A 15 mile walking route, connecting Epping Forest to Peckham Town Centre in the capital’s north and south, has been launched by Transport for London.
The Green Link Walk connects existing tracks, trains and paths with new signage through the City of London, Southwark, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest boroughs.
TfL launched the £150,000 project on Friday and said it was delivered in response to demand for walkable trails on the back of the pandemic.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy and policy, said it’s is the eighth route to be included in the Walk London Network.
“London is already a great city to explore on foot and this new route will encourage Londoners to enjoy more of our beautiful green spaces across the capital,” she said.
“Leisure walking has a vital role to play in the health of everyone living in London and we'll continue to work with our partners to ensure everyone has access to high-quality walking infrastructure.”
The route links almost 40 areas of green space - including Walthamstow Marshes, London Fields and Burgess Park - and five other Walk London routes.
It will be listed on guide lists alongside existing walks: Capital Ring, Green Chain, Jubilee Greenway, Jubilee Walkway, Lea Valley, London Outer Orbital Path, and the Thames Path.
TfL said the demand is there for a new walk with London seeing a 10 per cent increase in leisure walking since the pandemic.
The route is funded from the Mayor’s Green and Healthy Streets Fund.
Former Olympic cycling champion and Tour de France stage winner Chris Boardman has also commented in his role as National Active Travel Commissioner.
He said: “Walking is fantastic for both your physical and mental wellbeing – especially if it’s done in nature – so it’s excellent to see the launch of this new route, which will help residents and tourists get out and explore the greener side of London.
“Opening up more opportunities for walks with friends and family, runs along waterways or wildlife spotting will be vital to improving the nation’s health. That’s why we’re working with councils to get more schemes like the Green Link Walk delivered up and down the country.”
