Posts tagged Kent

Cycling The Thames Estuary: Thames Barrier to Margate

This was a trip that had been at the back of my mind for 30 years. Back in the summer of 1994 I cycled the length of the Thames from the source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier near Woolwich, London. The last day was a long one and we ended up at the Barrier after dark. At the time we had considered the adventure to be complete. A few years later I started to plan a second part: from the Barrier east along the Thames Estuary to Margate.

Over the intervening years I got more excited about other trips. I also either lost contact with a few of the old Thames Path gang or they got preoccupied with having babies. Early in 2024 the stars aligned and the Estuary adventure popped up to the top of my cycling backlog.

The route to Margate mostly follows NCN Route 1 with a bit of the Route 15 Viking Way at the end. It also runs parallel to the main rail line between London and Margate making trip logistics fairly simple. We did it over a weekend, staying both the Friday and Saturday night at the Chatham/Gillingham Victory Pier Premier Inn.

Day 1: Thames Barrier to Chatham

Start: Charlton Railway Station, London, SE7 7QG, United Kingdom
Finish: Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier) hotel, Blake Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 1GB, United Kingdom
Distance: 62.8 km (39 miles)
Elevation change: + 408m / -409m (Net +1m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path, Capital Ring, Jubilee Greenway, Green Chain Walk, London Loop. Cray River Way, Hoo Peninsula Path, Weald Way, Thames and Medway Canal Towpath, Saxon Shore Way, England Coast Path, Strood Community Trail,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 125, 179, Q14
Pubs / Cafes on route: At Woolwich Arsenal (4km in), Erith (15km in), Dartford (25km in), Gravesend (39 km in), Rochester (57km in), Chatham (59km in)
Maps:
- Greenwich & Gravesend Map | East End, Docklands, Bromley, Sidcup & Thurrock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 162
- Gravesend & Rochester Map | Hoo Peninsula | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 163
Links: Charlton, Thames Barrier, Woolwich Arsenal, Erith, Dartford, Gravesend, Thames and Medway Canal, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham

Like all Saturdays the day started with a parkrun, this time at Great Lines Heritage park, just over a mile from from the hotel. From there we headed to Chatham Station to get the train to Charlton. The Thames Barrier is a 1.4km ride from Charlton Station.

Navigation is straightforward, keeping to the NCN Route 1 all the way to Chatham. The first 20km hugs the riverside passing a mix of pleasant gentrified areas like Woolwich Arsenal and ugly industrial parts. After Erith the Route 1 cuts south away from the river to Dartford avoiding the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. We had planned a coffee and cake stop in Dartford but nothing inspired us so we carried on. By the time we reached Gravesend we were really hungry and, as pubs were open by then, were optimistic about finding food. We found Gravesend equally inspiring so didn’t stop there either.

After Gravesend the scenery becomes much more pleasant. With the Route 1 following the disused Thames and Medway Canal. Watch out for the obelisk that marks the half-way point between the cities of London and Rochester. The Route 1 leaves the canal at Lower Higham which, conveniently for us, also has a train station. Brian was having problems with his wheel after several punctures and we’d run out of options to fix it at the road-side. Here we decided that Brian would head to Chatham by train and I would finish the first day on my own.

As it turned out Brian missed one of the best parts of the first day. The final section included quiet countryside and a descent down to Rochester. Had we kept together we would have stopped in Rochester for food ahead of the final few miles. I decided that I was on a mission to beat Brian’s train journey back to Chatham so I wasn’t hanging around. A 20 minute wait for the train meant that I was back at the hotel before Brian arrived at Halfords in Chatham. With a newly fixed wheel and fresh supplies of inner-tubes we were now ready for Day 2.

Day 2: Chatham to Margate

Start: Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier) hotel, Blake Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 1GB, United Kingdom
Finish: Margate Lighthouse, Harbour Arm, Margate, CT9 1AP
Distance: 87 km (54 miles)
Elevation change: + 514m / -513m (Net -1m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Saxon Shore Way, England Coast Path, Swale Heritage Trail, Invicta Way, Wantsum Walk,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 174, 15: Viking Coastal Trail
Pubs / Cafes on route: At Sittingbourne (22km in), Faversham (40km in), Whitstable (59km in), Herne Bay (66km in), Westgate-on-Sea (83km in) and Margate.
- We stopped at Cafe Guild in Faverham (40 km in) and The Ship Inn, Herne Bay (66km in)
Maps:
- Gravesend & Rochester Map | Hoo Peninsula | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 163
- Sittingbourne & Faversham Map | Isle of Sheppey | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 149
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
Links: Sittingbourne, Faversham, Crab & Winkle Way, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Reculver, Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Margate Lighthouse

Shortly after leaving the Chatham/Gillingham area, the Route 1 passes through Riverside Country Park. It was very popular with dog walkers early that Sunday morning so it was a good chance to take it slow as we warmed up for the day. After the Country Park the route cuts away from the estuary from Rainham to Sittingbourne.

