Posts tagged Essex
parkrun LonDone+ and LonDone ++

“LonDone” is the name for completing the full set of 65 parkrun events in Greater London. There’s 2 other terms: “LonDone +” and “LonDone ++” that have been widely debated in the various parkrun social media forums.

  • LonDone + is generally seen as being all parkrun events within the M25. There are currently 14 parkrun events that are within the M25 but outside of Greater London or a total of 79 events within the M25.

  • Up to now I’ve ignored LonDone ++ as a lot of the definitions have felt a bit arbitrary. However, one definition that I like is that it includes events that are outside of the M25 but have a Voronoi area that crosses inside the M25. This includes a further 10 parkrun events making a total of 89 events that have part of their Voronoi area within the M25. Note that different parkrun apps have slightly different calculations for their Voronoi apps. For this page I’ve used the Voronoi map from the Running Challenges Chrome Extension. The 5k app shows the Voronoi area for Thurrock as being completely outside of the M25, so would only count 9 rather than 10 LonDone ++ events.

See the main LonDone page for details of all parkrun events within Greater London.

LonDone +: parkrun events within the M25

LonDone ++: parkrun events with a Voronoi area crossing the M25

Event (County, Region)

*The 5k app shows the Voronoi area for Thurrock as being completely outside of the M25, so would only count 9 rather than 10 LonDone ++ events.

Maps below: red line shows the M25, blue polygon shows the Voronoi area of the parkrun.

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
RideLondon 2024

Brian and I, somewhere in Essex. Photo by Sportograf

RideLondon had been on my back-burner for years. It began life in 2013 as Prudential RideLondon, following the route of the 2012 Olympics road race from London to the Surrey Hills and back. In the early years it was so popular that there was a ballot for places. I didn't get in for a years, then missed a few as it coincided with our summer holiday dates, then I kind of forgot about it.

The route changed completely in 2022 when it moved from Surrey to Essex. There was also no ballot and the date changed to late May. After my friend Brian did it in 2023 it soon came back to the top of my list.

It had been a long time since I'd done an organised cycling event, preferring self-organised bike-packing adventures instead. I didn't doubt that I could do the distance but I was concerned about what bike I would take. A light road bike is the obvious choice but I had one stolen a few years back. My only other one is very old and permanently lives on my turbo-trainer for Zwifting. Rather than go through the faff of renting a bike I decided to go on my mountain bike. It's really heavy and definitely not intended for 100 miles of road, but I love riding it. I decided that the extra effort was worth the time and cost saved from other options.

The event day was awesome. It was expertly organised with 25,000 cyclists getting though 103 miles of closed roads. The route follows a diverse mix of Central London to Canary Wharf, the East End through Newham and a long stretch of the A12 dual carriageway before the more pleasant North-London suburbs and quiet Essex countryside.

Brian and I kept together for the first 70 miles then I slipped back a bit and stopped for a few minutes to pick up some more water. Brian would have waited but his RideLondon app showed me as being ahead of him so he powered on.

Brian arrived at the Tower Bridge finish line 20 minutes head of me. After the official timings had filtered out the welfare stop, our finish times were only 9 minutes apart. Given the heaviness of the bike I had I was very pleased.

Completing RideLondon takes me to 2 out of the 3 events that I need for the London Classics Medal. I already had the London Marathon in the bag so it's just the 2 mile Serpentine Swim to complete. I just need to learn how to swim now ....

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Thames, London, EssexComment
Langdon Hill Southwest Slope: Thurrock High Point

View across the Thames Estuary from One Tree Hill

Significance:  Unitary Authority High Point for Thurrock
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Langdon Hill NHN = Langdon Hill
Elevation: 116m
Date climbed: November 24th 2023
Coordinates: 51° 33' 5'' N, 0° 25' 19'' E

Route Start & Finish: Beacon Field Car Park, 1 Dry Street, Langdon Hills, Basildon, SS16 5LT
Route Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)
Route Elevation change: +/- 143m
Subsidiary tops on route: Hawkesbury Hill (70m), One Tree Hill (80m), Old Hill (75m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13
OS Trig Pillar: TP3681 - Hawksbury Bush
Pubs / Cafes on route: N/A
Map: Southend-on-Sea & Basildon Map | Brentwood & Billericay | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 175
Links: Wikipedia: (Thurrock, Langdon Hills), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

After a couple of quick drive-bys to bag the twin high points of Southend, I drove to the nearby Langdon Hills Country Park for a more interesting adventure. The high point of the Unitary Authority of Thurrock is a slope point near the top of Langdon Hill, cut off by the Thurrock/Basildon boundary. It can also be bagged on a quick drive-by but the 8km walk including the nearby Trig Pillar and One Tree Hill is much more interesting.

