It's no secret that there are plenty of excellent walks in London, but you can only wander so far before ending up back in a busy city environment. Sometimes you really want to escape into the countryside, and there's no better way to see the surrounding areas of our capital than by heading on a hike through its forests, rivers and coastal paths.
From Kent to Surrey and Buckinghamshire, there's plenty to be discovered when you step beyond Zone 6. We've rounded up the very best country walks near London, all accessible within less than two hours on the train - though you can easily get there by car as well.
The Very Best Walks Near London
Oak Trail, Epping Forest
Length: 6.6 miles
Start and end at: Theydon Bois station (on the Central line)
Epping Forest is an expansive forest made up of over 6,000 acres of ancient woodland, found just north of London in Essex. There are countless routes to discover here, but the Oak Trail is one of the most popular, and particularly accessible thanks to handy green-labelled posts along the way.
This trail takes you across the M25, through historic trees that have grown huge crows over the years. On the way, you'll pass by a deer sanctuary, as well as Iron Age earthworks - where it's rumoured that Boudicca once battled the Romans.
Get lost in woodland at Epping Forest.
Thanet Coastal Path
Length: 9.8 miles
Start and end at: Margate and Ramsgate Stations (both with trains from St Pancras International, Charing Cross and London Victoria)
Possibly the best walking route near London for sightseeing, this part of the Kent coast is flush with gorgeous views of the sea and beautiful Victorian architecture. The Thanet Coastal Path stretches for 20 miles, but a more manageable chunk is the distance from Margate to Ramsgate, or vice versa, both buzzing towns that promise plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat afterwards.
Choose between walking along the top of the chalk cliffs or along the promenades at the edge of the beach. You'll pass rock pools, smuggler's caves and stunning stretches of sand - and be sure to bring your swimming stuff for a dip to cool you off. And if you don't fancy committing to the whole walk, you can cut it short in the quaint town of Broadstairs and get the train back from there instead.
This has to be one of the most gorgeous coastal walks near London.
The Seven Sisters
Length: Up to 13.5 miles
Start and end at: Seaford or Eastbourne (trains from Victoria)
Though this can be one of the most challenging walks, a trip to Seven Sisters in Sussex is well worth it. The stunning white chalk cliffs make for an Instagram-worthy view, with a bed of grass across the top to stroll along.
There are multiple routes to choose from, many of which are the full 13.5 miles from Seaford to Eastbourne. However, you can also create your own loop for something a little shorter, or finish at East Dean instead. There are plenty of pretty sights to take in as well, from Birling Gap to Beachy Head.
These towering cliffs are the closest you'll get to mountain hikes near London.
Devil's Dyke
Length: 10.6 miles
Start and end at: Hassocks (trains from Victoria)
Located in Sussex, Devil's Dyke is one of the best day hikes from London by train. The circular ramble takes you through some of the county's most fascinating historical sites, from remains of Iron Age forts to the former site of Victorian funfairs.
This does involve a climb up steep hills, but you'll be rewarded with some of the finest views in the South East. It's also a popular spot for kite-flying and hang gliding, and you'll pass National Trust-owned Saddlescombe Farm which comes with a cafe. And to make the distance a little shorter, you can take the 270 bus from Hassocks to Pyecombe and begin there instead.
Stop off at Saddlescombe Farm for National Trust walks near London.
Ivinghoe Beacon And Chiltern Hills
Length: 9 miles
Start and end at: Tring Station (trains from Euston)
The Chilterns are a gorgeous area to the north west of London, easily accessible from Tring station. Begin by ascending 233 metres to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon, where you'll enjoy great views of the area, before exploring the site of both an early Iron Age Fort and an ancient signal point.
Follow the path through the picturesque Chiltern Hills, passing the Ashridge Estate and its forests. You can then descend to the traditional village of Aldbury, where you'll find cafes, pubs and an ice cream van in the summer.
Chiltern Hills are home to some of the best walks near London by train.