Sittingbourne was our original plan for a breakfast stop but we were similarly uninspired by food options as we were on day 1. By the time we arrived in Faversham with 40km down we were starving. It was worth the wait though as Faversham is a very nice old Kent market town with several good cafes.

After Faversham the route heads back towards the coast then takes a detour up the steepest hill of the route to bypass Whitstable Town Centre. After a well-earned descent we reached the Crab & Winkle Way, a disused railway that once connected Whitstable to Canterbury. This was the point where we left the NCN 1, which follows the old railway line to the south. Instead we followed the Crab & Winkle Way north to join the Route 15 Viking Way at the Whistable coast.

The last 28km along the Viking Way from Whitstable to Margate was my favourite section of the whole route. This section keeps to the coast along flat boulevards passing seaside towns and the remains of Reculver Towers. We had made good time so we stopped for a while at a pub in Herne Bay to gaze across the estuary and contemplate future adventures.

Our 2-day adventure finished at Margate Lighthouse, an obvious place to mark the end of the Estuary adventure. We really enjoyed the trip and, baring the wheel & puncture issues at the end of day one, found it pretty easy going. I still didn’t get the sense of completion though. Yes, we had cycled the estuary to complete the Thames Path, but we had now left the southern section of the NCN Route 1 uncompleted. Within a couple of days I was already planning the next 2 day adventure to complete both the NCN Route 1 from Whitstable to Dover and the rest of the Viking Way.

The Full 2-Day Route

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure. Here’s the 14 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day estuary adventure.

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Richard gower24 March 2024Cycle, NCN, Coast, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Thames, London, Kent, National Trails, England Comments

Walking The North Downs Way Part 7 - Gangers Hill to Westerham Hill

Coccolith, an artwork by INSTAR, near the Titsey Brewery on the eastern edge of the Surrey Hills AONB

Start: Gangers Hill Car Park, Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Godstone, CR3 7AD
Finish: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +161m / -216m. Net -55m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Tandridge Border Path, Woldringham Countryside Walk, Vanguard Way, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the end of the route
OS Trig Pilllar: TP1536 - Botley Hill
Maps:
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
- Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Marden Park, Oxted Downs, Titsey Place

This is the seventh of a series of short point-to-point walks along the North Downs Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. Our walks took in short sections of 10 km to 13 km which we did with a friend over the course of a couple of years when our schedules coincided. The North Downs Way is well sign-posted however I highly recommend taking a map or GPX route to keep you on track. The Cicerone book on the trail is a great guide to the points of interest along the way.

For this section we left one car at the end of the walk near the Velo Barn on Westerham Hill and another at the start at Gangers Hill Car Park. It may be possible to use the car park at the Velo Barn but ask for permission first as the gates are locked when the cafe is closed. There’s a layby next to the barn on Pilgrims Way with space for 3 cars.

From the start at Gangers Hill Car Park, cross over The Ridge to pick up the North Downs Way heading east. This first section is a steep descent down into fields where the route runs parallel and close to the M25. After ~1.5km you’ll meet a path junction with the Vanguard Way and Greenwich Meridian Trail. If you want to visit Botley Hill, the high point of the North Downs, this is where you can take a diversion from the path for 1 km, returning back the same way. We kept on the North Downs Way but visited Botley Hill by car after the walk.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way you’ll soon pass a plaque marking the point where the North Downs Way and Vanguard Way crosses the Greenwich Meridian Line. Further along, at ~3km into the walk you’ll reach a T junction where the Vanguard Way splits off from the North Downs Way to the right. Take a left at this junction to follow Pitchfont Lane, a wide path heading uphill through land managed by the Titsey Foundation.

At the end of Pitchfont Lane you’ll reach a roundabout connecting Croydon Lane, Clarks Lane and Titsey Hill (road). Here you can take a 300m (and back) diversion to visit the Botley Hill Trig Pillar, just off The Ridge (road). Alternatively, there’s a free car park at the roundabout where you can return to bag the trig later.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way, the trail runs parallel to Titsey Hill (road) for ~800m then crosses through Crossharbour Beeches to meet Clarks Lane opposite the Titsey Brewery. Here you’ll pass the Coccolith artwork (see banner photo at the top of this post) and a great view to the south. You’ll also see one of the 12 wooden Surrey Hills boundary markers.

For the final part of this section continue east, crossing over Clarks Lane and onto Chestnut Avenue, then onto The Avenue. Look out for boundary stone near the western end of The Avenue which marks the Surrey/Kent border. When The Avenue meets Westerham Hill (road) take a right to follow Westerham Hill back to The Velo Barn.

This was the end of our first Chapter of walking The North Downs Way with our friend Mark. We had completed original objective was to complete the Surrey section. With our busy schedules it took us 2.5 years to cover the 7 sections. We’ll do the Kent sections one day but for now there’s other parts of Surrey to explore.

