Weekends are for walks with your furry friends. We have compiled a list of our firm favourites all within an hour from London, from a short stroll around a grand estate to a fantastic 10 mile leg stretcher for the more adventurous. So no excuses – get outside and explore!
For a Sunday stroll: The Chess Valley Walk – Buckinghamshire
Distance: 10 miles
Nearest station: Rickmansworth or Chesham – 45-62 minutes from Baker Street
With a tube stop at either end, this 10 mile stretch is perfect for escaping the city, with great connections from the metropolitan and Chiltern line (Rickmansworth only). You can also do a shorter route from Chorleywood or Chalfont & Latimer stations too. With stunning rolling hills along the valley our doggies loved how they can go for miles off the lead and they even got to have a splash in the river Chess.
Best place for a pit stop: We went a little off track for an incredible lunch at The Red Lion in Chenies – worth it for their cute garden and cracking chips.
For incredible views: Ashridge and Ivinghoe Beacon – Hertfordshire
Distance: 9 miles
Nearest tube/train station: Tring – 36 minutes from Euston.
Near the lovely town of Berkhamsted, this circular walk is fantastic for breathtaking views and beautiful woodland. A few hills but still great for those of all ages and our dogs loved standing on top of the beacon with the wind in their fur.
Best place for a pit stop: We love stopping for a drink and a light lunch or fantastic dinner at The Greyhound, Aldbury – really dog-friendly and has rooms, just in case you don’t fancy going home.
For a stunning view and pub lunch all in one: Box Hill to Leatherhead – Surrey
Distance: 7.1 miles
Nearest tube/train station: Box Hill & Westhumble Station
Expect a couple of climbs but a view that is well worth it. You can hop along the stepping stones across the River Mole and the dogs can go for a paddle – perfect on a sunny day. You’ll be greeted with a beautiful view at the top of Box Hill and then head down to Mickleham for a spot of lunch before heading into the center of Leatherhead.
Best place for a pit stop: the King William IV Freehouse has a fantastic lunch menu and great views from its terrace too.
Credit to The National Trust
Credit to The National TrustFor a brush with Royalty: Egham to Runneymede circular walk – Windsor, Berkshire
Distance: 3.7 miles
Nearest tube/train station: Egham – 50 minutes from Waterloo
If woodlands, wetlands and bright wild-flower meadows are your thing, you won’t be disappointed by this beautiful circular walk. A shorter distance so perfect if you are planning a day out in the area and stopping by Windsor to see the sights.
Best place for a pit stop: The Crown is great for a quick bite and they allow well-behaved dogs too.
For some deer spotting: The Oak Trail, Epping Forest – Essex
Distance: 6.6 miles
Nearest tube/train station: Theydon Bois – 32 minutes from Liverpool Street Station
This circular walk is perfect for a spot of history, you will pass an iron age fort and combined a gorgeous deer park (be sure to keep your dog on a lead here to avoid that fated Fenton moment). We found it the perfect distance for a morning meander.
Best place for a pit stop: Tuck into some proper pub food at The Bull Pub right next to the station.
For a touch of country glamour: Osterley Park – Hounslow
Distance: 1.5 miles
Nearest tube/train station: Osterley underground – 35 minutes from central London
We love a visit to Osterley Park with our canine companions for a gentle stroll amongst beautiful parklands and gardens, grassy paths and lovely lakes. Just what’s needed if you can’t quite face anything too strenuous.
Best place for a pit stop: Expect a warm welcome at The Hare and Hounds and plenty of spots to sit down with your dog to enjoy a pint or two.
Enjoy!
Let us know your favourite walks near you in the comments below.