Start at the Beacon Field Car Park and take the footpath than runs along the right hand side of Dry Street. The footpath will end so you’ll need to walk along the road for a short distance. There’s no pavement but it’s a quiet lane and dangerous as long as you keep an eye out for cars. At 1.6km (1 mile) into the walk take a right onto One Tree Hill (road), then take the first footpath on the left. Follow the footpaths across the fields in a north-easterly direction, joining Hawkesbury Bush Lane. Take a right onto a footpath that enters Langdon Hills Country Park.

Instead of following the footpath that runs diagonally across the field, keep to the left hand side of the field and follow a small path into the woods, ascending up Hawesbury Hill. Here you’ll find the Trig Pillar hiding in thick undergrowth at the top of the hill. Any nice views of the estuary have been long since overgrown.

Retrace your steps out of the woods and take a left to follow the fence to re-join the footpath that started back at the gate. Follow this path in a south-westerly direction for 1km to reach One Trill Hill (road). Cross the road and walk through the car park to take the path up to the summit of One Tree Hill. There’s great views to the south on a clear day (which I didn’t have when I visited).

After One Tree Hill continue heading in a south-westerly direction, cutting through Northlands Wood. The path will take a sharp right-turn to the north and start ascending Old Hill. You can visit the summit with a short diversion from the path, but there’s little of interest there. Continue to follow the path as it snakes around Old Hill, crossing over Old Hill Avenue and back into Langdon Hills Country Park. When you meet a bench dedicated to the Langdon Leggies Nordic Walkers take a right to follow a path that gently ascends through the woods back towards the car park.

When you reach the east-west path before the Beacon Hill field you’ll be at the Thurrock/Basildon border and the Thurrock High Point. The more interesting feature is the Beacon a few metres further into the field. From here walk diagonally across the field to the north-western corner to the Langdon Hill “summit” before returning to the car park.

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Essex, EnglandComment
London Road and Heath Mount: Southend High Points

The county of Essex has, at time of writing, 2 Unitary Authorities: Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea. With a rare quiet week at work and a need for a geek-adventure based day off, I headed east to bag them both. First up: Southend which has 2 alternative options for its high point. It’s hard to say which is the most interesting as neither offers a great view or a Trig Pillar. Both could be bagged on a single walk or cycle ride but I did both as drive-bys before heading on to Thurrock for a more interesting adventure.

London Road

Significance: Unitary Authority High Point for Southend-on-Sea
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill NHN: Sandpit Hill
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 61m
Date “climbed”: November 24th 2023
Coordinates: 51° 32' 57'' N, 0° 37' 31'' E
Map: Southend-on-Sea & Basildon Map | Brentwood & Billericay | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 175
Links: Wikipedia (Southend-on-Sea), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The first contender for the Southend High Point is right on the boundary with the Castle Point borough of Essex. The high point is by the “Welcome to the City of Southend-on-Sea” sign. Next to the sign you’ll also find a Rochford/Southend boundary stone and an old wooded post with an inscription that reads “Here grew the Burnt Oak, being the ancient bounds of the Manor of Southchurch, belonging to John Gregory Welch Esq. 1832”.

Heath Mount

Significance: Unitary Authority High Point for Southend-on-Sea
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill NHN: Thundersley Hill
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 61m
Date “climbed”: November 24th 2023
Coordinates: 51° 33' 49'' N, 0° 38' 5'' E
Map: Southend-on-Sea & Basildon Map | Brentwood & Billericay | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 175
Links: Wikipedia (Southend-on-Sea), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Heath Mount is a 5 to 10 minute, 2 mile drive from the London Road High Point. It’s at the entrance to Belfairs Woods off Woodside road where there’s free on-street parking. Nothing obvious to mark the spot. The spot is on the Southend Ring, a 24km trail circling the city.