Previous Section (west): Walking The North Downs Way Part 6: Merstham to Gangers Hill

Back to Surrey Hills Index

Richard gower3 December 2023Trek, Surrey Hills AONB, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Surrey, Kent, EnglandComment

Walking The Greensand Way Part 22 - Toys Hill and Ide Hill

Start & Finish: Toys Hill Car Park, Toy's Hill Road, Westerham, TN16 1QG
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 215m
Greensand Way section covered: French Street to Ide Hill: 3.71 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): NT Octavia Hill Centenary Walk, Weardale Walk,
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: Cock Inn at Ide Hill (just off route at 1.8 km in), National Trust Cafe at Emmetts Garden (3.4 km in)
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Toys Hill National Trust, Ide Hill, Emmett’s Garden National Trust, Weardale Manor

This is the twenty-second of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand Way is well sign posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

For this section we parked at the National Trust Car Park at the bottom of Toy’s Hill and picked up the Greensand Way heading east after crossing Chart Lane. The route covers a lot of the same ground as the NT Octavia Hill Centenary Walk, but it’s not exactly the same so be careful when following route markers. After 1.75km you’ll reach Ide Hill village and will leave the Greensand Way but follow the Octavia Hill Walk north along Sundridge Road. Take a footpath on the right to leave the road, crossing a field to Norman Street then taking a left to return to Sundridge Road. Take a right, then a left into the lane that passes Ide Hill Cricket Club.

Follow the Octavia Hill Walk up through Emmett’s Garden National Trust where there’s a café. Shortly after the cafe you’ll leave the Octavia Hill Walk and continue west, now picking up the Weardale Walk. Follow this to French Street to join the Greensand Way at the point that you left it on section 21. Take the Greensand Way in a southerly direction all the way back to the Toy’s Hill Car Park.

The Greensand Way doesn’t cross over the top of Toy’s Hill so it’s worth taking a short out-and-back diversion from the path to the summit. At the top you’ll find the remains of Weardale Manor, a memorial and great views over the Kent and Sussex countryside.

Toys Hill

Significance: Highest peak in the Kent Downs AONB
Member of: England Peaks with 100 meters of Prominence
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Betsom’s Hill
Elevation: 248m
Date climbed: August 13th 2023
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Wikipedia (Kent Downs / Toys Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Previous section: Walking The Greensand Way Part 21: Crockham Hill Common and Chartwell
Next section: Walking The Greensand Way Part 22: Yorks Hill and Bailey’s Hill

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Richard gower13 August 2023Trek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment

Holly Hill and Lost Village of Dode Circular Walk

Significance: Unitary Authority High Point for Medway
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Detling Hill
Historic County: Kent (of which Betsom’s Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 172m
Date “climbed”: August 12th 2013
Coordinates: 51° 20' 43'' N, 0° 23' 55'' E

Route Start & Finish: Holy Hill Wood Car Park, Holly Hill Lane (North Downs Way), Gravesend, DA13 0UB
Route Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Route Elevation change: +/- 78m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
OS Trig Pillar: TP3974 - Holly Hill
Pubs / Cafes on route: N/A
Map: Maidstone & the Medway Towns Map | Kent Downs | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 148
Guidebook: N/A
Links: Wikipedia (Medway), Peakbagger, Hillbagging, Lost Village of Dode

Holly Hill is the high point of the Unitary Authority of Medway within the Historic and Ceremonial Counties of Kent. We bagged it on a short walk that also takes in the Holly Hill Trig Pillar and the lost village of Dode.

The Holly Hill Car Park is open during the summer and is very close to the Trig Pillar. We chose to keep this to the end of the walk and headed up to the high point first. Not sure why the Trig Pillar and High Point are in different places. Turn left out of the car park onto the North Downs way and follow it for 250 metres then take a footpath to the right heading east. When the path enters into a large field take a left and follow the tree-line on the left hand side of the field to the top of the hill. The high-point is near the large tree in the corner of the field. There were crops growing at the time so we kept to the field edge which may have been a metre or 2 from the actual high point. There’s no obvious peak or anything to mark the summit.

Retrace your steps to the North Downs Way and follow it north but keep to the main track rather than take the right hand turn when the North Downs Way diverts to the east. When you reach Wrangling Lane take a left and follow it in a south-westerly direction. You’ll shortly pass the entrance to the lost village of Dode.

The lost village of Dode is a small hamlet in the North Downs of Kent, England. It is thought to have been abandoned in the 14th century due to the Black Death, a devastating plague that killed an estimated 30-50% of the European population. The only remaining trace of the village is its Norman church, which was built in the 12th century. The church has been restored and is now a popular wedding venue. It’s private property and the gate was locked at the time so we settled for some photos at the gate and continued along Wrangling Lane.

Keep on Wrangling Lane as it curves to the south and gradually ascends up to White Horse Road. Take a left onto White Horse Road then take the first footpath on the left to take you into Holly Hill Woodland. Keep to the paths following the easterly edge of the woodland and you’ll arrive at the OS Trig Pillar, an information board and a great view across to central London. The car park is a further 250 metres from the Trig Pillar.

