The Capital Ring is a 125km walk around London, mostly through parks and greenways, split into 15 parts – each starting and finishing near a bus, train or tube station. It is one of seven strategic London Walks that was part of a plan to make London the walking capital of Europe in the early 2000s. I don’t know what became of that plan, but the walks are still there. Leaflets were printed for each section of the Capital Ring and the London Loop at the time, which I still use, although London has much changed in the meantime, so I also use an updated downloadable map from Walk London as a backup these days.
I particularly like the Capital Ring series of walks as each section is manageable without taking up the whole day and it still brings you to interesting parts of London that you are unlikely to visit for another reason. It is quite well signposted, the signs have Big Ben in blue with a green ring, made up of arrows, around it.
I first walked the Capital Ring in 2010 and again in 2017. I also walked it in 2020 when it was very quiet due to Covid, so this will be my fourth time round. It is interesting to see the things that have changed …. and the things that have remained the same. It has some lovely views, some stunning buildings and it always surprises me how green London is, for such a large city. Many of London’s parks have cafes in them and I enjoy their variety too.
The Capital Ring is an iconic London walk, taking in many technological, architectural and historic locations during the course of its circumnavigation of the city. It starts and finishes at the Woolwich foot tunnel south side to the east of London and crosses Richmond Bridge to the west, it goes as far north as Finchley and visits Croydon and Crystal Palace to the south. It gives a lovely insight into the history and workings of London, and I am looking forward to walking the 15 sections. Hopefully I will get some unusual views of London and some photos of nature and architecture from London’s suburbia.
The London Lark! 
It’s brilliant, isn’t it? I’ve walked it and individual sections several times and am always finding new aspects and perspectives. Enjoy it and when you do the Crystal Palace to Streatham Common section, give us a wave!
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I will! It’s the nearest section to my home as well!
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I suggest you look at the Wandle Way and if you love your London walks, my little creation of a circular walk starting and finishing at Kings Cross that follows the Regents Canal, drops down through Regent, Hyde Green and St James Parks (jiggling a bit for Marylebone) and theSouth Bank and then Wapping HighStreet and the Thames path to Limehouse before returning to Kings Cross via the Regents Canal. It’s about 50 km with little road walking and lots of famous sites… I blogged about it, if you wanted more detail!!
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Thank you, I shall!
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What an amazing looking walk. Must do it next time I visit. Great scenic and natural pictures, Nick. Hope you had a nice time reminiscing and re-exploring.
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This is great news. Since my stay i have enjoyed several lovely walks, for instance from Cambden along the canals. Also some open green areas such as as Richmond Park ( full of deer) and Putney Heath. London is blessed with so many unspoilt natural areas as well as the beautiful, enormous parks. I look forward to your comments and to doing more London walks when I return in a few months. Meanwhile, in a few days, it’s back to Lima!
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This looks like a fabulous idea. Next time we’re in London, it will be a must do.
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[…] I’m ready for another trip to London! […]
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