Walking

Walking has a huge range of benefits including:

• physical health - for a longer life expectancy, more energy, stamina, improving core muscle strength, and boosting the immune system
• mental health - for a mood enhancer, stress and anxiety reliever, better sleep, improved memory and a way of calming your mind
• for your neighbourhood - every journey walked means less by car, improving air quality and fostering a sense of community

Discover Waltham Forest with our walking and cycling trails showcasing a number of famous people and places in the borough and sharing some of Waltham Forest’s lesser-known secrets.

The twelve routes can be followed on your own or with family and friends and are a great way to learn more about our borough while enjoying the great outdoor spaces and finding new favourite places.

There are twelve routes to choose from. Check out the full guide (PDF), or find the individual routes below:

• Route 1 - A wander down the hill (PDF)
• Route 2 - Mosey on the marsh (PDF)
• Route 3 - Waterside walkabout (PDF)
• Route 4 - Walthamstow Village (PDF)
• Route 5 - A tale of three boroughs (PDF)
• Route 6 - Highams Park sculpture trail (PDF)
• Route 7 - Leyton and Leytonstone (PDF)
• Route 8 - Arts and Crafts (PDF)
• Route 9 - Swimmers, bakers and Olympic games makers (PDF)
• Route 10 - Murder and the Orient (PDF)
• Route 11 - Planes, bikes and automobiles (PDF)
• Route 12 - Waltham Forest's industrial past (PDF)

Please note that the Vestry House Museum is currently closed for works, and will reopen in early 2026.

In partnership with Go Jauntly we have launched three new walks (Summer 2024) which 

highlight the rich history, hidden nature and vibrant community life of the area.

1. Waterside Walkabout:  This route takes you along the River Lea and Tottenham Marshes, showcasing Walthamstow Wetlands, an internationally significant nature reserve. It also includes a visit to the William Morris Gallery, a museum dedicated to the famed designer.
2. Mosey on the Marsh: Explore the green spaces of the Lea Valley, including the Ive Farm Community Garden and the Christopher Robbins Woodland Walk. Highlights include Friends Bridge, steeped in history as a former boundary between Anglo-Saxon England and Viking Danelaw.
3. Walthamstow Village Walk: Celebrating 10 years of the Sustainable Transport program, this walk features Walthamstow Market, the longest outdoor street market in Europe, the recently opened Soho Theatre, and St. Mary’s Church with its new arts focus.

Together, these routes celebrate the community’s commitment to sustainability, heritage, and cultural enrichment, providing engaging experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Our Feel Good Walks are suitable for anyone to join and are FREE. They provide a great way for you to get out and about, meet new people and explore some of the beautiful green spaces Waltham Forest has to offer.

Walks are led by trained volunteers and take place across the borough, with options for shorter and slower-paced walks. Find out more on the Ramblers' wellbeing walks website. 

For the full programme of Feel Good Walks or for further information:

• visit: Get Active Now
• email: Feel.Good@walthamforest.gov.uk.

If you would like to start a walking group for neighbours and friends, or support an existing walk as a Walk Leader, please get in touch. We provide full training and support for the role, and we are looking for more Walk Leaders to join the team. 

Parkrun takes place at The Peter May Centre, 135 Wadham Road, Walthamstow, E17 4HR.

Parkrun is a 5 kilometers weekly timed event open to all ages and abilities, you need to register to get your barcode and take part.

To find out more, visit the Peter May Leisure Centre website

Junior Parkrun

Junior Parkrun takes place at Leyton Jubilee Park, Marsh Lane, Leyton, London, E10 7BL

Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly, consisting of weekly 2 kilometers events for juniors aged 4 to 14 year olds.​

To find out more, send an email to leytonjubileejuniors@parkrun.com

The London Outer Orbital Path, or London LOOP, almost completely circles Greater London; the 150 miles are split into 24 bite size walks.

Taking the London Loop is a great way to get to know London better. It is made up of flat or gentle sloping sections that cover beautiful open spaces like Hainault Forest Country Park and Havering Country Park.

Section 19 of the Loop starts within the London Borough of Waltham Forest in Chingford and finishes in Chigwell.
 

Route information and directions for all 24 sections 
 

Waltham Forest Council supports several walking and cycling community groups through the Walking and Cycling Community Fund. 

Steps & Checks

Is a free multigenerational holistic health walk for women aged 18 and over designed to promote wellness and recreation in a supportive environment. This is a steady-paced walk in and around Leyton Jubilee Park. Beginners are welcome and rest assured that nobody will be left behind.

Stay Active – Senior Walking Group

The group promotes health, social connections, and enjoyment of the outdoors. 

When: Every Tuesday at 5pm

Starting at: Geek Café, 728 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3AJ.

Email: www.geekcafecic@gmail.com for further information

All fitness levels are welcome.

• North East London Ramblers
• The London Strollers
• Lea Valley Friends Ramblers
• Walthamstow Walking Group (On Facebook)
• Mental Health Mates – Highams Park  (On Facebook)
• Good Gym

• Walks Past: Free self-guided local history walks
• Wood Street Walls: Local street Art Maps
• Walk London