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Richard gower12 August 2023Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Kent, EnglandComment

Walking The Greensand Way Part 21 - Crockham Hill and Chartwell

View across Westerham to the North Downs ride, Westerham Heights and Betsom’s Hill

Start & Finish: Westerham Village Centre, TN16 1AY
Alternative start point at: National Trust Chartwell Car Park, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 157m
Greensand Way section covered: Surrey/Kent border to French Street: 3.73 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): NT Mariners Hill Loop, NT Chartwell Walk, Weardale Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Westerham village at start and end. Cafe at National Trust Chartwell (5.3 km in)
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Westerham, Crockham Hill Common, Chartwell, National Trust Chartwell

This is the twenty-first of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand Way is well sign posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

For this section we attempted to park in Westerham village centre but we were thwarted by a lack of available paring spaces and on-street parking limited to maximum 2 hours. It’s a good place to start the walk if you can but we decided to start at the National Trust Car Park in Chartwell instead. If you’re a National Trust member it’s a good option as it’s free and you’re more likely to get a space.

If you start at Westerham pick up the Greensand Way spur on the south side of Vicarage Hill road and head south, crossing the Darent River than taking a right at the path junction with the NT Chartwell Walk. After 3km take a right to cross over Goodley Stock Road to meet the stone, last seen in section 20, that marks the Surrey/Kent border and the half-way point of the Greensand Way. After touching the stone, retrace your steps back across Goodley Stock Road to return to the path through Crockham Hill Woods. Take a right to continue south along this path and follow the Greensand Way as it curves in an anti-clockwise direction to the entrance to the National Trust Car Park at Chartwell. This is the point where you would start the walk if parking there.

From National Trust Chartwell continue following the Greensand Way in an anti-clockwise direction to French Street. Here’s you’ll leave the Greensand Way and continue in the anti-clockwise loop heading north-west to rejoin the NT Chartwell Walk. This will take you back to the Greensand Way spur back up to Westerham Village. If you started the walk at Chartwell there’s no need to go up to Westerham (unless you choose to). Instead continue along the Greensand Way Spur to the Surrey/Kent border stone.

Previous section: Walking The Greensand Way Part 20: Oxted and Limpsfield
Next section: Walking The Greensand Way Part 22: Toys Hill and Ide Hill

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Richard gower10 August 2023Trek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment

One Tree Hill and Ightham Mote Circular Walk

Start & Finish: One Tree Hill Car Park, Carter's Hill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0SN
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 197m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greensand Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: Ightham Mote National Trust Cafe
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: One Tree Hill National Trust, Ightham Mote National Trust, Shipbourne, Underriver

This is a great short circular walk in the Kent Downs. We used the free National Trust parking area near One Tree Hill, although the larger National Trust car park (free to members) at Ightham Mote is an alternative. There’s some steep parts and it can be very muddy in winter or after rain so wear good boots.

From the parking area at One Tree Hill cut through the woods, following paths in a south-easterly direction, to the top of the hill and the view-point to the south. Here you’ll reach the Greensand Way which you’ll follow in a east / south-easterly direction for 5 km.

After 3km on the Greensand Way you’ll reach the Ightham Mote National Trust Estate. If you’ve got time, it’s well worth stopping for an hour to visit the house and gardens. Even if you don’t have time to enter you can visit the café which can be accessed from the path at the south of the estate without having to pay to enter.

When you leave Ightham Mote you’ll continue along the Greensand Way, now heading south. After 2km you’ll reach the Church of St Giles at Shipbourne. Here you’ll leave the Greensand Way and take a footpath heading west across fields and into a wooded area called Cold Blows. Half way into the woods take a left hand path, heading south-west towards Mote Road. Cross over the road and continue along the paths heading west to Underriver.

When you reach Underriver, take a right onto Carter’s Hill road, then a left onto the lane opposite the turning to Underriver House Road. Continue up this lane in a north-westerly direction for ~400m then take a path heading north. This is a steep climb for another 400m back up to the Greensand Way. Take a right onto the Greensand Way and follow it to Carter’s Hill road. You can either follow Carter’s Hill road back to the One Tree Hill parking area or the parallel footpath through the woods to the right of the road.

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Richard gower22 January 2022Trek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment

South-East England parkruns

The parkrun Regionnaire status used to be a major part of parkrun tourism, with South-East England being the largest region. Changes in the parkrun website in 2019 removed the regions making it harder to track completion status. All is not lost though as here’s the complete parkrun guide to what’s in and what’s out of the counties of South-East England.

Completed counties may include those I have previously completed but have not yet been able to visit a new event yet.

As of June 2022, the total parkrun event numbers for each county are:

Berkshire: 10 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 11 in the Historic County
Buckinghamshire, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 12 in the Historic County
Hampshire, 24 parkrun events in the Present-Day county (inc I.o.W), 26 in the Historic County
Kent, 25 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 38 in the Historic County
Oxfordshire, 12 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 7 in the Historic County
Surrey, 12 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 26 in the Historic County
Sussex, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county of West Sussex, 5 in East Sussex and 5 in Brighton and Hove. 21 in the Historic County of Sussex

…giving a grand total of 115 parkrun events in the present-day counties of the South of England.

click on the link on each county name to go to the blog post for that county

Notes and exceptions.

