This is a sponsored post on behalf of Walk London.
At the end of the month, Walk London launches its Spring into Summer weekend, with no fewer than 36 free, guided walks on offer around the capital.
Walks range from a leisurely 1.5 mile stroll to a more hardy 17.5 mile superwalk, but all are designed to be away from traffic and connect walkers with London’s beautiful parks, woodland, rivers, canals and open spaces. No pre-booking necessary, just turn up and set off!
Not only is walking carbon free, stress-reducing and healthy, it is also a lovely way to discover the cultural, historical and environmental sights on your doorstep. Plus, it’s free!
If you prefer a shorter stroll, here are a selection of less demanding walks (all under 5 miles long) taking place over the weekend:
Saturday 25 May
LONDON’S HIDDEN ALLEYWAYS AND COURTYARDS: Explore the history of the winding walkways of London on this 1.5 mile walk. Starts 10.30am
LONDON’S HIDDEN TREASURES: This 2 mile walk takes you along the south bank of the Thames and shows you the unique venues and hidden treasures that line this part of the capital. Starts 10.30am and 2.30pm
OLD CAMDEN TOWN: Camden Town contains a heady mix of canals, cafes, cobblestones, catacombs, craftsmen’s studios and a whole lot of street cred. It also boasts Camden Lock, which forms the centrepiece of this walk. Starts 11am
OLD KENSINGTON — LONDON’S ROYAL VILLAGE: Stroll by cobbled lanes, an American president’s flat, a secret trapdoor and the largest roof garden in Europe, on this walk through the picturesque and characterful Royal Kensington. Starts 2pm
LITTLE VENICE: Arguably the prettiest spot in town, Little Venice boasts the finest early Victorian architecture in London and, of course, is right by the Regent’s Canal. Starts 2pm
THE OLD CITY: London, 2,000 years old: labyrinthine, haunted, secretive. Join this walk and take a look into the hoary old City of London. Starts 2pm
Sunday 26 May
OLD HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE: Traverse London’s most picturesque neighbourhood and discover the characters who trod the streets before you, such as John Keats, Sigmund Freud, DH Lawrence and Elizabeth Taylor. Starts 10am
SUBTERRANEAN LONDON: Uncover the city beneath your feet as your guide shows you the secret tunnels, bomb shelters and lost rivers that lurk under the London we know. Starts 10.30am
ST PAUL’S AND THE SECRET CORNERS OF THE CITY: Start off from St Paul’s Cathedral and explore many peaceful and rarely visited parts of the City of London. Starts 11am and 2pm
SHAKESPEARE’S AND DICKENS’ LONDON: London served as canvas and inspiration to both Shakespeare and Dickens and despite the ravages of time, traces of their cities can still be found in the capital. Starts 2pm
OLD WESTMINSTER — 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY: Where kings and queens are crowned, a Mecca of politicians throughout the ages, a forge of national destiny. Westminster has seen some seminal London moments and this walk brings those moments to the surface once more. Starts 2.45pm
HAUNTED LONDON: Bring a friend to cling on to in the darkened alleyways on this spooky London voyage. Starts 7.30pm
If that's not enough, then you can take a look at our selection of the longer walks on offer from Walk London here.
Spring into Summer take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May 2013. Like Walk London on Facebook for updates or visit Walk London online for more information. Walk London is a cross-borough partnership led and funded by Transport for London.
