London LOOP

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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.

Rambling Man Walks the London LOOP

Read about my journey in book format. Available in paperback, and for Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Kobo, Nook, Google Play and more.

London LOOP Stage 1: Erith to Slade Green

Published 1 July 2015

Setting forth on the London Outer Orbital Path by accident.

London LOOP Stage 2: Slade Green to Petts Wood

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.

London LOOP Stage 3: Petts Wood to Hayes

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.

London LOOP Stage 4: Hayes to Coulsdon

Published 22 July 2015

The bluebells are out and lining the woodland floors, on a day that included a Happy Valley and some Downs.

London LOOP Stage 5 Part 1: Coulsdon to Ewell

Published 2 March 2016

The LOOP offers Lake District diversions and a completely unexpected explosion of purple as it makes its way to Ewell.

London LOOP Stage 5 Part 2: Ewell to Kingston-upon-Thames

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.

London LOOP Stage 6: Kingston to Hatton Cross

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.

London LOOP Stage 7: Hatton Cross to Uxbridge

Published 23 March 2016

Who doesn’t love a good canal? The LOOP certainly did. And airports. And business parks too…

London LOOP Stage 8: Uxbridge to Hatch End

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.

London LOOP Stage 9 Part 1: Hatch End to Elstree

Published 13 April 2016

The section of the London Outer Orbital Path with few redeeming features.

London LOOP Stage 9 Part 2: Elstree to High Barnet

Published 20 April 2016

After a morning of dreariness and despondency, the LOOP tries a little to make things interesting. But only a little.

London LOOP Stage 10: High Barnet to Enfield

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.

London LOOP Stage 11: Enfield to Chigwell

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.

London LOOP Stage 12: Chigwell to Harold Wood

Published 25 May 2016

An absolutely enchanting day of walking, with woodland, fake kites and even urban deer.

London LOOP Stage 13 Part 1: Harold Wood to Rainham

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,

London LOOP Stage 13 Part 2: Rainham to Purfleet

Published 15 June 2016

It’s the last few miles along the Thames, passed industry, concrete barges and a former landfill site.

London LOOP Epilogue – Farewell London

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.

Planning your London LOOP walk

Published 6 July 2016

Get prepared for your own journey around the edge of Greater London.

London LOOP - the trail highlights

London LOOP Gallery

Published 29 June 2016

What an orbital walk around the capital of the UK looks like.

16 Cracking Sights You’ll Never Forget About Walking the London LOOP

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.

At the start of the London LOOP

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.

Also about London LOOP

A Monument to Summer Time

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.

Beware the flying sausage

Published 18 May 2016

A walk on the London LOOP gives an excuse to pay homage to Grange Hill.