Numbers of event above exclude prison parkruns and permanently cancelled events.
Bournemouth and Moors Valley parkruns were part of Historic Hampshire and would have been in Historic South-East England, but are now part of Present-day Dorset, so would be in the South West England region.
Hazelwood was part of Historic Middlesex and is now part of Present-day Surrey.
Parts of Historic Surrey and Kent are now part of Greater London. See the individual pages for those counties for the list of which events are now part of Greater London.

Ashford

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashford
Inaugural: October 26th 2013

Bedgebury Pinetum

Completed: January 22nd 2022
Time: 26:23
Other routes touched: Bedgebury Pinetum Mountain Bike Routes
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bedgeburypinetum
Inaugural: March 19th 2016

Canterbury

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/canterbury
Inaugural: March 15th 2014

Cyclopark

Completed: March 19th 2022
Time: 26:23
Other routes touched (Cycle): NCN 177
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cyclopark
Inaugural: June 20th 2019

Dartford

Completed: December 22nd 2018
Time: 29:06
Other routes touched (walk): Darent Valley Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 125
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/dartford
This event is also part of M25 parkrun
Inaugural: June 26th 2014

Dartford Heath

Completed: December 15th 2018
Time: 29:02
Other routes touched: N/A
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/dartfordheath
This event is also part of M25 parkrun
Inaugural: May 12th 2018

route-31325370-map-full - Dartford Heath.png

Dover Waterfront

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/doverwaterfront/
Inaugural: September 9th 2023

Folkestone

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/folkestone
Inaugural: August 16th 2014

Great Lines, Medway

Completed: March 23rd 2023
Time: 28:44
Other routes touched: Saxon Shore Way
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/greatlines
Inaugural: September 28th 2013

Kingdom

Completed: February 1st 2020
Time: 27:10
Other routes touched: N/A
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/kingdom
Inaugural: April 27th 2019

Lullingstone

Completed: November 2nd 2019
Time: 31:17
Other routes touched: N/A
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/lullingstone
Inaugural: April 11th 2015

route-31407378-map-full - Lullingstone.png

Maidstone River Park

Formerly just called Maidstone parkrun
Completed: April 9th 2022
Time: 25:46
Other routes touched (walk): KCC Centenary Walk
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/maidstone
Inaugural: April 13th 2013

Malling

Completed: April 2nd 2022
Time: 25:29
Other routes touched: None
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/malling
Inaugural: October 3rd 2015

Margate

Completed: January 4th 2020
Time: 27:02
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 15, Viking Coastal Trail
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/margate
Inaugural: April 27th 2013

Mote Park

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/motepark/
Inaugural: June 4th 2022

Pegwell Bay

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pegwellbay
Inaugural: May 11th 2013

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Completed: 29th January 2022
Time: 27:27
Other routes touched: None
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/royaltunbridgewells
Inaugural: April 26th 2014

Shorne Woods

Completed: March 26th 2022
Time: 26:14
Other routes touched: Several trails inside the country park
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/shornewoods
Inaugural: March 30th 2013

Sittingbourne

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/sittingbourne
Inaugural: February 27th 2016

Squerryes Winery

Completed: October 12th 2019
Time: 26:55
Other routes touched: N/A
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/squerryeswinery
Inaugural: September 14th 2019

elevation_profile - Squerreys Winery.jpg

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Swanley

Completed: December 18th 2021
Time: 25:25
Other routes touched: None
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/swanley
Inaugural: October 23rd 2021

The Leas, Minster

Completed: August 12th 2023
Time: 28:06
Other routes touched: England Coast Path
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/theleas
Inaugural: September 28th 2019

Tonbridge

Completed: 15th January 2022
Time: 26:13
Other routes touched (walk): Weald Way, Eden Valley Walk, The Tudor Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 12
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/tonbridge
Inaugural: November 9th 2013

Walmer and Deal Seafront

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/walmeranddealseafront
Inaugural: September 15th 2019

Whitstable

not yet completed
Time: TBC
Other routes touched: [to be added once I’ve completed it]
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/whitstable
Inaugural: November 6th 2010

PARKRUNS IN HISTORIC COUNTY OF KENT BUT NOW IN GREATER LONDON

See the LonDone blog post for maps and stats for these:

* The Bethlem Royal Hospital course is half in Historic Surrey and half in Historic Kent

parkrun LonDone Tracker

If you would like a PDF version of my manual LonDone tracker, please BuyMeACoffee and let me know on the Contact Page. It’s a table of all current Greater London parkrun events, plus all events inside the M25, with space for future new events. You can track your date completed and finish time. It’s simple and you could easily make one yourself, but let me know if you want a copy of mine. 20% of each virtual coffee goes to parkrun Forever and the rest goes toward the running of this website.

