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Epping Forest stretches for 12 miles through 6,000 acres of ancient woodland on London's north-eastern edge. The forest has been a public open space since the Epping Forest Act of 1878 and contains some of the oldest trees in England, including ancient pollarded hornbeam and beech.

The Route

Start from the High Beach visitor centre and follow the Green Ride south through the heart of the forest. The path passes beneath towering beech trees and through clearings where fallow deer graze. Turn east towards Connaught Water, an ornamental lake popular with wildfowl, then loop north through Monk Wood back to High Beach. The forest floor is carpeted with bluebells in late April and the autumn colours are spectacular.

Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs can be off-lead throughout the forest with no seasonal restrictions. The forest has several ponds and streams where dogs can drink and paddle. The terrain is uneven in places with exposed tree roots, which suits most dogs but may challenge elderly dogs. The forest is well-drained and walkable year-round.

Practical Information

Free car parks at High Beach and throughout the forest. The King's Oak pub at High Beach is dog-friendly. The forest visitor centre has toilets and information. Central Line to Epping station, then a 2-mile walk to the forest.

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Greenwich Park is a 183-acre Royal Park perched on a hill above the Thames, home to the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian Line and arguably the finest view in London. This walk combines the park with a riverside stroll along the Thames Path.

The Route

Start at Greenwich Pier and walk through the Old Royal Naval College. Enter Greenwich Park and climb to the Royal Observatory for panoramic views across the Thames to Canary Wharf and the City. Descend through the Flower Garden and exit at the Blackheath Gate. Return via the Thames Path, passing the Cutty Sark and along the riverside to the O2.

Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs must be on leads in Greenwich Park (it is a Royal Park with deer in the Wilderness area). The Thames Path is more relaxed with off-lead possible in quieter sections. The park has water fountains. The riverside stretch is flat and easy.

Practical Information

Greenwich is well served by DLR, buses and river buses. Car parking in Greenwich town centre. The Trafalgar Tavern on the riverfront is dog-friendly. Greenwich Market welcomes dogs. Toilets in the park and at Greenwich Pier.

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Hampstead Heath is 790 acres of ancient parkland in north London, one of the highest points in the city with sweeping views from Parliament Hill across the London skyline. The heath is a vital green lung for the capital and one of the best places to walk a dog in London.

The Route

Start from the Gospel Oak entrance on Gordon House Road and climb to Parliament Hill for panoramic views of the City, Canary Wharf, the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral. Descend through the mixed woodland towards Kenwood House, a magnificent English Heritage mansion with free exhibitions. The route loops through the West Heath and past the bathing ponds before returning via the main meadow.

Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs can be off-lead across most of the heath. The designated dog swimming pond (near the Highgate entrance) is popular with regular swimmers. Dogs must be on leads near the lido and designated bathing ponds. The meadow areas are excellent for ball games and running. The heath has drinking fountains with dog bowls.

Practical Information

No car park but on-street parking is available. Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath overground stations are adjacent. The Parliament Hill Cafe welcomes dogs outside. Kenwood House has a dog-friendly cafe. Toilets at multiple points across the heath.

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The Lee Valley is a chain of parks, waterways and nature reserves running along the River Lee on London's eastern edge. The marshe

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