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Essex, EnglandComment
North London Seven Summits

City skyline from Hainhault Country Park on ascent to Cabin Hill

The North London Seven Summits sounds like it should be a recognized challenge. It’s not. It’s just a collection of the Greater London Borough High Points that I decided to visit by car on a grey November afternoon. Although none are particularly inspiring, there’s a few interesting places along the way.

There’s some obvious missing boroughs when you look at the map. Hillingdon, Harrow, Harringey and Waltham Forest are not in this collection as I had already completed them before. They’re also on more interesting routes like the London Loop, Capital Ring and Greenwich Meridian Trail. Click on the links on the borough names above for details on those.

Wakemans Hill Avenue

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Brent (alternative)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Highwood Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 92m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 35' 10'' N, 0° 15' 31'' W
Nearest Station: Kingsbury (Jubilee Line): 1.6 km
On route of: N/A. Capital Ring is 1.5 km to the south-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Brent), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Having already visited Subury Hill, the other high point in Brent, I was keen bag the other. The coordinates took me to the corner of Wakemans Hill Avenue and Mount View. The Wikipedia article on the Kingsbury district of Brent says that the hill “peaks at an elevation of 302 feet (92 m) near the crossing of Buck Lane and Wakemans Hill Avenue”, but the road definitely seems to peak at Mount View Road. Other road signs like Summit Avenue, Sunny View and Hill View Gardens confirm that you’re on a high point. Not much to see here so I took a quick photo and moved on to Barnet.

Highwood Hill

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Barnet
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Bushey Heath Boundary
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 146m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 37' 58'' N, 0° 14' 26'' W
Nearest Station: Edgware (Northern Line): 4.2 km
On route of: Dollis Valley Greenwalk. London Loop is 0.2 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Barnet), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of Barnet is in private property in Mote End Farm Livery Stables. Having read the reports of people being denied access to the summit, I decided to get as far as I could via public access. The closest accessible spot is the stile by the main gates to the farm at the end of the lane off Nan Clark’s Lane.

Although it’s possible to park on Nan Clark’s Lane, it’s narrow with few spots that won’t annoy the neighbours. I parked round the corner at Crown Close and walked the 600m to the gate following the Dollis Valley Greenwalk Link.

Look out for the blue plaque on the corner of Highwood Hill Road and Nan Clark’s Lane marking the “site of Hendon Park residence of William Wilberforce from 1826 to 1831”. See the blog by Adam Yamey for more on this.

Bournwell Hill-West Slope

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Enfield
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods) NHN = Bournwell Hill - West Slope
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 119m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 39' 50'' N, 0° 11' 7'' W
Nearest Station: Hadley Wood (Great Northern, Thameslink): 1 km
On route of: N/A. London Loop and Pymmes Brook Trail are 0.7 km to the south-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Enfield), Wikipedia (Monken Hadley Common), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of Enfield can be found at the white gates marking the entrance to Monken Hadley Common on Camlet Way. Look out for the “Enfield welcomes you” sign on the north side of Camlet Way. You can’t park on the roads around the Common so I stopped a the side of the road once the double yellow lines had run out further up Camlet Way. Hillbagging logs say that there’s a lamp-post with a “congratulatory and explanatory notice taped to lamp post by www.londons-peaks.com” although I didn’t see it on the day I was there. Looks like the website has gone too as I got an “account has expired” error when I tried to check it.

Wanstead Flats

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Newham
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Beckton Alps
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 15m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 33' 22'' N, 0° 1' 20'' E
Nearest Station: Wanstead Park (Overground): 0.6 km
On route of: N/A. Greenwich Meridian Trail is 0.3 km to the north-west
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Newham), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

I would have already bagged this one a few years ago if I had known that this high point is close to the start of Wanstead Flats parkrun. Not close enough to count though so I had to do a return trip.

Closest parking is at the Centre Road Car Park although you may find some on-street parking closer. The lowest high point of all Greater London Boroughs is by a group of trees at the edge of the common next to Sydney Road.

Note that Beckton Alp is often recognised as the high point of Newham. However, that’s an artificial hill rather than the natural high point on Wanstead Flats. Based on the description I think I’ll give it a miss unless I happen to be passing by it.