Greater London parkruns by Borough

The London Boroughs are the 32 local authority districts that together with the City of London make up the administrative area of Greater London.

Bromley has the most parkrun events with 5.
There are 3 boroughs that do not currently have a parkrun event: Kensington and Chelsea, Merton and the City of Westminster.
The City of London also doesn’t have a parkrun event. Due to its small size and lack of green spaces it’s unlikely to ever have one.
5 parkrun events share their name with the borough that they are in: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Harrow and Southwark.
Another 6 parkrun events have all or part of their name in the name of the borough that they are in: Barking, Fulham Palace, Hackney Marshes, Kingston, Richmond Park and Walthamstow.

The table above shows parkrun events listed by London Borough where the current start line is located. Most events are fully within the boundaries of their respective borough, however some cross borders. Events in italics with a * have explanations below. Thanks to the members of the various Facebook parkrun groups for input on these. Events like Clapham Common may be under the jurisdiction of a borough council but shown above in a different borough due to the start line location.

Clapham Common has the start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info), although I’ve listed it under Wandsworth in the table for consistency of where the start point is.

Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Kingston parkrun starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start in border Sutton (just over the border) and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).
The Wanstead Flats course is in Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.
Wimbledon Common parkrun is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).

Greater London parkruns by Historic County

Before the creation of Greater London, the area was split between 5 Historic Counties:

24 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Middlesex. Hazelwood is the only parkrun event that was in Middlesex but is not now in Greater London.

16 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Surrey. The Riddlesdown event crosses the current border of Greater London and present-day Surrey but is classified as London.
13 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Kent. Bethlem Royal Hospital crosses the border of Historic Surrey and Kent, but the parkrun event is mostly on the Kent side.
8 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Essex.
1 Greater London parkrun event (Oak Hill) was previously in the historic county of Hertfordshire

All of the London parkrun events …

Below are each of the Greater London parkun events in alphabetical order. A few things to note:

The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start.
Course maps and elevation profiles show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then. See the Course page in the event’s page on parkrun.co.uk for the current course outline.
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram details are based primarily on the public transport description in the Course page for each event plus input submitted by readers of this page.
See the LonDone parkrun travel connections page for more details on stations, driving and facilities.

parkrun LonDone Tracker

Ally Pally

I completed this event on: January 1st 2015 with a finish time of: 27:01
Other routes touched: Alexandra Palace and the Parkland Walk Circular
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: December 3rd 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Alexandra Palace (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Wood Green (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26687977-map-full - Ally Pally.png

Barking

I completed this event on: October 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:40
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Barking and Dagenham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: July 28th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Barking (National Rail via c2c. Overground. Underground via Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Beckenham Place

I completed this event on: February 3rd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:51
Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk, Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: November 19th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Beckenham Hill (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Beckenham Junction (Tram).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Beckton

I completed this event on: January 6th 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13
Greater London Borough: Newham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: June 2nd 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Albert (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Bedfont Lakes

I completed this event on: January 18th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:13
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 9th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ashford (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Hatton Cross (Tube, then take a bus).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26691576-map-full - Bedfont Lakes.png

Bethlem Royal Hospital

I completed this event on: May 25th 2019 with a finish time of: 25:15
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Surrey & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)
Inaugural: May 25th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Eden Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-30082943-map-full - Bethlem Royal Hospital.png

Bexley

I completed this event on: March 31st 2018 with a finish time of: 26:13
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bexley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: February 4th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Welling (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1.2 miles (1.92 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Brockwell

I completed this event on: May 26th 2018 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lambeth
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: December 11th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Herne Hill (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Brixton (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Bromley

I completed this event on: March 17th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:38
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: August 29th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Bromley South (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Burgess

I completed this event on: December 2nd 2017 with a finish time of: 25:17
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 425
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: September 22nd 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elephant & Castle (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink, Underground via Bakerloo, Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Bushy Park

I completed this event on: March 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 23:30
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 2nd 2004
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Court (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Teddington (Train), Hampton Wick (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Canons Park

I completed this event on: November 12th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:03
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Harrow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 8th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Canons Park (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Harrow & Wealdstone (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26692769-map-full - Canons Park.png

Catford

I completed this event on: June 2nd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:47
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: April 28th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hither Green (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Catford, Catford Bridge.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Charlton

I completed this event on: December 4th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:13
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: October 2nd 2021
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Charlton (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: DLR Woolwich, North Greenwich (Jubilee).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Clapham Common

I completed this event on: April 14th 2018 with a finish time of: 25:41
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: March 24th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Clapham South (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Clapham Junction (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Crane Park

I completed this event on: October 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:24
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop
Greater London Borough: Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 9th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whitton (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Crystal Palace

I completed this event on: December 17th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:23
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: May 29th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Penge West (National Rail via Southern. Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Penge East (Train), Crystal Palace (Train, Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26693297-map-full - Crystal Palace.png

Dulwich

I completed this event on: October 22nd 2016 with a finish time of: 25:18
Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: April 14th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Dulwich (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: North Dulwich.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Finsbury Park

