (we are not complaining...)

Blacks says: “London offers a unique hiking experience where urban life meets nature. Despite being a bustling metropolis, the city has plenty of green spaces and river paths that provide a peaceful retreat.

“Hiking here means walking through vast parks filled with ancient trees, open meadows, and occasional wildlife while within the city’s iconic skyline.”

Best hiking routes in London

1. Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill

Distance: 6-8 km (various routes)

Highlights: Panoramic views of the city from Parliament Hill, woodlands, meadows, and swimming ponds.

Why go? Hampstead Heath provides a mix of forest trails, open fields, and some of the best natural viewpoints in London.

2. Epping Forest

Distance: 10-15 km (various trails)

Highlights: Ancient woodlands, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Why go? Epping Forest offers a wilder experience with dense forests, hidden trails, and even historical landmarks like Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.

3. Richmond Park & Isabella Plantation

Distance: 7-10 km

Highlights: Free-roaming deer, vast green spaces, and the beautifully landscaped Isabella Plantation.

Why go? A perfect mix of open parkland and wooded trails, Richmond Park feels like a countryside escape within the city.

4. Box Hill (Surrey Hills)

Distance: 8-10 km

Highlights: Stunning views from the summit, stepping stones crossing the River Mole, and challenging uphill sections.

Why go? Just outside London, Box Hill offers some of the best hikes with rewarding views and a more rugged terrain.

5. Wimbledon Common & Putney Heath

Distance: 5-8 km

Highlights: Tranquil woodlands, ponds, and historic windmill.

Why go? Less crowded than Richmond Park, this area offers peaceful walks through forested trails and open heathland.