The walker's version of the M25, the 150 mile long London Outer Orbital Path - or LOOP - circles the capital of the United Kingdom, and is prone to fewer traffic jams than its motorised equivalent.
Starting - if a circular trail can be said to do so - on the south bank of the Thames in Erith, and going all the way round to Purfleet on the north, the LOOP revels in showing a different side of London. A London of woodlands, greenery, parks, and even agriculture too.
Most people call it the London LOOP, even if it that London prefix is completely superfluous.
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Published 1 July 2015
Setting forth on the London Outer Orbital Path by accident.
Published 8 July 2015
After an inauspicious start, the LOOP really gets going on its journey through attractive woodlands, past old manor houses and through Sidcup of all places.
Published 15 July 2015
With woods, parkland and even several square miles dedicated to farming, the LOOP shows off the quieter side of Greater London in style.
Published 22 July 2015
The bluebells are out and lining the woodland floors, on a day that included a Happy Valley and some Downs.
Published 2 March 2016
The LOOP offers Lake District diversions and a completely unexpected explosion of purple as it makes its way to Ewell.
Published 9 March 2016
It’s an afternoon mostly spent along one river, until arriving at a far bigger one in the bustling town of Kingston-upon-Thames.
Published 16 March 2016
The day starts with deer in the glorious Bushy Park, goes on to visit a cracking pub (and one less so), before finishing at the joy of a dual carriageway.
Published 23 March 2016
Who doesn’t love a good canal? The LOOP certainly did. And airports. And business parks too…
Published 6 April 2016
From canals to woodland, the LOOP shows a wide range of its attractions, and a provided a pub that was certainly a bit more specialised than some of the others it goes past.
Published 13 April 2016
The section of the London Outer Orbital Path with few redeeming features.
Published 20 April 2016
After a morning of dreariness and despondency, the LOOP tries a little to make things interesting. But only a little.
Published 4 May 2016
With the initial mud giving way to lovely country parks, farmland and Cockfosters, the LOOP is back at its best once more.
Published 11 May 2016
Through Epping Forest and driving rain, the LOOP continues on its journey around London, finding time to take in sights as an old hunting lodge, and an absence of public houses.
Published 25 May 2016
An absolutely enchanting day of walking, with woodland, fake kites and even urban deer.
Published 8 June 2016
It’s the final section of the LOOP, as the walk goes through forestry land, the Ingrebourne Valley and Hornchurch Country Park towards Rainham,
Published 15 June 2016
It’s the last few miles along the Thames, passed industry, concrete barges and a former landfill site.
Published 22 June 2016
The LOOP is done, and it’s time for this walker to head home. A new home. A new home not in London.
Published 6 July 2016
Get prepared for your own journey around the edge of Greater London.
Published 29 June 2016
What an orbital walk around the capital of the UK looks like.
Published 7 December 2016
Forget what you think walking in London may be like, for walking the London LOOP will give you experiences like no other walking trail.
Published 10 May 2020
The LOOP starts at a railway station in Erith. It’s nice enough, but I don’t have a photograph of it. So let’s concentrate on something near the start instead.
Published 25 October 2020
As British Summer Time ends, it’s time to admire a monument to someone who tried to make it all happen.
Published 18 May 2016
A walk on the London LOOP gives an excuse to pay homage to Grange Hill.