Walk yourself to health
15 Jan 2015 02:25 PM
If you fancy getting fit this year, there's no easier way than putting your best foot forward and going for a brisk walk.
It's the nearest thing to 'perfect' exercise in terms of a safe, all-round workout and it doesn't cost a penny or need any special equipment. It's also a great way to clear your head, reduce stress and release those mood-boosting endorphins.
For short journeys, walking is quick and reliable and if you walk an extra 20 minutes a day, you'll burn off more than 3kg of body fat a year.
Walking can also halve your risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent some cancers and the onset of type 2 diabetes.
London is a fantastic city to explore by foot, with many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
We have designed a series of walking routes that take in the whole of the city and its outskirts for you to explore for yourselves. The routes cover long distances but are accessible and can be walked in sections and attract more than seven million walkers a year.
Walking in a winter wander-land
If you'd rather take part in a guided meander around the Capital, Walk London is launching Winter Wanders - 41 free guided walks covering London's seven top walking routes - on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January.
All the walks start and finish either at, or within easy reach of, public transport facilities and are designed to showcase some of London's best attractions, parks, woodland, rivers, canals and open spaces. All walks are accompanied by a trained leader.
Did you know?
- A single step uses up to 200 muscles. So you're not only doing a little cardio, but toning your muscles too
- Walking may slow cognitive decline in adults, especially those with existing conditions such as Alzheimer's
- More than 100 journeys between neighbouring central London Underground stations are actually quicker on foot than the Tube! This includes the favourite tourist route between Leicester Square and Covent Garden
Seven top walking routes in London
The LOOP Walk................................................... 152 miles/245km
The Capital Ring Walk........................................... 78 miles/126km
The Green Chain Walk........................................... 50 miles/80km
The Lea Valley Walk.............................................. 18 miles/29km
The Thames Path Walk.......................................... 40 miles/64km
The Jubilee Walkway............................................. 15 miles/24km
The Jubilee Greenway Walk................................... 37 miles/60km