Green Link Walk launched by TfL to extend Walk London Network

The Green Link Walk is a response to the city's increased interest in leisure walking since the pandemic and demand for more dedicated walking spaces.

The route, which runs from Epping Forest to Peckham town, has been developed by Transport for London (TfL), the City of London, Southwark, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest Councils.

The Mayor of London and TfL aim to make London the most walkable city globally.

The Green Link Walk has been devised in collaboration with walking and wheeling groups, including Ramblers, London Living Streets, Sustrans and CPRE.

The new walking route is the eighth in the Walk London Network, a network that promotes London as an extensive, walkable city.

The route connects nearly 40 green spaces including Walthamstow Marshes, London Fields and Burgess Park (Image: TfL)

Areas featured in the route include Walthamstow Marshes, London Fields and Burgess Park, along with five other Walk London routes.

It aims to boost leisure walking, enhance the health and wellbeing of Londoners, and improve access to green spaces and nature.

Since the start of the pandemic, leisure walking in London has risen by 10 per cent.

According to TfL’s Leisure Walking Plan, 57 per cent of Londoners want to see more spaces in London dedicated to walking.

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The Green Link Walk caters to this demand by providing a 15-mile route through London's best green spaces.

TfL has ensured that the route is free from barriers such as bollards and avoids streets without dropped kerbs and bridges with sharp ramps and steps.

Signs will guide people along the route into green spaces and waterways, while two new rain gardens will also be installed to help prevent flooding.

Funded by the Mayor’s Green and Healthy Streets Fund, the route backs projects that incorporate green infrastructure and climate resilience measures, alongside efforts promoting active travel, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

Sings along the way will direct walkers to green spaces and waterways (Image: TfL)

Will Norman, the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: "We’ve seen a significant increase in leisure walking since the pandemic, and Londoners have told us they’re keen for more space dedicated to walking.

"With spring just around the corner, this new walking route is a great way to improve Londoners’ health and wellbeing by increasing access to nearly 40 of London’s green spaces, helping to build a better city for all Londoners."

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Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Policy, added: "We are delighted to launch the Green Link Walk, London’s newest leisure walking and wheeling route, and the eighth route to be included in the Walk London Network."

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, said that walking is "fantastic for both your physical and mental wellbeing", praising the inclusion of the new route as an opportunity to "improve the nation's health".

In 2022, TfL unveiled its first Leisure Walking Plan to enhance and extend leisure walking routes and connect London's communities with green spaces.

The plan includes 13 actions to enhance the Walk London Network to improve accessibility and better connect communities with green spaces.