The best running routes in London to get you started

If you’re lucky enough to call London home, these routes take you through some of the capital's best-kept secrets. Admire the views from Primrose Hill, jog past Kensington Palace, or spot the Chinese pagoda in Victoria Park, these routes take you from 3km to 10km - perfect to get you started.

For each route, we have provided the what3words coordinates to make it simple to find the starting location.

North

Finsbury Park to Highgate Parkland Walk Run

Start point: ///ports.blaze.after
Nearby stations: Finsbury Park
Distance: 3km / 1.9 miles
Surface: Mixed
Terrain: Flat

Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London and follows the former railway line that once connected Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. Start from the railway bridge on the Western side of Finsbury Park and simply follow the wildlife-rich trail until you come out in Highgate.

East

Victoria Park Full Loop

Start point: ///extend.export.judge
Nearby stations: Mile End, Cambridge Heath, Hackney Wick
Distance: 4.3km / 2.7 miles
Surface: Tarmac paths
Terrain: Flat

A simple loop that takes you around the perimeter of Victoria Park. Access the park from any of 19 gates and head either left or right following the wide path that circumnavigates the park. You’ll need to cross Grove Road (which dissects West Park and East Park) twice to return to your start point.

Central

Westminster to Tower Bridge

Start point: ///mime.nature.blitz
Nearby stations: Westminster
Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
Surface: Tarmac and paving
Terrain: Flat

It’s almost impossible to get lost on this loop which starts along the Embankment on the north side of the river. You’ll pass under several bridges and even go past St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London before crossing Tower Bridge. The home stretch passes Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and London Eye. Cross Westminster Bridge to return to where you started.

Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Circular

Start point: ///singer.intervals.times
Nearby stations: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street and Warren Street
Distance: 5.5km / 3.4 miles
Surface: Tarmac paths
Terrain: Flat apart from one hill

The hill involved in this run is totally worth it for the view! You set out from the southeast corner of Regent’s Park and follow the footpath along the edge of the park in an anticlockwise direction before cutting along the southwest edge of London Zoo. You cross Prince Albert Road into Primrose Hill, heading up the hill to spot landmarks like The London Eye, The Shard and The BT Tower. You then return to Regent’s Park, running down the opposite side of the park to reach where you began.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Circumference

Start point: ///kinks.rams.winner
Nearby stations: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge
Distance: 6.4km / 4 miles
Surface: Tarmac
Terrain: Fairly flat

This run takes you through not one, but two, Royal Parks - Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Get into Hyde Park via any entrance you like and follow the trail closest to the fence line anticlockwise. At some point, you’ll need to cross West Carriage Drive into Kensington Garden. Continue along the perimeter path, enjoying Kensington Gardens. You’ll then cross the road again to return to Hyde Park, carrying on along the fence line to where you started.

South East

Thames Path From Greenwich to London Bridge

Start point: ///famed.field.darker
Nearby stations: London Bridge
Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Surface: Mostly paved
Terrain: Flat with some steps

This route takes you past quirky statues, narrow boats, and ancient wharves. Start on the Thames Path and simply keep the river on your left as you head through Bermondsey towards Tower Bridge. Once you reach Rotherhithe, the path diverts away from the river. Set directions to continue through streets and small parks to Greenwich.