I completed this event on: January 24th 2015 with a finish time of: 28:06
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring, New River Path
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 31st 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Finsbury Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink. Overground. Underground via Piccadilly, Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Foots Cray Meadows

I completed this event on: October 20th 2018 with a finish time of: 28:36
Other routes touched (walk): N/A but runs very close to the London Loop and Cray Riverway
Greater London Borough: Bexley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: July 21st 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Albany Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Fulham Palace

I completed this event on: October 19th 2013 with a finish time of: 23:28
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 19th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Putney Bridge (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Putney.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Gladstone

I completed this event on: November 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Brent
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 30th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Dollis Hill (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Cricklewood.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Greenwich

I completed this event on: May 13th 2017 with a finish time of: 34:07
Other routes touched (walk): Shuttle Riverway
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: March 6th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Falconwood (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Grovelands

I completed this event on: January 1st 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Enfield
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: July 24th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Winchmore Hill (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Gunnersbury

I completed this event on: March 8th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:11
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 29th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Acton Town (Underground via District, Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Kew Bridge (Rail).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26709332-map-full - Gunnersbury.png

Hackney Marshes

I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:12
Other routes touched (walk): Lea Valley Walk / Lea Canal Towpath
Greater London Borough: Hackney
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 29th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hackney Wick (Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Stratford International DLR
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26764414-map-full - Hackney Marshes.png

Hampstead Heath

I completed this event on: January 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 26:31
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Camden
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 14th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampstead Heath (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Hampstead (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26764414-map-full - Hampstead Heath.png

Hanworth

I completed this event on: June 15th 2019 with a finish time of: 27:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 4th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Feltham (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Harrow

I completed this event on: November 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Harrow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 9th 2015
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Harrow on the Hill (National Rail via Chiltern Railways. Underground via Metropolitan). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Harrow Lodge

I completed this event on: March 25th 2017 with a finish time of: 25:33
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Havering
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: January 12th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elm Park (Underground via District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Highbury Fields

I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:13
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 162
Greater London Borough: Islington
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: November 12th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Highbury & Islington (National Rail via Great Northern. Overground. Underground via Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26787436-map-full - Highbury Fields.png

Hilly Fields

I completed this event on: May 27th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:53
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 8th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ladywell (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26787486-map-full - Hilly Fields.png

Hoblingwell

I completed this event on: February 10th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:02
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: July 15th 2017
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: St Mary Cray (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26850603-map-full - Hoblingwell.png

Kingston

I completed this event on: January 3rd 2015 with a finish time of: 25:26
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Greater London Borough: Starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: March 20th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Wick (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.7 miles (2.72 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Lloyd

I completed this event on: October 1st 2016 with a finish time of: 26:08
Other routes touched (walk): Vanguard Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 232
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: October 23rd 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Lloyd Park (Tram). Walking Distance: >0.1 miles (>0.1 km). Alternative: East Croydon (Rail)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Lordship Recreation Ground

I completed this event on: November 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:26
Other routes touched: None
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 22nd 2022
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Turnpike Lane (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Bruce Grove (Overground)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Mile End

I completed this event on: April 22nd 2017 with a finish time of: 26:02
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1. (walk): Jubilee Greenway
Greater London Borough: Tower Hamlets
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: February 4th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Mile End (Underground via Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Limehouse (Train, DLR).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Northala Fields

I completed this event on: July 26th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:58
Other routes touched: N/A
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Ealing
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 21st 2014
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Northolt (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26811183-map-full - Northala Fields.png

Oak Hill

I completed this event on: January 10th 2015 with a finish time of: 24:58
Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail
Greater London Borough: Barnet
Historic County: Hertfordshire
Inaugural: August 27th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Oakleigh Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Old Deer Park

I completed this event on: September 21st 2013 with a finish time of: 23:32
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: August 21st 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26823896-map-full - Old Deer Park.png

Orpington

I completed this event on: December 24th 2016 with a finish time of: 28:04
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 15th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Orpington (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 1.6 miles (2.56 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Osterley

I completed this event on: January 25th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:35
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: August 31st 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Osterley (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Isleworth (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Peckham Rye

I completed this event on: December 25th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:36
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: June 21st 2014
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Honor Oak Park (National Rail via Southern, Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Nunhead (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26828163-map-full - Peckham Rye.png

Pymmes

I completed this event on: February 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 26:09
Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail
Greater London Borough: Enfield
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: April 9th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Silver Street (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Edmonton (Train), Seven Sisters (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Raphael

I completed this event on: February 11th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:36
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Havering
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: May 2nd 2015
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Romford (National Rail via greateranglia. Overground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km). Alternative: Elm Park (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Richmond Park

I completed this event on: February 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: October 20th 2007
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26830977-map-full - Richmond Park.png

Riddlesdown

I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 26:24
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop, Tandridge Border Path
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 2nd 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whyteleafe (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Upper Warlingham (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
Note that the start, and most of the course is in Greater London, however the finish is in Surrey.

