Finding London's Hidden Treasures: Walking the Capital Ring After 20 Years

Image Source: Yahoo News UK

Jessica Furseth, a long-time Londoner, recounts her life-changing experience walking the Capital Ring, a 78-mile circular path which reveals the city's varied landscapes and hidden treasures. This walk provides a new eye on London, combining urban character with natural beauty. Here are the main highlights:

The Capital Ring Route:

The 78-mile route surrounds London within 10 miles of Big Ben, connecting picturesque locations such as Oxleas Wood, Richmond Park, and Highgate Wood.
Split into 15 sections, ranging from 4.5 to 9 miles, the route is easily accessed via Tube or train stations.

Urban and Green Spaces:

The route blends peaceful green spaces, including the 8,000-year-old Oxleas Wood, with urban finds such as disused tube lines in Haringey.
It reflects London's diversity, from busy streets to peaceful forests.

Historical Insights:

The path provides insights into London's past, such as locations like the Greenway, previously known as Sewerbank, where Gandhi strolled on his 1931 visit.

Challenges and Rewards:

Although certain parts, such as the North Circular, have urban challenges, the experience overall is enriching, linking areas previously only known by Tube.

Community Efforts:

The Capital Ring, which was formed in 2005, is kept up by Inner London Ramblers' volunteers and boroughs of London to make it accessible and maintainable.

Jessica's walk presents the Capital Ring as a reflection of London's boundless diversity, providing greater access to the city through its unbroken path.

Sources: MSN, The Independent, On London