Box Hill
Length: 6.8 miles (though it varies depending on route)
Start and end at: Box Hill and Westhumble station (trains from Victoria)
Situated in the Surrey Hills, just outside the M25, Box Hill is a location that's popular among both cyclists and walkers. This is quite a hilly hike, as you might expect from the name, but there are various routes you take to make it suitable for all abilities and energy levels.
Most trails include the famous stepping stones across the River Mole, and it's well worth climbing all the way to the top for brilliant views over the North Downs. There's also a cafe at the top of box Hill itself, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks to keep you fuelled.
You can see it all from Box Hill.
Goring Gap, Thames Path
Length: 5 miles
Start and end at: Goring & Streatley station and Pangbourne station (trains from London Paddington)
Situated just beyond Reading, Goring Gap is perfect for those of you who are after more of a gentle pace. The five-mile route takes you from Goring to Pangbourne, though you could easily make it a loop from one or the other.
The entire Thames Path spans a whopping 184 miles, following the river as it flows south through the Berkshire Downs and the tree-filled Chilterns. Meander through meadows full of wildflowers, wooded sections and the Hartslock Nature Reserve, before stopping off at a country pub.
Follow the Thames out of the city when you visit Goring Gap.
The Cam, Cambridge
Length: 7.8 miles (though it varies depending on route)
Start and end at: Cambridge station (trains from King's Cross or Liverpool Street)
If you're after a walk that's part city and part countryside, why not embark on this route along the River Cam. You'll begin in the picturesque Cambridge, and you can finish there too to explore their many great bars and restaurants.
The beauty of this amble is you can make it as long as you like, and you're never too far from the city. You're also bound to see rowers and other small boats heading up and down the river here, and this largely flat journey takes you through some seriously stunning nature.
Switch up the Thames for the River Cam.
Arundel Castle
Length: 8.5 miles
Start and end at: Arundel Train Station (trains from Victoria)
Arundel Castle is found close to the South coast, near Bognor Regis and Worthing. This imposing structure makes for the perfect centerpiece for your walk, and a circular route will take you all around it - so you can admire the castle and its grounds from every angle.
This trail also involves a stroll along the River Arun and the grand cathedral of Arundel. You'll head towards the charming village of South Stoke too, where you'll find an 11th century church and graveyard.
If you're after good walks near London for history fans, you'll love Arundel.
Richmond Park
Length: 8.5 miles (though it varies depending on route)
Start and end at: Richmond Train Station (trains from Waterloo and on the Mildmay line)
Though it's on the edge of our bustling capital, Richmond Park remains a wild, peaceful space that spans miles. Best known for the deer roaming the park, there's plenty of nature to be found here, and there are countless routes to explore across the green space.
It's just a short train journey from central London, with buses running to it as well. Richmond town is found at one end of the park, and the 17th century Ham House at the other, and if you climb up Henry's Mound you can catch a glimpse of Windsor Castle in the distance.
Richmond Park is beautiful at all times of year.
Henley And Hambleden
Length: 9.6 miles
Start and end at: Henley Train Station (trains from Paddington)
A picturesque region nestles on the edge of the Thames and just below the Chiltern Hills, Henley and Hambleden offers a great nine-mile hike. You'll see a diverse range of scenery on your route, passing boathouses, historic estates and even cricket pitches on the way.
The path begins by going through a rich forest, before following the river. This circular route allows you to appreciate Henley's elegant architecture, as well as the beautiful Hamlet of Hambleden.
Follow the river along this varied route.
Marlow
Length: 7 miles (though it varies depending on route)
Start and end at: Marlow station (trains from Paddington)
One of the most pleasant stretches of the Thames can be found in Marlow, a Georgian village on the edge of the Chilterns, west of London. This circular walk takes you not only through the village but around the countryside nearby too, featuring pretty meadows, wooded hills and historic houses.
Look out for Bisham Abbey too, where many of England's sports teams often train. And you'll finish up back in Marlow itself, where you'll find several enticing eateries - including the UK's only two Michelin-starred pub, The Hand & Flowers, run by Tom Kerridge.
See the Thames at its very best.
Fancy venturing further afield? Check out more great walks in the UK.