Cabin Hill

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Redbridge
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Havering Atte Bower Church
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 90m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 37' 25'' N, 0° 8' 10'' E
Nearest Station: Grange Hill (Central Line): 4.2 km
On route of: Three Forests Way. The London Loop is 0.1 km to the south-east

Walk Start & Finish: Hainault Forest Country Park Car Park, Fox Burrow Road, Chigwell, IG7 4QL
Walk Distance: 3.3 km (2.0 miles)
Walk Elevation change: +/- 64m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
OS Trig Pillar: TP2802 - Dog Kennel Hill
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Redbridge), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Cabin Hill is the outlier of this group as it includes a short but pleasant walk, not just a quick drive-by. From the Hainault Forest Country Park car park take the footpath that heads up the hill to the south-east behind the cafe. After 200m from the cafe take a left onto a footpath up through the woods, emerging at the golf course. Here you’ll meet the Dog Kennel Hill Trig Pillar. From the pillar return to the edge of the woods and follow the boundary path north until you meet the London Loop at the northern edge of the country park. The actual summit wasn’t obvious, so I visited several contenders: the clearing where the coordinates take you, the big tree, the gate to the park and a post in the woods. There’s not too much to see here but you’ll get some great views of the London skyline as you descent back to the car park.

Marks Gate

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Cabin Hill
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 43m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 35' 16'' N, 0° 8' 29'' E
Nearest Station: Chadwell Health (TFL Rail, Greater Anglia): 4.3 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 3.8 km to the north
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Barking and Dagenham), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

This wins the prize for the most uninspiring of the day’s uninspiring summits. The high point of Barking and Dagenham is on a sad mound between the A1112 and Kingston Hill Avenue. Nothing to see here, so park on Kingston Hill Avenue, bag the summit and move on quickly.

Atte Bower Farm

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Havering
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Langdon Hill- Southwest Slope
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 105m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 36' 59'' N, 0° 11' 18'' E
Nearest Station: Harold Wood (TFL Rail, Greater Anglia): 5 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 0.4 km to the north
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Havering), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Alternative = Havering Atte Bower Church

Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Shooters Hill
Coordinates: 51° 36' 57'' N, 0° 10' 58'' E
Links: Peakbagger, Hillbagging

After the underwhelm of Marks Gate, the high point of Havering was at least in a more pleasant location. The official high point is in the grounds of Atte Bower Farm. I got as far as the entrance to the farm to take a photo of the water tower but didn’t enter the property. A better alternative is to visit the Church of St. John The Evangelist in Havering-Atte-Bower village. This was previously the twin high-point but, according to to Hillbagging, was de-twinned in October 2020.

Look out for the plaque at the eastern entrance to the church that refers to Havering Palace: “A royal palace once stood near here for about six hundred years from the time of Edward the Confessor until the end of the civil war.”

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, London, Middlesex, Essex, Trig Pillar, EnglandComment
Cycling The Prime Meridian
View to the north from the Greenwich Observatory: National Maritime Museum and Isle of Dogs in the background

View to the north from the Greenwich Observatory: National Maritime Museum and Isle of Dogs in the background

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line of longitude defined as 0°. It’s the line that divides East and West. It’s also a line that I asked myself one Christmas: “can that be cycled"?”. The answer is “no” as it’s a dead-straight line with buildings inconveniently built along it's path. You can cycle quite close to it though, so that’s what we did.

If you want to walk it, there’s a well-signed path called the Greenwich Meridian Trail. The Trail is also very well described in a series of 4 books by Graham and Hilda Heap. The cycle route that I designed stays as close to the Prime Meridian as possible but avoiding footpaths and opting for quieter country roads over busy main roads. Even if you’re cycling I highly recommend the Greenwich Meridian Trail books as they’re a great guide to the interesting things to see along the way.

Our cycle trip was 8 days in total, averaging 77k (48 miles) per day. That’s a gentler pace than our previous long distance trips such as LEJOG or Titanic Ireland. Although we could have gone further each day we opted for more coffee and cake stops. We also split it into 3 separate trips rather than a single end-to-end. This ended up taking us exactly a year to complete as Covid Lockdowns interrupted our plans and we had to fit the trips in where we could.

