TfL has launched a new 15-mile walking route, the Green Link Walk, connecting Epping Forest to Peckham Town Centre.
The new route, which has been created in partnership with City of London, Southwark, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest councils, will link more communities with green spaces and aims to help build on increases in leisure walking seen since the pandemic.
Green Link Walk is the eighth route in the Walk London Network. It links almost 40 areas of green space, including Walthamstow Marshes, London Fields and Burgess Park, and five other Walk London routes.
The new route has been created to increase leisure walking in London, improve Londoners’ health and wellbeing, and enhance community access to green space and nature.
The Walk London Network is one of the largest walking and wheeling networks of any city in the world and includes the Capital Ring, Green Chain, Jubilee Greenway, Jubilee Walkway, Lea Valley, London Outer Orbital Path, and the Thames Path.
Since the pandemic, London has seen a 10% increase in leisure walking, and according to TfL’s Leisure Walking Plan, 57% of Londoners want to see more space in London dedicated to walking.
Will Norman, London’s 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.”
The route has been designed with accessibility in mind and TfL has removed barriers such as bollards to ensure that everyone can access the route.
The route also avoids streets without dropped kerbs and bridges with steep ramps and steps. Green Link Walk signs will guide people along streets and paths to green spaces and waterways.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy and policy, said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
06 March 2024