Written by CLIFTON WILKINSON
Blessed with dozens of green spaces and waterways, London offers many excellent opportunities for putting those running shoes on and getting out to enjoy the city at a slightly breathless pace.
Some routes take you past the capital’s most famous sights. Others provide a look at London from a more local perspective. Here are seven of the best.
Westminster to
Tower Bridge
From the tube station, follow the Embankment along the north side of the river. You’ll pass under several bridges and by impressive buildings before reaching the 950-year-old Tower of London.
Cross Tower Bridge, follow the signs to not get lost around London Bridge and then you’re on the fully pedestrianized home stretch.
Check off Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern and the London Eye before heading over Westminster Bridge for the end.
STATS
Start/Finish: Westminster tube station.
Distance: 10km.
Why? Riverside loop that checks off iconic London sights.
When? Avoid the crowds by running early morning or in the evening.
St James’s Park to Hyde Park
Start in St James’s Park, a green space dating back centuries (the pelicans were introduced in 1664), before heading up The Mall, London’s main ceremonial thoroughfare, toward Buckingham Palace.
After a quick bow/curtsy, enter Green Park and head for its northwest corner where you run under the Wellington Arch (named after the Napoleon-defeating British duke) and into Hyde Park.
Jog along the Serpentine lake towards another royal abode, Kensington Palace, and the end of the route.
STATS
Start/Finish: St James’s Park tube
station/Queensway tube station.
Distance: 6km.
Why? Enjoy the fresh air of three of London’s Royal Parks.
When? Any time; on Sundays The Mall is closed to traffic.
Up hill to
Hampstead Heath
Get the hard part out of the way and head straight up Parliament Hill. Your reward is a famously spectacular panorama across the whole of London.
Wind your way north along the paths and through woodland to Kenwood House, an 18th-century mansion free to visit and with a fine art collection.
From here it’s a case of choosing your own path back to the train station – or cool down with a quick swim in one of the natural ponds that dot the heath (men’s, women’s and mixed available).
STATS
Start/Finish: Hampstead Heath overground station.
Distance: 5km.
Why? One of London’s best green spaces is a bit of wilderness in the city.
When? Sunrise or sunset for views from Parliament Hill.