Conference Week, Tree Walks and Over 100 Ways to Explore
This is the week the London Walking Festival really opens up. On Friday, the Walking Festival Conference arrives at the University of Westminster for a full day of talks, workshops and ideas about the future of walking in London. But that is just the beginning. The Urban Tree Festival is in full swing with 40 tree walks across the city, from forest bathing on Hampstead Heath to BSL-supported tree tours in Victoria Park and storytelling walks through Epping Forest after dark. The Capital Ring continues west through Richmond and beyond, there are new heritage walks through Clerkenwell and along the Ravensbourne River, and the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme means there are over 50 free, friendly, no-booking-needed walks happening every weekday in parks and green spaces right across London. Whether you want to learn, explore, reflect or simply get moving, this is the week to do it.
Walking for Health
Tuesday 12 May
An Enable-led walk around the woodlands, suitable for all abilities.
Capital Ring Section 7: Richmond to Osterley Lock
Wednesday 13 May | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Friars Lane, Richmond TW9 1NT | 4.8 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 4.8-mile section following the Grand Union Canal.
London Walking Festival Conference 2026
Friday 15 May | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus
Organised by Footways & Active Travel Academy
A full day of talks, workshops and networking for everyone passionate about walking in London.
Richmond Circular
Friday 15 May
A fairly easy walk along good paths with one gradual climb.
Capital Ring Section 8: Osterley Lock to Greenford
Saturday 16 May | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Boston Manor Station | 5.5 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 5.5-mile section heading north through west London.
Afternoon Ramble from Richmond to Wimbledon
Sunday 17 May Richmond
A walk through Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park, visiting Isabella Plantation.
Capital Ring Section 9: Greenford to South Kenton
Sunday 17 May | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Greenford Station | 5.6 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 5.6-mile section through Ealing and Brent.
Green Clerkenwell Trail Preview: South Clerkenwell
Sunday 17 May Clerkenwell
A special opportunity to walk the Green Clerkenwell Trail before its official launch.
Mindful Walk & Nature Meditation in Epping Forest
Sunday 17 May
A calming forest walk and guided nature meditation in ancient Epping Forest.
Nature’s Stepping Stones
Sunday 17 May 4.5 miles
A 4.5 mile ramble through a mix of green spaces, woodland and parkland.
Walking with Ravensbourne River
Sunday 17 May
Join London National Park City Ranger Chris for an exploratory walk along the Ravensbourne River.
The Proper Blokes Club – Walk & Talk Groups
21 free walks this week across London
The Proper Blokes Club runs free weekly walk-and-talk groups for men across London. No pressure, no sign-up – just turn up, walk, and talk if you want to. These walks run every week throughout May as part of the London Walking Festival.
Mondays
Greenwich – 7pm, meet at Cutty Sark
Harefield – 6.30pm, meet at Harefield Hospital
Romford – 7pm, meet at Lodge Farm Park
Roundshaw – 6.30pm, meet at St Paul’s Church, 183 Mollison Drive
Streatham – 7pm, meet at Streatham station
Tuesdays
City of London – 10am, meet at Duke of Wellington statue, Royal Exchange
Finchley – 7pm, meet at Finchley Central tube
Surbiton – 6.30pm, meet at Surbiton station, Glenbuck Road
Uxbridge – 7pm, meet at Uxbridge tube
Wallington – 6.30pm, meet at St Mary’s Church, Beddington Park
Wednesdays
Brent – 6.30pm, meet at Willesden Green station
Upminster – 6.30pm, meet at Upminster station
Woolwich – 7pm, meet at Woolwich Arsenal Pier
Thursdays
Croydon – 6.30pm, meet at Lloyd Park Cafe
Redbridge – 12 noon, meet at Ilford station
Southwark – 6.30pm, meet at The Angel Pub, Rotherhithe
Sutton – 7pm, meet at Sutton United FC
Sundays
Barking & Dagenham – 10am, meet at Eastbrookend Country Park
Bromley – 9am, meet at Norman Park
Hornchurch – 9am, meet at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre
Southwark – 8.30am, meet at The Angel Pub, Rotherhithe
Check theproperblokesclub.co.uk before attending.
→ Read more about The Proper Blokes Club
Urban Tree Festival – London Walks
40 tree walks this week
The Urban Tree Festival (9–17 May) celebrates London’s urban forest with expert-led walks exploring ancient woodland, veteran trees, folklore and ecology. Most are free or low-cost.
Monday 11 May
A Walk in Memory of Ms Marline: The Grapefruit Tree – 10:00-11:00, Battersea
A walk celebrating Black immigrant plant stories with artist Nhadya Simone Lawes.
Tree Song Project: Community Singing Workshop – 12:15-1:45, Culture Mile
A lunchtime singing workshop using tree-inspired songs.
Sitting with Trees: A Green Love Letter to Black Elder Women – 1:00-2:00, Art Hub Studios
A virtual dialogue exploring aging, memory and nature through poetry.
Trees That Shape Cities – 2:00-4:00, City of London
Architect Judith Losing explores the role trees play in shaping London.