We based the start and end of each section based on access to train lines. Fortunately there’s good train connections along the route without significant diversions. The start at Peacehaven is close to Newhaven Station, although Brighton Station, 6.5 miles away, gives better connections to the North. For the end of Day 2 we wanted to get through London and Waltham Abbey is a natural stopping point. There’s a station nearby at Waltham Cross, or more north/south connections 12 miles west at Potters Bar.

For section 2, covering Days 3 and 4 we covered Waltham Abbey to Peterborough. This takes you quite a way off the Meridian but has a lot of north/south rail connections including to Potters Bar and Hull. Picking up from Peterborough on Day 5 for section 3, we cut diagonally north-east to rejoin the Meridian at Fleet. There’s not much to miss in the section between March and Fleet and the route takes in the main Meridian markers.

By the end of Day 6 the Meridian reaches the coast at Cleethorpes. From here the challenge is crossing the Humber Estuary to pick up the Meridian where it rejoins land at Sunk Island. The Greenwich Meridian Trail ends at Cleethorpes and a bus is the most practical means of picking up the route at Patringham on the northern side. For our cycle route we took a long diversion west to cross the Humber Bridge and return on the northern side via Hull. This gives you an unbroken cycle trip, but means that all of day 7 and half of day 8 are off the Meridian. It’s worth it for the crossing of the Humber Bridge and the Hull to Winestead Rail Trail.

The final point of the Prime Meridian at Sand Le Mere is quite different to the start at Peacehaven. There’s no monument to mark the end of your trip … at least not any more. This is one of the most eroded parts of the English coast and the previous marker is long gone. Instead we found a large lump of concrete that was more or less in the right position and decided it was the end point. From here it’s 28k ride back to Hull where you can get the train back home.

See the individual blog posts for each section for photos, maps and stats covering each day.

Links to each section:

The Complete Route

Two maps of the Prime Meridian. Above: Cycle route, each colour representing a different day of the trip. Right: tube-style map showing the cycle route, 0 degrees longitude and the Greenwich Meridian Trail

Two maps of the Prime Meridian. Above: Cycle route, each colour representing a different day of the trip. Right: tube-style map showing the cycle route, 0 degrees longitude and the Greenwich Meridian Trail

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Thames, Railway, Disused Railway, Canal, South Downs, National Park, Sussex, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, EnglandComment
Cycling The Prime Meridian Part 2 - Waltham Abbey to Peterborough
Crossing the River Nene in Fenland

Crossing the River Nene in Fenland

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line of longitude defined as 0°. It’s the line that divides East and West. It’s also a line that I asked myself: “can that be cycled"?”. The answer is “no” as it’s a dead-straight line with buildings inconveniently built along it's path. You can cycle quite close to it though, so that’s what we did.

If you want to walk it, there’s a well-signed path called the Greenwich Meridian Trail. The Trail is also very well described in a series of 4 books by Graham and Hilda Heap. The cycle route that I designed stays as close to the Prime Meridian as possible but avoiding footpaths and opting for quieter country roads over busy main roads. Even if you’re cycling I highly recommend the Greenwich Meridian Trail books as they’re a great guide to the interesting things to see along the way.

It had been 9 months since Brian and I cycled the first part from Peacehaven to Waltham Abbey. There had been 2 Covid-19 Lockdowns since then and we were eager to get out on the road. So, as soon as we were able to travel again we picked up an additional cycle buddy and headed to Waltham Abbey.

Day numbers below are for the total Prime Meridian trip starting in Peacehaven.

Day 3: Waltham Abbey to Barton

Start: Waltham Abbey Church, 4 Church St, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DJ
Finish: The White Horse Inn, 118 High St, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7BG
Distance: 76 km (47 miles)
Elevation change: + 517m / -517m (Net 0m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Lea Valley Walk, New River Path, Hertfordshire Way, Icknield Way Path, Harcamlow Way,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 61, Icknield Way Trail, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Heath Cafe Bar at Royston
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (174) Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map
- OS Explorer Map (194) Hertford and Bishop's Stortford
- OS Explorer Map (209) Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Waltham Abbey, Lea Valley Park, Ware, Royston, Barton

