Walking in London (Park, Heath and Waterside Walks)

Discover a wilder side to London with this guidebook of 25 hikes in and around the capital's green spaces and nature reserves. Covering both central and Greater London, the hikes, which range from 4 to 14 miles and take up to six hours, explore woods and forests, royal parks and heaths, canals and rivers.

London is a city of 8 million people and 8 million trees, and its vast open spaces are home to 13,000 species of wildlife. This guide takes in all four corners – including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, the World Heritage site of Kew Gardens and Wimbledon Common – and showcases a greener, more gentle side to the city.

Using the rivers as a guide, the book is divided into four sections, and includes a wealth of information about the wildlife, history and conservation of each area. Each hike is illustrated with an OS map at a scale of 1:25,000, and includes a route description, public transport information and photos. There is also a handy route summary table.

With public transport readily available and no weather restrictions, all you need is good footwear, sensible clothing and an open mind.