Hiking viewpoint from a wooden fence over green countryside hills near London

If you’re looking for easily accessible active outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered! London is surrounded by fantastic hiking trails that can be reached by public transport, sometimes in less than 30 minutes. From ancient woodlands to rolling hills, there is something for everyone. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore, just a stone’s throw away from the city.

Here are our top five hiking spots near London that you shouldn’t miss.

The Ouse Valley Viaduct

Train Station: Balcombe
Distance: 14km

The Ouse Valley Viaduct near Haywards Heath is an architectural marvel, its 37 arches seamlessly blending into the natural landscape around it. It was built in the mid-19th century as part of the London-Brighton railway and now stands as a monument to the industrial revolution’s influence on rural England.

Situated in rolling countryside, the viaduct also serves as a great starting point for the Ouse Valley Way, a trail taking you through various wildlife habitats and tiny villages. You’ll also come across secluded clearings and panoramic views along the way that inspired generations of poets and painters.

See the route.

Long arched brick corridor walkway with repeating brick arches and columns in a tunnel-like passage

Viaduct on a hiking route near London at sunrise, with arch bridge and green fields along the track

Epping Forest

Train Station: Loughton Station – Multiple access points
Distance: 3km – 20km

Epping Forest sits at the end of the Central Line, just a short distance from London. Better still, it has routes for walkers of all levels. Paths wind through ancient trees and meadows, past ponds, and deep into the forest. The forest also has huge historical significance, with notable landmarks like the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge showing just how long visitors have been enjoying the place as a retreat from city life.

Gutsy Girls runs monthly guided hikes in Epping Forest. Most of our attendees join solo so sign up and meet women like yourself, all looking for an adventure and an escape from the city. (Distance: 16km)

See routes.

Woman hiking near Epping Forest, standing by a large tree trunk among woodland trails

Women hiking along a woodland trail with ferns and tall trees, outdoors on a nature walk.

Box Hill

Train Station: Box Hill and Westhumble
Distance: 5.8km

Venture out of London to discover Box Hill. Nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this hiking haven is only a short train journey from central London.

We recommend a circular walk that starts in the village of Westhumble and covers woodland, open meadows and chalk grassland. The push to Box Hill’s summit is worth it for the iconic views at the top as you overlook the winding River Mole and the countryside that frames it.

See the route

Scenic countryside hike viewpoint over rolling green fields with wild pink flowers in the foreground

Otford Circular

Train Station: Shoreham
Distance: 9km

Explore the stunning Otford Circular, a trail that winds through Kent landscapes and offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The journey begins in the village of Otford, known for the remarkable ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace and one of the only scale models of the solar system in the UK (and has suggested walking routes of it’s own)

As you follow this circular path, you’ll hike rolling hills, ancient woodlands, open fields dotted with wildflowers, and babbling brooks. Along the North Downs Way, you’ll be rewarded with epic vistas that stretch out in all directions.

See route

Grassy countryside field at sunrise with trees overhead, ideal for a near-London hike

Chess River Valley

Train Station: Chorleywood
Distance: 18km

Hiking the Chess River Valley puts you in the heart of the Chilterns in under 30 minutes from London. The walk begins at the train station, before following the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham, passing by historic watercress farms, as well as Chorleywood House Estate, Frogmore Meadow, Tooley’s Croft, Chesham Moor, and Lowndes Park.

Just note that this route doesn’t have many facilities, so we advise bringing snacks or a packed lunch and plenty of water.

See the route

English countryside river winding through green fields and trees under a blue sky

Bookings Team

We are a small team of women who plan the trips, host them, answer your emails and walk, ski and paddle the routes ourselves. When a post has no single name on it, it usually means several of us had something to add.

UK Adventures

30th July

5 Min Read