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elevation_profile.jpg

Day 4: Barton to Peterborough

Start: The White Horse Inn, 118 High St, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7BG
Finish: Peterborough Railway Station, Peterborough, PE1 1QL, United Kingdom
Distance: 88.9 km (55.2 miles)
Elevation change: +246m / - 253m (Net -9m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Harcamlow Way, Wimpole Way, Pathfinder Way, Ouse Valley Way, Rothschild Way, Nene Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 12, 51, 63, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Nook at Swavesey, The Rose and Crown Somersham and Nanas Team Room Chatteris
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (209) Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton
- OS Explorer Map (225) Huntingdon and St.Ives, Grafham Water
- OS Explorer Map (227) Peterborough
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick and Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 3: Hardwick to Boston
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Barton, Hardwick, Swavesey, St. Ives, Somersham, Chatteris, Peterborough

As you can see from the map below, both Barton and (especially) Peterborough are a bit off course for the Prime Meridian. The choice of Barton was really down to post-Lockdown availability of hotels. In normal times there would likely be more options. Given the choice we would have stayed in Hardwick where the 2nd Greenwich Meridian Trail book ends.

Peterborough is actually a long way off course at 22 km away from the final Meridian marker of the trip. This was our end point as we were taking the train from there back to the start. We took a Thameslink train to Potters Bar via a change at Hitchen. From Potters Bar, Waltham Abbey is a 50 minute cycle ride or, as we did a 20 minute drive as we left a car at Potters Bar and another at Waltham Abbey.

route-35693414-map-full.png
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The Missing Link: March to Fleet

route-36921279-map-full.png

If you’re not taking the Peterborough diversion to end the section there, here’s how to continue up the Meridian. This section starts at the last Meridian marker on Day 4 and picks up the Day 5 route at the first Meridian marker. You’ll save ~20k by taking this route rather than going via Peterborough. There’s not much to see though and few options for food and accommodation.

elevation_profile.jpg

Start: Turves Sustrans Millennium Marker. Grid Ref TL 35692 97021
Finish: Fleet Obelisk. Grid Ref TF 35123 15538
Distance: 28.7 km (17.8 miles)
Elevation change: +91m / - 89m (Net -2m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Nene Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 63
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (227) Peterborough
- OS Explorer Map (235) Wisbech and Peterborough North

Prime Meridian markers on the route

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, EnglandComment
Completing all Essex parkruns
Essex parkrun banner.JPG

There are currently 24 parkrun events in present-day Essex of which I have done 6. The first was Gunpowder which started on October 22nd 2011 and the newest is Markshall Estate which started on November 13th 2021. Hatfield Forest was also an Essex event but has now closed. The name for having completed all parkrun events in the county is “PIED (parkruns in Essex Done)”

The Historic County of Essex has a further 10 events, totaling 34. These 10 are now part of Greater London. Completing these is “Completely PIED”

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 show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.

PARKRUNS IN PRESENT-DAY COUNTY OF ESSEX

Basildon

 

Billericay

 

Brentwood

 

Burnham-on-Crouch

 

Chalkwell Beach

 

Chelmsford Central

 

Clacton Seafront

 

Colchester Castle

 

Great Dunmow

 

Great Notley

 

Gunpowder

  • I have not yet completed this event

  • I completed this event on: December 27th 2014 with a finish time of: 25:47

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1

  • This event is also part of LonDone +

  • Inaugural: October 22nd 2011

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 
elevation_profile - Gunpowder.jpg

Hadleigh

 

Harlow

  • I have not yet completed this event

  • I completed this event on: Christmas Day 2019 with a finish time of: 26:54

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1

  • Inaugural: November 8th 2014

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Harwich

 

Hatfield Forest

***Hatfield Forest parkrun is now permanently cancelled ***

  • I did not complete this event before it was closed

  • Inaugural: March 21st 2015

  • Final event: September 23rd 2017

 

Highwoods

 

Hockley Woods

 

Maldon Prom

 

Markshall Estate

 

Mersea Island

 

Roding Valley

 
elevation_profile - Roding Valley.jpg

South Woodham Ferrers

 

Southend

 

Thurrock, Orsett Heath

 

Wickford Memorial

 

PARKRUNS IN HISTORIC COUNTY OF ESSEX BUT NOW IN GREATER LONDON

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

*Hackney Marshes starts and ends in Historic Essex but most of the course is in Historic Middlesex

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Essex, England Comments
LonDone: Completing all Greater London parkruns

LonDone is the term for completing all parkrun events in Greater London. There are currently 65 parkrun events in Greater London. The first was Bushy Park which started on October 2nd 2004 and the newest is Ingrebourne Hill which started on December 14th 2024.

