Rivers, Heritage and the Home Stretch
The festival picks up pace this week as London Rivers Week arrives on Saturday, bringing a wave of guided walks, citizen science sessions and creative riverside explorations organised by Thames21. Meanwhile, the Capital Ring swings north through Wembley, Hendon and Highgate, the London Diagonal returns with stages through Wapping, Wandsworth and on towards Teddington, and there are heritage walks through Belgravia, Pimlico and Harlesden. Add in a citizen science walk along the Thames from Bishop’s Park, a 7-mile riverside route from London Bridge to Canary Wharf, a community Sing and Stroll in Wandle Park, and the usual 50-plus Ramblers Wellbeing Walks running every weekday, and you have well over 80 ways to get walking this week.
Capital Ring Section 10: South Kenton to Hendon Park
Tuesday 19 May | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM South Kenton Station, Wembley | 7 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 7-mile section through Wembley and Brent.
Pimlico Uncovered: Victoria Station to Tate Britain
Tuesday 19 May | 12:30 PM Victoria Station
A historic lunchtime walk exploring Pimlico’s Regency architecture and riverside heritage.
Team Pimlico – men’s wellbeing walk and talk
Wednesday 20 May Pimlico
Organised by The Proper Blokes Club
Join the Proper Blokes Club for a relaxing walk and talk in Pimlico. Open to all men.
Wandle Park Wander: Sing and Stroll
Wednesday 20 May Wandle Park
A refreshing morning wildish Sing and Stroll in Wandle Park, combining gentle walking with group singing.
From Bishop’s Park to the Thames: Citizen Science
Wednesday 20 May
A guided Thames walk combining riverside nature with citizen science.
Belgravia Uncovered: Victoria Station to The Wellington Arch
Wednesday 20 May | 12:30 PM Victoria Station
A historic lunchtime walk through Belgravia’s elegant streets and garden squares.
Explore Harlesden Community Gardens
Thursday 21 May Harlesden, Brent | 1.5 miles
A short 1.5-mile walk including a tour of Harlesden’s community gardens and local green spaces.
Pimlico Uncovered (Evening)
Thursday 21 May | 5:30 PM Victoria Station
An evening edition of this popular historic walk through Pimlico to Tate Britain.
London Bridge to Canary Wharf
Friday 22 May 7 miles
A 7-mile, easy-pace flat walk following the Thames through Docklands.
Capital Ring Section 11: Hendon Park to Highgate
Friday 22 May | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Hendon Central Station | 5.6 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 5.6-mile section through Barnet and Haringey.
London Diagonal Stage 3: Wapping to Wandsworth
Saturday 23 May
Part three of the London Diagonal, heading south-west through the heart of London.
Capital Ring Section 12: Highgate to Stoke Newington
Saturday 23 May | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Highgate Station | 5.6 miles
Organised by London National Park City
A 5.6-mile section through Haringey and Hackney.
London Diagonal Walk Stage 4: Wandsworth to Teddington
Sunday 24 May
Riverside paths and green spaces heading west towards Teddington.
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.
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
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
London Rivers Week – Walks, Surveys & River Events
15 river events this week
London Rivers Week (23-31 May), organised by Thames21, celebrates London’s 400 miles of waterways with guided walks, citizen science surveys, creek explorations and community clean-ups. Almost all events are free. Some are already fully booked – check for waitlists.
Saturday 23 May
River Beck – 10:00-2:00, Harvington Wood, Beckenham
What the River Wants Walk – 10:00-4:30, Leaside Trust, River Lea
Source to Sea – Ravensbourne (Part 1) – 10:30-1:30, Keston Ponds [FULLY BOOKED]
History & Ecology of Camley Street Natural Park – 11:00-12:00, King’s Cross [FULLY BOOKED]
Hammersmith to Nature – Thames Path Walk – 11:00-2:00, Hammersmith [FULLY BOOKED]
Tidal Tales – Walking Through Flux & Flow – 11:30-2:00, King Edward Memorial Park, Wapping
Liquid History – A Photowalk – 12:00-2:00, Lower Thames St [FULLY BOOKED]
Enriching Elmbridge Meadows Celebration – 12:00-3:00, Elmbridge Meadows, Surbiton
Thames Estuary Guided Walk – 2:00-4:00, Greenwich Peninsula [FULLY BOOKED]
River Soundwalk led by afromerm – 2:00-4:00, Rotherhithe to Deptford [FULLY BOOKED]
Launch Event: Standing by the Thames – 2:30-4:30, Bazalgette Embankment
Sunday 24 May
Urban Riverfly Training – 9:30-4:30, Chingford [FULLY BOOKED]
Deptford Creek Bird Survey – 10:30-12:30, Deptford [FULLY BOOKED]
Riverfly Taster Session on the Boundary Stream – 11:00-1:00, Long Wood Nature Reserve
Riverside Creativity Day – 12:30-2:00, St Mary’s Church, Battersea
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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