London, with its bustling high streets and iconic landmarks, might not immediately bring to mind sprawling natural landscapes. However, just a stone's throw from the urban jungle lies a surprising array of breathtaking walks, perfect for escaping the city's hustle and bustle. At TerraBound, we know the importance of fresh air and stunning vistas, so we’ve put together our top 10 favourite hikes around the London area that are easily accessible by rail and offer a fantastic day out for all skill levels.
1. Box Hill, Surrey Hills AONB
Distance: 8–10 miles | Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous | Terrain: Steep chalk slopes and woodland.
Box Hill is the crown jewel of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. While many tourists stick to the viewpoint near the café, the true hiker’s route begins at Westhumble station. This hike takes you down to the River Mole to cross the Stepping Stones - 17 iconic limestone blocks that have been a local landmark since the 19th century.
From the river, the "Burford Spur" offers a punishing vertical climb that will test your lung capacity and your boot grip. Once at the summit, the view across the Weald toward the South Downs is unmatched. The descent takes you through the "Whites," where the chalk path is so bright it can be blinding in the summer sun.
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The Technical Bit: The chalk here becomes a "grease" when wet. This is a hike for boots with a Vibram sole or high-traction lugs.
2. Epping Forest, Essex
Distance: 7.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Terrain: Ancient woodland and grassy plains.
Epping Forest is a relic of the massive royal hunting forest that once covered Essex. Reachable via the Central Line, it offers a "deep forest" experience that feels ancient and mysterious. The Oak Trail is a waymarked circular route that begins in the town of Theydon Bois.
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The Highlight: The "Loughton Camp," an Iron Age hill fort hidden in the trees, where legend says Queen Boudica made her stand against the Romans.
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Pro Tip: This forest is a maze. Don't rely solely on your phone; bring a physical OS Explorer map (174).
A true ancient woodland, Epping Forest feels a world away from the city. With miles of waymarked trails, you can wander among ancient pollarded oaks, discover tranquil ponds, and spot an abundance of wildlife. It’s easily reachable via the Central Line!
3. The Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers a vast network of footpaths through rolling hills and picturesque villages. We highly recommend the Chess Valley Walk for a stunning riverside experience that ends at a traditional country pub.
4. Richmond Park, South West London
Distance: 7.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Terrain: Flat gravel paths and wild grassland.
Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and a site of Special Scientific Interest. While it is technically within London, its scale is so vast that it feels like the Scottish Highlands in places. Following the Tamsin Trail around the park’s boundary provides a perfect training ground for long-distance walkers.
The park is famous for its 630 Red and Fallow deer, which have roamed freely here since 1637. In the autumn, the "rutting" season provides a dramatic backdrop of stags roaring across the ferns.
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The "Secret" View: Take a detour to King Henry’s Mound. There is a telescope pointed through a specially maintained gap in a hedge that provides a perfectly framed view of St. Paul's Cathedral, 10 miles to the East.
Whilst it’s technically inside the capital, Richmond Park’s sheer scale and wild beauty earn it a spot. Famous for its herds of wild red and fallow deer, ancient trees, and the Isabella Plantation, it’s a fantastic place for a long weekend trek without leaving the M25.
5. Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex
Distance: 13 miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Terrain: High clifftops and steep coastal valleys.
This is the "big one." If you only do one hike this year, make it this one. Starting at Seaford, you immediately climb onto the cliffs. The route is a series of seven distinct peaks and valleys—there is almost no flat ground.
The white chalk cliffs are blindingly white against the turquoise of the English Channel. You’ll pass Cuckmere Haven, where the river meanders in perfect loops toward the sea, and eventually reach Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain at 162 metres.
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The Challenge: The wind. It can be relentless.
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Essential Kit: A high-quality windproof softshell and a pair of walking poles to save your knees on the steep descents.
A little further afield but absolutely worth the journey, the Seven Sisters offer dramatic coastal views. Hike along the white chalk clifftops from Seaford to Eastbourne, descending into valleys and enjoying the crashing waves of the English Channel.
6. The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
Distance: 6–8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Terrain: Grassy clifftops and maritime heath.
Walking the White Cliffs of Dover is a bucket-list experience. The trail starts at the National Trust visitor centre and heads towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. The scale of the ships in the Channel below gives you a real sense of the height.
The history here is layered; you can see the remains of WWI and WWII gun battery emplacements and the entrance to deep-level shelters. The lighthouse itself was the first to use an electric light and was once the workplace of Guglielmo Marconi.