I first completed LonDone on June 3rd 2018 at Catford which was the 52nd London event at the time.

There are also other terms: LonDone + for completing all parkruns within the M25. The definition of LonDone ++ is a little more debatable. See my LonDone + page for details.

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 2 boroughs that do not currently have a parkrun event: Kensington and Chelsea 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 line just over the border 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).

  • 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:

  • 23 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.

  • 17 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.

  • 14 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Kent. Both Crystal Palace and Bethlem Royal Hospital cross the border of Historic Surrey and Kent, but the parkrun courses are mostly on the Kent side.

  • 10 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Essex. Hackney Marshes was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in Middlesex.

  • 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

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.

Ally Pally

 

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

 

Battersea

  • I completed this event on: December 28th 2024 with a finish time of: 28:30

  • Other routes touched: N/A, although the Thames Path runs through the park.

  • Greater London Borough: Wandsworth

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: October 12th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Battersea Power Station (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km). Alternatives: South Kensington and Sloane Square (Tube). Battersea Park Overground & National Rail.

  • 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Elephant's Head!

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

 

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

 

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 & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)

  • 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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: the course was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in 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

 

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

 

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

 
elevation_profile - Hanworth.jpg

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ingrebourne Hill

  • I have not completed this event yet

  • Greater London Borough: Havering

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: December 14th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Rainham (National Rail via c2c). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page

 

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

 

Morden

  • I completed this event on: August 24th 2024 with a finish time of: 26:42

  • Other routes touched (cycle): None, although NCN 208 runs very close to the north-eastern edge of the course.

  • Greater London Borough: Merton

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: June 15th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Morden South (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Morden (Tube)

  • 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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: Sutton. Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start line just over the border 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Actual Course Outlines for Greater London parkruns

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

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

More London posts

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Essex, London, England Comments
Great Chishill and Chrishall Common: Cambridgeshire and Essex County Tops

The inspiring summit of Cambridgeshire

Great Chishill

Significance: Highest peak in Cambridgeshire (Historic CT)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Chrishall Common
Elevation: 146m
Coordinates: 52° 1' 39'' N, 0° 4' 45'' E
Links: Wikipedia (Cambridgeshire), Wikipedia (Great Chishill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Chrishall Common

Significance: Highest peak in Essex (Historic CT)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Whitehill-Butterfield Green
Elevation: 147m
Coordinates: 52° 0' 19'' N, 0° 6' 5'' E
Links: Wikipedia (Essex), Wikipedia (Chrishall Common), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

For both peaks:
Date climbed: 17th November 2013
Route Start / End: Great Chishill Village Hall
Route Distance: 9.2 km (5.6 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 78m
Subsidiary tops on route: None
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: Harcamlow Way
Map: OS Explorer Map (209) Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)

Other High Points In Cambridgeshire

  • Boring Field (81m) Huntingdonshire High Point (now part of Ceremonial County of Cambridgeshire)

  • Haddenham Village (39m) Former Administrative County of the Isle of Ely High Point

Other High Points In ESSEX

GREATER LONDON BOROUGH HIGH POINTS FORMERLY WITHIN Essex

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Essex, Cambridgeshire, EnglandComment
Cycling The London Loop
Concrete barges at Rainham

Concrete barges at Rainham

The London Loop is a ~130-mile circular walking route of outer London. Although intended for walkers only, much of it is cyclable with just a few diversions from the main path. I completed it in a 2-day micro-adventure back in 2013. Please note that both the London Loop and Capital Ring were designed for walking. Much of both routes can be cycled as there’s many sections on cycle routes and roads. Some sections are on footpaths that should not be cycled so be prepared to find alternative routes around these.

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.

The London Loop and Capital Ring

London Loop in Blue, Capital Ring in Red. Base map from OpenStreetMap

London Loop in Blue, Capital Ring in Red. Base map from OpenStreetMap

More London posts

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, London, England, Colne Valley, Thames, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Essex Comments