Welcome readers to an extraordinary journey through the heart of London on foot! This blog shares our experience of walking a marathon, exploring iconic landmarks, serene parks, and vibrant neighbourhoods along the way. We decided to walk this 26.2 mile route and have completed it twice more. We took our time and ate along the way. This is a great way of seeing London in a different light and has no pressure of an organised event. Here is our 26 mile walk around London.
Chapters
London Marathon Walk Route Overview
Google Pinned Map of Marathon Walk around London
We have created this helpful Google Pinned Map of the route which you can download onto your phone. The route can be started at any place but we recommend completing it clockwise. We have also included the landmarks you will see and some public toilets as you will be out for a long time.
Practical Tips For A London Walking Marathon
- Duration: 7-9 hours
- Rest Stops: We stopped for lunch in Regent’s Park when we walked clockwise and we ate at Camden Marked when we walked anti-clockwise. Make sure to pack lots of snacks in your bag you will need them!
- Toilets: Some public toilets are marked onto the Google Pinned Map, however, you will be able to find one, especially if you stop to eat lunch somewhere, use their facilities.
- Footwear and Clothing: The route is mostly tarmac and we chose trainers over walking boots for this reason. Trainers were fine but make sure they are comfy and broken in.
- Hydration: Make sure you stay hydrated during the walk, there are plenty of shops on the route to buy drinks if you run out.
Steps and Landmarks Highlights on The London Marathon Walk
The route is loosely based around the Jubilee Greenway which was completed in 2012 and is a 60km (37 mile) route around London. The route is marked with glass, pavement slabs that say Jubilee Greenway which makes this route easy to follow.
Step 1: South bank | London Eye | St Pauls Cathedral
We started on the South Bank at St Paul’s. For us this was a convenient starting place but you can start anywhere on the route. We started at around 8am meaning the South Bank was very quiet and we were greeted by a fabulous blue sky that stayed for the rest of the day. We walked down to the London Eye then headed over Westminster Bridge.
Step 2: Big Ben| House of Parliament | St James’ Park
Once over the river you start to head towards St James’ Park. There is a chance here to stop off and grab some breakfast or grab a coffee from the Stalls in the park. Don’t forget to look out for the pelicans in the park!
Step 3: Buckingham Palace | Hyde Park
As you leave St James’ Park you will be greeted by Buckingham Palace. Head to the right of the building and into the park opposite. You will need to walk down a long avenue of tree towards Wellington Arch and cross the road to Hyde Park Corner. Head through the park (you may want to stop for a toilet break here) and keep your eyes peeled for parakeets. This is a lovely part of the walk uninterrupted by cars. Exit the park by Paddington station.
Step 4: Paddington Station | Little Venice
Walk through Paddington station (again there are toilets here) and head towards the canal. You will find beautiful canal boat restaurants lining the river. You need to follow the river towards Little Venice. There is a nice tow path that will take you down to a park where you turn off and start heading towards Regent’s Park.
Step 5: Regent’s Park| Camden Market
Follow the canal to Regent’s Park. Wonder through the park and then follow the water past London Zoo. You will get glimpses of the cages and may even spot some of the animals. Follow the canal all the way to Camden Market. This is a great place to get some lunch (if you haven’t eaten already) before heading off down the long stretch of canal as you are following it all the way to the Thames. You need to follow the Jubilee Greenway signs as part of this section goes through a residential area.
Step 6: Regent’s Canal
This part of the walk feels like it goes on forever as you are following the canal back towards the river. There are parts where you will need to look for the Jubilee Greenway sign on the floor as you can’t always be by the waters edge. If you spot the signs you’re on track.
Step 7: Victoria Park | Olympic Park
To make the walk the length of a marathon this part has been added on. Turn off into Victoria Park and walk through until you get to the Olympic Park. There is loads to see here and adds on the extra miles you need to make this was 26.1. Once you’ve visited the Olympic Park head back through Victoria Park and find Regent’s Canal.
Step 8: Regent’s Canal | Limehouse
Join back onto the canal and follow it all the way to Limehouse which is by the River Thames. This part really feels like it goes on forever. You will see cute river boat shops on your way and lots of wildlife, we spotted a heron.
Step 9: Thames Path | St Katherine’s Dock | Tower Bridge| Tower of London
Once back at the river join the Thames path heading back into the centre of the city. You will get a great view of canary wharf on your way. Head down to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London and end your marathon with a great view of The Shard.