Tuesday 12 May
City Tree Walk & Barbican Wildlife Garden – 10:20-12:20, Golden Lane / Barbican
A relaxed guided walk with Age UK City of London.
Trees at ExCeL – 12:30-1:30, ExCeL London
Led by Tony Kirkham and Kenton Rogers.
Tree Musketeers Community Tree Nursery: Guided Tour – 1:00-2:30, Hackney
A tour including the orchard, seedling polytunnel, apiary and forest garden.
Tremendous Trees at Boston Manor Park – 5:00-6:00, Boston Manor Park
Beautiful veteran trees.
Hidden Garden Haiku Walkshop – Imperial War Museum – 6:00-7:30, Imperial War Museum
Write, compose and recite haiku inspired by nature and the city.
Discover Trees in Epping Forest (Chingford) – 6:30-8:30, Chingford
Species, ecology and human history.
Wednesday 13 May
Inclusive Tree Tour with Adapted Bikes & Scooters – 11:00-1:00, City of London
Exploring green spaces with Wheels for Wellbeing and CPRE London.
Lesnes Abbey Woods – Time Travelling Through Nature – 11:00-12:30, Lesnes Abbey Woods
Ancient woodland from prehistoric origins to Victorian history.
Gunnersbury Park Mulberry & Friends – 11:30-1:00, Gunnersbury Park
Historic mulberries, ancient yews and a towering Cedar of Lebanon.
Tree Song Project: A Walking Tour – 12:15-1:45, Culture Mile
Tree stories, music and performance.
Panel Discussion: Community Stewardship of Trees – 7:00-8:30, Vauxhall
Four experts exploring community stewardship of trees in urban spaces.
Thursday 14 May
Forest Club Open Session – 10:00-2:00, Lesnes Abbey Woods
Hands-on woodland session exploring traditional crafts, tools and biodiversity.
Hidden Garden Tree Haiku Walkshop – 11:00-12:30, City of London
Exploring hidden green spaces near St Paul’s with haiku writing.
Vauxhall Park Tree Walk – 1:00-2:00, Vauxhall Park
Guided lunchtime walk with arboriculturist Callum Henderson.
Urban Forestry and the Arts – 7:00-8:00, Online
Mark Johnston on connecting people with trees through urban forestry.
Friday 15 May
Hidden Garden Haiku Walkshop – Holland Park – 11:00-12:30, Holland Park
Haiku writing inspired by two Japanese gardens.
London Tree Ring: Inclusive Street Tree Photography Workshop – 11:00-1:00, City of London
A creative workshop exploring street trees through photography.
Tree Hunting: North London with Paul Wood – 12:00-1:30, Islington
Discovering remarkable trees with the author of Tree Hunting.
Printing with Trees: Cyanotype Workshop – 2:00-3:30, Art Hub Studios
Make bold blue sunprints using leaves and branches. 18+.
Witches & Beeches of Epping Forest – 6:00-8:00 PM, Epping Forest
Ancient trees, eerie folklore and dark histories.
Saturday 16 May
Ladywell Fields Tree Walk – 10:00-12:00, Ladywell Fields, Lewisham
Black poplars and the Lewisham elm.
The History of One Tree Hill – 10:30-12:00, One Tree Hill, Southwark
Diverse trees and panoramic London views.
Trees in Myth and Story – 10:30-12:00, Blythe Hill Fields
Tree myths and folklore with Dr Chris Collier (LNPC).
Grand Finale of Big Vauxhall Tree Week – 11:00-5:00, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Animals, performances, plants and family-friendly activities.
BSL Tree Tour, Victoria Park – 11:00-12:30, Victoria Park
BSL-supported walk for D/deaf and hard of hearing participants.
Tree Hunting: South London with Paul Wood – 12:00-2:00, New Cross / Deptford
Local tree treasures, starting from Art Hub Studios.
Touch Tour of Trees, Victoria Park – 2:00-3:00, Victoria Park
A guided sensory walk for blind and partially sighted participants.
The Wishing Tree – 2:00-3:00, Lesnes Abbey Woods
A magical forest storytelling show for children and families.
Lesnes Abbey Woods – Time Travelling Through Nature – 2:00-3:30, Lesnes Abbey Woods
Ancient woodland.
Witches & Beeches of Epping Forest – 6:00-8:00 PM, Epping Forest
Ancient trees, eerie folklore and dark histories.
Sunday 17 May
Community Fungi Cultivation – 10:30-1:30, Art Hub Studios
Practical mushroom cultivation workshop with take-home grow kit.
Hidden Garden Haiku Walkshop – City of London (east) – 11:00-12:30, Near Monument
Exploring hidden gardens combining creativity, mindfulness and urban exploration.
Golders Hill Park’s Veteran Trees & Orchard – 11:00-1:30, Golders Hill Park
Historic oaks, mulberries and a Victorian orchard with Peter Coles.
Discover Trees in Epping Forest (Highams Park) – 12:30-3:30, Highams Park
Species, ecology and human history.
