Liam Barrett of bespoke personal training company The Fit Scene specialises in getting people fit on the streets of London, and he knows all the best running routes. Here are his top five:
1. The Canal Route
This is a simple route, in which you can experience the waterways of London and an ecological oasis right smack-bang in the big smoke. Start at Warwick Avenue (yes, from that Duffy song) and head north-east along Blomfield Road, before crossing over Edgware Road and going along Aberdeen Place. Here, there are steps taking you to the Greenway, which is an undisturbed path all along Regents Canal. Soon, the mansions are replaced with birds, monkeys and other animals, as London Zoo borders both sides of the canal.
As the canal bends around the top half of the park, you’ll arrive in world-famous Camden Lock, known for its markets and, of course, Amy Winehouse. Here you can choose to have a pint in the Hawley Arms pub or follow the canal all the way to Limehouse.
Distance: 3-10km
2. The Art Route
We all like painting the town red at the weekends, but this is one for anyone who appreciates painting of a more artistic kind. Start at Tate Britain: the imposing gallery opened in 1897, which was built on the site of a former prison that used to send convicts to Australia. From here, head east along Millbank and onto Abingdon Street. Then go across Parliament Square onto Whitehall, noticing Downing Street on your left. At the end, you’ll reach Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
Next, head south down Northumberland Avenue and over Hungerford Bridge. At the Southbank Centre, run east along the river until you reach Bankside Power Station, aka Tate Modern, a gallery holding the UK’s collection of 20th and 21th century art.
Distance: 5km
3. Nature Route
Dodge wild deer and get back to nature in the suburbs of South East London. Start at Hampton Court Palace in Bushy park and head up towards the Hampton Wick entrance before going over Kingston Bridge.
You’ll need to tackle the shoppers on Kingston Road before turning on to Acre Road and Kings Road, to reach the south-west entrance of Richmond Park (London’s largest royal park). Take one of the numerous parallel trails to Queens Road, which skirts the length of the eastern side of the wildlife-laden park. Once at the north-west exit, head down towards Richmond town centre, through the deer park and, eventually, via Kew Road, end in beautiful Kew Gardens.
Distance: 10-15km
4. Theatre route
London’s Theatreland is world famous, and here’s an easy way to get to know it. Start out in East London, at the Wilton’s music hall, close to Whitechapel tube. This spectacular venue was an alehouse in the mid 18th century, frequented by Scandinavian sea captains. From here, head west past the Tower of London and over Tower Bridge. Weave along the South Bank until you reach The Globe, home to Shakespeare’s productions.
Veer away from the river by running down Sumner Street and towards Southwark Tube where you’ll bump into the New and Old Vic. Head north towards the West End, running over Westminster Bridge and passing the Playhouse theatre, before reaching The Strand. Check out the theatres along here, including the Vaudville, Savoy and the Adelphi theatre (opened in 1806). Make your final jog up to Aldwych to the oldest of our theatre tour, the Theatre Royal on Drury lane, which has been entertaining crowds for more than 350 years.
Distance: 8km
5. Royal Route
So you want to have a royally good run? Start at Kensington Palace – a royal residence for more than 300 years, home to Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales. From here, head south-east past the Albert memorial before you hit Kensington Road, with the Royal Albert hall on your right hand side. Swerve back across to Hyde Park (once Henry VIII’s private deer park) where you can traverse along the Serpentine Lake.
Leave the park at the south-east exit, pass the Wellington Arch and run down Constitution Hill, taking in the magnificent sights of Green Park on your left and Buckingham palace (built in 1703) on your right.
Skirt the south side of St James’s park towards Westminster Abbey until you get to the north bank of the Thames. Follow this leg for 3km until you reach Blackfriars Bridge, and then ascend to your final destination of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Distance: 8km
Notice that most routes will pass a pub at one point or another, so another challenge is to see if you can refrain from stopping for a pint until you reach the end!