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Safety Note: The cliffs are constantly eroding. Stay at least 5 metres back from the edge - the chalk can be unstable.
For a truly iconic British experience, take the train to Dover. The hike along the clifftops toward the South Foreland Lighthouse offers staggering views. On a clear day, you can see the coast of France shimmering on the horizon. It’s bracing, beautiful, and a great test for your waterproof gear.
7. Leith Hill, Surrey
Distance: 6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Terrain: Sandy woodland and steep summit climbs.
Leith Hill is the highest point in South East England at 294 metres. The hike usually starts in the village of Coldharbour and winds through the Leith Hill Place estate (the childhood home of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams).
The climb is framed by ancient woodland and towering rhododendrons. At the top, you’ll find Leith Hill Tower. On a clear day, you can see the London skyline in one direction and the English Channel in the other.
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Training Ground: The sandy soil here mimics the conditions of many European mountain trails, making it a great place to test your mountain rucksack’s weight distribution.
If you want to feel like you're at the top of the world, Leith Hill is the place. It is the highest point in South East England. Hike up through the rhododendrons to the Gothic tower at the summit. If you climb the tower steps, you're officially higher than the Shard!
8. Hampstead Heath Circuit, North London
Distance: 5–7 miles | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Terrain: Hilly parkland, muddy tracks, and ponds.
Forget the paved paths; the best way to hike the Heath is to stick to the "perimeter" woodland trails. This route takes you through the "Wildwood," past the Kenwood House estate, and around the swimming ponds.
Hampstead Heath is surprisingly hilly and can be incredibly muddy in the winter months. It’s the perfect place for a "micro-adventure" when you don't have time to leave the city.
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The View: Parliament Hill offers the most famous view of London. On a crisp winter morning, the skyscrapers of the City look like they are rising out of the mist.
Perfect for when you don't have time for a long train journey. This isn't just a park stroll; the Heath offers rugged terrain, muddy woodland paths, and the famous Parliament Hill view. It’s the best place in the city to break in a new pair of leather boots.
9. The Lea Valley Walk, Hertfordshire/London
Distance: 15 miles (can be shortened) | Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance) | Terrain: Flat canal paths and marshland.
This is an "industrial-to-rural" trek. Starting at Limehouse Basin, you follow the Limehouse Cut and the River Lea. You’ll pass the Olympic Park in Stratford, where the landscape is modern and manicured, before heading into the Walthamstow Wetlands.
As you move north, the city falls away. By the time you reach Enfield or Waltham Abbey, you are surrounded by marshes, reservoirs, and bird sanctuaries.
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Why do it: It’s a great way to build up your "mileage" without the strain of hills.
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Essential Kit: Moisture-wicking socks and high-quality walking shoes are key for long, flat distances to prevent blisters.
Following the River Lea from the Thames all the way out to the Hertfordshire countryside, this route offers a fascinating mix of industrial heritage and lush wetlands. It’s mostly flat, making it great for a high-mileage day without the punishing inclines.
10. Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire
Distance: 9 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Terrain: High chalk ridges and open downland.
Ivinghoe Beacon is the starting point (or end) of two of the UK's great long-distance paths: The Ridgeway and the Icknield Way. This is an ancient landscape. The Beacon itself is an Iron Age hill fort, and the ground beneath your feet has been walked for 5,000 years.
The hike offers a "big sky" feel. Because the ridge is so high above the surrounding vale, you feel exposed to the elements in the best way possible.
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The Landmark: Keep an eye out for the Whipsnade White Lion, a massive chalk figure carved into the hill in 1933 to mark the zoo.
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Gear Tip: There is very little shelter on the ridge. A lightweight emergency shelter or a very good waterproof hardshell should always be in your pack.
Located at the end of the Ridgeway (Britain's oldest road), Ivinghoe Beacon provides some of the best "big sky" views near London. The wind-swept ridges make you feel like you’re in the heart of the Highlands, despite being less than an hour from Euston.
Gear Up for Your Next Adventure
No matter which trail you choose, the right kit makes all the difference. From waterproof hardshells for those unpredictable British showers to ergonomic rucksacks and walking poles for the Seven Sisters, we've got you sorted. Check our website for all your outdoor gear!
Top Tip: Always check the National Rail enquiries before you head out, and don't forget to pack a decent OS map or a fully charged GPS!