Family Heath Walk – 2:00-4:30, Hampstead Heath
A walk connecting with ancient and urban trees on the Heath.
D i s a p p e a r i n g Plants – 3:00-4:30, Cultivate Colindale
Rethinking how we see and photograph trees, creating camera-free images.
→ Full Urban Tree Festival programme
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
Around 51 free wellbeing walks this week across London
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, short, led walks designed to help you take a step towards better health and happiness. No booking needed for most walks, no special kit required. Just turn up, pull on your shoes and enjoy a stroll with friendly people. With dozens happening every week across London, there is bound to be one near you.
Walks run every weekday across boroughs including Haringey, Greenwich, Camden, Richmond, Lewisham, Waltham Forest, Hackney, Newham, Harrow and the City of London. Most are 30 to 90 minutes, led by friendly volunteers, and welcome all abilities.
-> See the full list of Wellbeing Walks
-> Search for a Wellbeing Walk near you on the Ramblers website
Belgravia Uncovered: Victoria Station to The Wellington Arch
Tuesday 5 May | 12:30 PM Victoria Station
A historic lunchtime walk through one of London’s most elegant districts.
TAP Trekkers
Tuesday 5 May
A community walking group session exploring local green spaces.
Pimlico Uncovered: Victoria Station to Tate Britain
Wednesday 6 May | 12:30 PM Victoria Station
A historic lunchtime walk exploring Pimlico’s Regency architecture and riverside heritage.
Sport in Mind Marching for Mothers
Wednesday 6 May Brent
Organised by Sport in Mind
A community walk for World Maternal Mental Health Day, bringing people together through movement and connection.
Belgravia Uncovered (Evening)
Thursday 7 May | 5:30 PM Victoria Station
An evening edition of this popular historic walk through Belgravia.
Capital Ring Section 4: Crystal Palace to Streatham
Thursday 7 May | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Crystal Palace Station | 4.4 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 4.4-mile section heading west from Crystal Palace.
Capital Ring Section 5: Streatham to Wimbledon Park
Saturday 9 May | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Streatham Common Station | 5.7 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 5.7-mile section heading towards Wimbledon.
Walking with Trees
Saturday 9 May
A guided walk exploring our relationship with trees and London’s urban canopy.
Capital Ring Section 6: Wimbledon Park to Richmond
Sunday 10 May | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wimbledon Park Station | 7.3 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 7.3-mile section through Wimbledon Common to Richmond.
HAG Hike to Cranford Community Garden
Sunday 10 May
Organised by Heston Action Group
Join Heston Action Group for a community hike to the beautiful Cranford Community Garden.
Lesnes Abbey Ruins and Woodland Circular Walk
Sunday 10 May | 1:45 PM – 4:00 PM Abbey Wood Station, SE2 9RH | 4 miles
Organised by Hammersmith, Fulham & Wandsworth Ramblers
A four-mile walk exploring the ruins of Lesnes Abbey, built in 1178.
The Proper Blokes Club – Walk & Talk Groups
21 free walks this week across London
The Proper Blokes Club runs free weekly walk-and-talk groups for men across London. No pressure, no sign-up – just turn up, walk, and talk if you want to. These walks run every week throughout May as part of the London Walking Festival.
Mondays
Greenwich – 7pm, meet at Cutty Sark
Harefield – 6.30pm, meet at Harefield Hospital
Romford – 7pm, meet at Lodge Farm Park
Roundshaw – 6.30pm, meet at St Paul’s Church, 183 Mollison Drive
Streatham – 7pm, meet at Streatham station
Tuesdays
City of London – 10am, meet at Duke of Wellington statue, Royal Exchange
Finchley – 7pm, meet at Finchley Central tube
Surbiton – 6.30pm, meet at Surbiton station, Glenbuck Road
Uxbridge – 7pm, meet at Uxbridge tube
Wallington – 6.30pm, meet at St Mary’s Church, Beddington Park
Wednesdays
Brent – 6.30pm, meet at Willesden Green station
Upminster – 6.30pm, meet at Upminster station
Woolwich – 7pm, meet at Woolwich Arsenal Pier
Thursdays
Croydon – 6.30pm, meet at Lloyd Park Cafe
Redbridge – 12 noon, meet at Ilford station
Southwark – 6.30pm, meet at The Angel Pub, Rotherhithe
Sutton – 7pm, meet at Sutton United FC
Sundays
Barking & Dagenham – 10am, meet at Eastbrookend Country Park
Bromley – 9am, meet at Norman Park
Hornchurch – 9am, meet at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre
Southwark – 8.30am, meet at The Angel Pub, Rotherhithe
Check theproperblokesclub.co.uk before attending.
Support the London Walking festival
Lace Up and Get Going
100 miles. One city. One month. Whether you are walking to work, exploring a new neighbourhood or tackling a stretch of the Capital Ring, every mile you walk this May counts towards something bigger.
The London 100 Challenge is free, flexible and open to everyone. Download Go Jauntly, sign up and let’s help London move.
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