16 Top Running Routes In London
THE BEST JOGGING TRAILS IN LONDON FROM EASY TO CHALLENGING
Discover my favourite running paths below
This guide highlights some of London’s best running routes, featuring diverse landscapes and popular parks. From scenic Thames-side paths to urban park trails, it’s ideal for both new and seasoned runners looking to explore the city. It includes details on route distances, settings, and tips on making the most of each run. For runners who want variety, this list showcases paths that balance nature, culture, and accessibility.
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The Best Jogging Trials In London From Easy to Challenging
If you’re a runner like me, you’ll know that a good route can make or break your run. In London, we’re lucky to have a vast array of stunning running trails, each offering something unique.
I created the Three Two Run concept to make exercising more enjoyable and accessible. The idea is simple: you jog to one of your favourite spots, complete three exercises three times, and then run or walk back home. This routine is designed to fit easily into your day while giving you a full workout. I also have plenty of workout videos available to help you incorporate different exercises into your run, just like the one featured below!
Whether you’re training for an event or simply looking to unwind after a HIIT session, incorporating jogging into your routine helps with endurance, recovery, and overall fitness. Here are my favourite running routes in London, ranging from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone – regardless of your fitness level or running goals. Where possible I’ve linked to a similar Strava route/segment, so you can see exactly which running trail I’ve recommended.
1. Battersea Park Loop
Battersea Park offers a scenic 2.7km loop with a mix of riverside paths and park trails. It’s mostly flat, making it a good choice for an easy run or as a warm-up before a HIIT workout. The peaceful surroundings and views of the Thames make this route a favourite for a quick, refreshing jog.
Start/Finish: Battersea Park tube station
Distance: 2.7km
Difficulty: 2/10
Tips: Flat and beginner-friendly; great for short, easy runs or warm-ups.
2. Victoria Park Loop
Victoria Park is one of London’s largest parks, making it perfect for runners. This 4.3km loop is flat, scenic, and peaceful, with wide paths perfect for maintaining your pace. I love this park for its expansive greenery, making it ideal for an easy-paced recovery run.
Start/Finish: Hackney Wick Overground Station
Distance: 4.3km
Difficulty: 3/10
Tips: Flat and ideal for a relaxed or recovery run; best in the early morning for a quiet experience.
3. Thames Path: Southbank to London Bridge Route
Starting at Westminster and heading along the Southbank towards London Bridge, this is a shorter but busy jogging route with plenty to see. You’ll pass famous landmarks like the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe, and it’s mostly flat. Ideal for a quick lunchtime run if you’re working nearby!
Start/Finish: Westminster tube station/London Bridge
Distance: 4km
Difficulty: 3/10
Tips: Flat but can get crowded; early mornings are best to avoid tourists.
4. Southwark Park to London Bridge Trail
Starting in Southwark Park, this route follows the Thames towards London Bridge. It’s a flat, central running trail that offers some great views of the city skyline and Tower Bridge. The flat paths make it accessible for all fitness levels, but the busy areas near London Bridge can slow you down.
Start/Finish: Southwark Park/London Bridge
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: 4/10
Tips: Mostly flat but busy near London Bridge; best in the early morning.
5. St James’s Park to Hyde Park Route
Start your run in beautiful St. James’s Park, heading along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Once you’ve taken in the regal atmosphere, pass into Green Park – one of my favourite spots, especially when the flowers bloom in spring. End your run in Hyde Park, with the peaceful Serpentine Lake by your side. It’s a relaxing but energising jogging route, perfect for runners looking to enjoy London’s famous green spaces.
Start/Finish: St James’s Park tube station/Queensway tube station
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: 4/10
Tips: Mostly flat and traffic-free, though watch for busy crossings near Buckingham Palace.
6. Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Route
Start your run in the tranquillity of Regent’s Park, passing through the famous Queen Mary’s Rose Garden and onto the paths surrounding the park. The midpoint of the trail has the challenge of ascending Primrose Hill, the incline is gradual but steady, and the views at the top are well worth it! This route is perfect for those looking to mix scenic park views with a bit of elevation.
Start/Finish: Regent’s Park tube station
Distance: 5km
Difficulty: 5/10
Tips: Mostly flat with a notable incline at Primrose Hill; run early to avoid crowds.
7. Along the Regent’s Canal
Starting from Limehouse, follow the serene Regent’s Canal, which offers a great mix of urban and natural sights. The path is mostly flat, though it can get a little narrow when passing through the busier spots like Victoria Park. It’s a peaceful and relatively easy run, perfect for those wanting to stay close to the water.
Start/Finish: Limehouse DLR station/Angel tube station
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: 5/10
Tips: Mostly flat, but watch out for cyclists on narrow towpaths.
8. Vauxhall Bridge to Tower Bridge
The Southbank in London SE1 is one of my favourite running routes, and I find myself running it often. It’s the perfect route to enjoy a morning jog while taking in some of the city’s iconic landmarks. Start your run near Vauxhall Bridge and follow the River Thames towards Tower Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass places like the London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe. What I love about this route is the variety of spots where you can pause and add in a few conditioning exercises. One of my top spots is Potters Fields Park or More London Estate right by Tower Bridge. The views are spectacular, and it’s a great place to break up your run with some strength work before heading back home.
