Top 5 Best Long-Distance Walking Trails in the UK Accessible from London

If you’re based in London and looking to escape into the countryside for a proper multi-day walk, you’re actually spoiled for choice. Some of England’s finest long-distance trails are surprisingly accessible by train, making it easy to plan anything from a weekend getaway to a full week’s hiking adventure.

Here are five excellent routes you can reach from London without needing a car.

1. The North Downs Way

Length: ~153 miles (246 km) Region: Surrey to Kent Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The North Downs Way National Trail is one of the most accessible long-distance walks for Londoners and a classic choice for walkers of all abilities. The trail follows the chalk ridge of the North Downs from Farnham in Surrey all the way to Dover in Kent, passing through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs.

What makes this route particularly appealing is the variety — you’ll walk through ancient woodlands, rolling farmland, historic market towns, and past some stunning viewpoints. The dramatic White Cliffs of Dover at the eastern end are a memorable finale.

Starting points like Farnham, Guildford, Dorking, and Otford all have direct train connections from London, which means you can easily tackle the trail in stages. There are plenty of traditional pubs along the way, too, if that sweetens the deal.

Why it’s great:

• Excellent public transport links from London
• Beautiful and varied countryside
• Historic sites and traditional English pubs

For official information on this trail, visit the comprehensive travel blog northdownsway.org, which has up-to-date information on route sections, transport and accommodation options.

2. The Thames Path

Length: ~185 miles (298 km) Region: Cotswolds to London Trail type: National Trail — easy to moderate

The Thames Path traces England’s most famous river from its source near Kemble in the Cotswolds right through to southeast London. It’s an ideal choice if you prefer gentler terrain and riverside scenery over challenging hill climbs.

The route takes you through Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, and Richmond, among other notable towns. Because it follows the river closely, most of the path is flat and well-marked, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. You can also join it for shorter day walks right from London’s outskirts.

Many sections are easily reached by train from Paddington or Waterloo — places like Goring & Streatley, Henley, and Windsor & Eton make excellent starting points for day hikes or longer segments.

Wildlife spotting is a bonus here, and there’s plenty of historical interest along the way. Check thamespath.co.uk for planning resources.

Why it’s great:

• Gentle terrain and abundant wildlife
• Passes through iconic towns and landscapes
• Easy to join at multiple points near London

You can find more information on the Thames Path with the official companion site thamespath.co.uk, which has additional information to help you plan your next hike along Britain’s most iconic river.

3. The Ridgeway

Length: ~87 miles (139 km) Region: Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire Trail type: National Trail — moderate

Often called “Britain’s oldest road,” The Ridgeway follows ancient tracks across chalk ridges and open downland. The trail runs from Avebury’s World Heritage Site through to Ivinghoe Beacon near the Chilterns, taking you past Iron Age hill forts, burial mounds, and chalk figures carved into the landscape.

It’s a walk that really does feel like a journey through time. The ridge walking offers sweeping panoramic views and a sense of remoteness that’s hard to find so close to London.

Train stations at Tring, Princes Risborough, and Wallingford provide flexible access points, so you can walk shorter sections or plan longer overnight trips as suits your schedule.

Why it’s great:

• Rich in archaeology and ancient landscapes
• Flexible section hikes accessible by train
• Peaceful, open ridge walking

Comprehensive information on the Ridgeway National Trail is available free of charge on the official companion site theridgewaywalk.co.uk. Here you’ll find detailed information on walking the different sections of this popular route as well as guidance on local accommodation and transport links.

4. The South Downs Way

Length: ~100 miles (161 km) Region: Hampshire to East Sussex Trail type: National Trail — moderate

The South Downs Way runs along the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, offering magnificent views over rolling hills and eventually out to sea. You can reach it easily from London with trains to Winchester, Petersfield, Lewes, or Brighton.

While the complete route takes about a week, there are excellent options for shorter segments as day hikes or weekend trips. Notable highlights include Devil’s Dyke, Arundel Castle, and the iconic Beachy Head cliffs.

The trail is popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders alike, thanks to its firm surfaces and relatively gentle gradients despite some challenging climbs.

Why it’s great:

• Dramatic landscapes and coastal views
• Easy access from London via rail
• Broad bridleways and gentle gradients

You can find more information on the South Downs Way through the unofficial companion site southdownsway.co.uk.

5. The Cotswold Way

Length: ~102 miles (164 km) Region: Gloucestershire to Somerset Trail type: National Trail — moderate

The Cotswold Way takes you along the ridges and rolling hills of the Cotswolds, finishing in the elegant city of Bath. While it’s a bit further from London than the other trails listed here, it remains comfortably accessible by train to stations like Moreton-in-Marsh, Cheltenham Spa, or Bath Spa.

This route delivers classic English countryside: honey-colored stone villages, lush woodlands, and expansive views over the Severn Valley. The approach to Bath, with its Georgian architecture and Roman heritage, makes for a satisfying conclusion to the walk.

It’s worth the extra travel time if you’re after quintessential Cotswold scenery.

Why it’s great:

• Classic Cotswold scenery and charming villages
• Accessible rail stations along the route
• Finishes in historic Bath

See You Out on the Trails

These five trails offer some of the best long-distance walking experiences in England, each with its own character — from river paths and ancient ridges to iconic downland scenery. For anyone in London looking to trade the urban buzz for fresh air and wide horizons, you’re spoilt for choice.

Start small, build confidence, and before long you’ll be planning your next five- or seven-day walking adventure.