route-26831007-map-full - Riddlesdown.png

Roundshaw Downs

I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Has the briefing in Croydon, the start on the border with Sutton (may actually be in Sutton) and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 18th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Waddon (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: West Croydon (Overground), Wandle Park (Tram)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26832661-map-full - Roundshaw Downs.png

Southall

I completed this event on: February 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:03
Other routes touched: None
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Ealing
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: January 8th 2022
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southall (National Rail via GWR, Underground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

South Norwood

I completed this event on: December 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 28:28
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 21
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 8th 2017
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Arena (Tram). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Alternative: Elmers End (Train), Norwood Junction (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26832933-map-full - South Norwood.png

Southwark

I completed this event on: November 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 24:26
Other routes touched: N/A
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: September 7th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Surrey Quays (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: South Bermondsey (Train), Canada Water (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Stockley Country

I completed this event on: January 7th 2023 with a finish time of: 26:07
Other routes touched: The London Loop
Greater London Borough: Hillingdon
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: January 7th 2023
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Drayton (National Rail via GWR, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Sunny Hill

I completed this event on: April 13th 2019 with a finish time of: 26:48
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Barnet
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: March 30th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Colindale (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1.3 miles (2.08 km). Alternative: Mill Hill Broadway (Train).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Sutcliffe

I completed this event on: November 20th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:01
Other routes touched: None
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 11th 2021
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Kidbrooke (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Thames Path, Woolwich

I completed this event on: May 20th 2023 with a finish time of: 24:47
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Other routes touched (walk): NCN 1, Q14
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: May 6th 2023
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Woolwich (Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Woolwich Arsenal DLR
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Tooting Common

I completed this event on: January 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:55
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Wandsworth
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: January 30th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Tooting Bec (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Balham (Train), Clapham Junction (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Valentines

I completed this event on: November 5th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:54
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Redbridge
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: February 19th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Gants Hill (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km). Alternative: Alternative: Ilford (Train), Woodgrange Park (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Victoria Dock

I completed this event on: April 28th 2018 with a finish time of: 24:23
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13
Greater London Borough: Newham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: March 17th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Victoria (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Custom House (Train), Canning Park (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

Walthamstow

I completed this event on: December 3rd 2016 with a finish time of: 26:11
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Waltham Forest
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: January 26th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Higham's Park (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Walthamstow Central (Train, Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

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Wanstead Flats

I completed this event on: December 10th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:27
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridien Trail, Epping Forest Centenary Walk
Greater London Borough: Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: May 21st 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Leytonstone High Road (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Stratford International (Train), Leytonstone (Tube), Forest Gate (Elizabeth Line).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26835421-map-full - Wanstead Flats.png

Wimbledon Common

I completed this event on: November 29th 2014 with a finish time of: 25:14
Other routes touched: Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Wandsworth. The course is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: January 6th 2007
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southfields (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.4 miles (2.24 km). Alternative: Putney (Train), Wimbledon (Tram).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26835466-map-full - Wimbledon Common.png

Wormwood Scrubs

I completed this event on: June 15th 2013 with a finish time of: 24:10
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 11th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: East Acton (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Acton Main Line (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

route-26835484-map-full - Wormwood Scrubs.png

Actual Course Outlines for Greater London parkruns

Actual course outlines for the parkrun events in Greater London. Some courses have changed their routes since I completed them.

Day 1: Southern Section: Harefield to Dartford

Start: The Coy Carp, Copperhill Lane, Harefield, Uxbridge UB9 6HZ
Finish: Grotty hotel near the Dartford Crossing, Kent
Distance: 110 km (68 miles)
Elevation Change: + 1.046m / - 1,082m. Net -36m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Colne Valley Trail, Hillingdon Trail, Grand Union Canal Towpath, Celandine Route, Shakespeare’s Way, Beeches Way, Thames Path, Thames Down Link, Hogsmill Valley Walk, Town and Down Circular Walk, Sutton Countryside Walk, Vanguard Way, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Cray Riverway, Darent Valley Path
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 125, 20, 21, 232, 4, 6, 61
Guidebook: The London Loop: Recreational Path Guide by Colin Saunders
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
- OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
- OS Explorer Map (162) Greenwich and Gravesend

Day 2: Northern Section: Dartford to Harefield

Start: Grotty hotel near the Dartford Crossing, Kent
Finish: The Coy Carp, Copperhill Lane, Harefield, Uxbridge, UB9 6HZ
Distance: 92 km (57 miles)
Elevation Change: + 967m / - 962m. Net +5m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Havering Green Ways, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Lea Valley Walk, New River Path, Pymmes Brook Trail, Colne Valley Trail, Hillingdon Trail, Grand Union Canal Towpath
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 13, 136, 3, 6, 61
Guidebook: The London Loop: Recreational Path Guide by Colin Saunders
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East

You can't cycle over the Dartford Bridge or under the tunnel but there is a free service that drives you and your bikes through. There's a free phone at the entrance to the tunnel on either side.