Start/Finish: Vauxhall Bridge/Tower Bridge
Distance: 5.9km
Difficulty: 5/10 – Mostly flat, but crowded areas can add some challenge
Tips: Take advantage of scenic exercise spots like Potters Fields and More London Estate for a quick circuit before continuing your run. Be mindful of tourists along the route.
9. The Serpentine and Kensington Gardens Trail
This flat, scenic route takes you around the Serpentine in Hyde Park and through the peaceful Kensington Gardens. It’s an easy jog, great for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. I often use this running trail as a warm-down after a HIIT session in the park.
Start/Finish: Lancaster Gate tube station
Distance: 8.3km
Difficulty: 3/10
Tips: Flat and easy; perfect for a cool-down jog after a workout.
10. The Thames Path from Putney to Richmond
This scenic 14km route takes you along the quieter stretches of the Thames, through leafy neighbourhoods and past historic landmarks. It’s a long run but mostly flat, so it’s perfect for endurance training or a relaxed long-distance jog. I find this route incredibly peaceful, with stunning views along the river.
Start/Finish: Putney Bridge tube station/Richmond tube station
Distance: 14km
Difficulty: 6/10
Tips: Flat and scenic; watch out for muddy patches after rain.
11. Westminster to Tower Bridge Loop
Follow the north bank of the River Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge, passing iconic landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. This riverside jogging route crosses Tower Bridge before bringing you through Southbank’s bustling cultural district. The terrain is largely flat, though cobblestone paths and construction areas can make it slightly uneven in parts.
Start/Finish: Westminster tube station
Distance: 13km
Difficulty: 6/10
Tips: Mostly flat with some uneven cobblestones; early morning runs help avoid tourist crowds.
12. Richmond Park Trail
Richmond Park is one of London’s largest parks, offering a mix of flat paths and gentle inclines. The route around the park’s perimeter is about 11km, giving you the chance to spot deer and enjoy the park’s natural beauty. I love this route for its tranquillity and the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation.
Start/Finish: Richmond tube station
Distance: 11.7km
Difficulty: 6/10
Tips: Mixed terrain with some gentle inclines; watch out for cyclists.
13. The Greenway Trail
This long, flat route follows the Greenway from Hackney Wick to the Olympic Park and Stratford. It’s perfect for distance runners looking for a scenic, uninterrupted run with no hills or traffic to slow them down. I find it’s a great running route for working on endurance without too many distractions.
Start/Finish: Hackney Wick Overground Station
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: 6/10
Tips: Flat and great for distance running; peaceful and traffic-free.
14. Greenwich and the Thames
Greenwich is rich in maritime history, and this route takes you past the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College, following the Thames around the Greenwich Peninsula. The terrain is mostly flat, though the distance makes it more challenging. Running this route will reward you with amazing views of the O2 and the Thames Barrier.
Start/Finish: Cutty Sark DLR station
Distance: 14km
Difficulty: 7/10
Tips: Long, mostly flat, but watch for cyclists and pedestrians on narrow sections.
15. Finsbury Park to Highgate Woods
This challenging route takes you from Finsbury Park up to Highgate Woods, combining urban streets with forest paths. There’s a decent incline as you approach Highgate, so it’s great for building stamina. The contrast between the busy city and peaceful woods makes this route a favourite for me when I’m craving a mix of environments.
Start/Finish: Finsbury Park tube station
Distance: 12.7km
Difficulty: 7/10
Tips: Includes a steep incline; great for building stamina and endurance.
16. Hampstead Heath
This is one of the more challenging routes, as Hampstead Heath is known for its hills, especially Parliament Hill, which offers a tough climb but rewarding views over the city. This running route will test your stamina with its inclines, but it’s also a great way to mix some hills into your running routine.
Start/Finish: Hampstead Heath Overground Station
Distance: 5.8km
Difficulty: 8/10
Tips: A hilly and challenging route; perfect for building strength and endurance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to running or already an avid jogger, these popular running routes in London offer a perfect way to explore the city while staying fit. Each route brings its own charm and challenge, helping you build endurance and enjoy the outdoors. Running is a fantastic complement to personal training sessions or group fitness classes—it’s great for improving cardiovascular health and giving your workout variety.
If you’re looking for more tailored guidance, I offer personal training and fitness classes designed to fit your specific goals. Combining running with strength training or HIIT can help you reach your fitness milestones faster, keeping your routine balanced and fun.
Ready to take the next step in your fitness journey? Let’s work together to make those goals a reality!
About Sarah – Female Personal Trainer
“When it comes to people’s health and fitness for me it is all about the client. I want to help people realise their goals are obtainable and with the right guidance and coaching anything is achievable. It is important for me to create a warm inviting environment for people to feel comfortable and at ease regardless of their level or ability.”
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