Spring Into Summer with Free Guided Walks

---

A weekend of walks - 30th - 31st May

What better way to start summer and beat the credit crunch blues than by taking part in one of 40 free guided walks on offer during Walk London’s ‘Spring into Summer’ weekend, May 30th & 31st.

Walk London is an initiative funded by Transport for London and aims to make London one of the most walking friendly cities in Europe by 2015. Designed largely to be away from traffic, the free walks connect some of London’s best attractions, parks, woodlands, rivers and open spaces, and are part of a network of routes that make up the Capital’s Strategic Walk Network (SWN). The walks include:

• 24 sections of the 150 mile long London LOOP, otherwise known as the ‘M25 for walkers’
• 15 sections of the inner orbital Capital Ring, which connects open spaces within inner London boroughs
• The South East Green Chain, taking in Severndroog Castle with views across the City and to the North Sea
• The Lea Valley, undergoing major transformation for the 2012 Olympics
• The Thames Path National Trail in London

• The Jubilee Walkway

Experienced guides lead all walks and local history and wildlife experts will join some special walks. A free colour guide will be handed out on all walks along with a pin badge of the route logo as a keepsake.

‘Spring into Summer’ is Walk London’s fifth and biggest walking weekend so far. There is something for everyone, from the urban ambles of central London and inner London to the suburban strides and rural roams of Outer London. All walks start and finish either at or within easy reach of public transport.

Walk London works in partnership with all the London boroughs to promote walking as an effective and efficient means of getting around and for pleasure, fitness and well being and having a positive effect on the environment.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said, “One of the great pleasures of life in London is exploring the plethora of open spaces - from parks to riverside walkways, woodlands to canalside paths. As well as shining a light on some of London's little-seen natural and man-made treasures, walking initiatives help to give people the confidence to go by foot more often - helping to cut congestion and improve the environment. I'm sure that Walk London's work will serve to encourage more Londoners to choose walking as a free, healthy and green way of getting about their city."

Jim Walker, Chair of Walk London, said: “London is a fantastic city to explore by foot, with many hidden gems just waiting to be found. Not only is walking cost and carbon free, it is proven to reduce stress, and improve your physical health whatever your level of fitness. The walks are perfect to discover what’s on your doorstep, culturally, historically and environmentally, and what’s more, they’re completely free.”

Peter McBride, Head of Cycling, Walking and Accessibility at TfL, said:
“Transport for London wants to make walking in this city as attractive and enjoyable as possible and that is why we are investing over £17 million this year to improve conditions across the Capital. Events such as ‘Spring into Summer’ are a great way to encourage even more Londoners to explore the city on foot and to discover just how walkable London can be.

April 23, 2009