For those people who are confident using maps London is an ideal place to create your own walks. Below we have listed a short selection but you may be able to get others from specialist map shops. New maps are always being published or updated.

Useful Maps for London Walking :

London A-Z

The London A-Z is a street map for London, available in a range of sizes (generally the larger size is better for creating walking routes). It is excellent for navigating London’s streets, particularly central London, but is not particularly useful for following footpaths and does not cover non-urban areas on the edges of London.

The London A-Z is widely available across London from bookshops, newsagents and garages. The prices start from around £3.00

London A Walker’s Map
10 walks. Thomas Benacci Ltd, £1.75. ISBN 2 500176 000029

London Map & Guide
14 sightseeing walks. Bensons Map Guides, 1996. ISBN 1 898929 55 6

Lonely Planet City Map
Includes unique Lonely Planet walking tour.

£3.99, 1999. ISBN 1 86450 008 5

Links:

There are a growing number of organisations providing information on the internet about walking, from boots and clothing to maps and books to walking holidays. Below is a selection of some of these sites, in alphabetical order:

Britain for Walkers This site is mainly for visitors to Britain or UK holidaymakers and has a section on walking in Britain, including different walks and walk events.

Countryside Agency The Countryside Agency is a statutory body working to: conserve and enhance the countryside; promote social equity and economic opportunity for the people who live there; and help everyone, wherever they live, to enjoy this national asset. This site contains information about National Trails in England.

LondonTown A one-stop essential information guide for all visitors to the Capital.

LondonVisions A comprehensive tourist guide to London.

London Walking Creating a London where people choose to walk

National Trust The National Trust acts as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings. The Trust cares for over 248,000 hectares (612,000 acres) of beautiful countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus almost 600 miles of outstanding coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of outstanding interest and importance.

Ramblers' Association The Ramblers' Association is an environmental organisation campaigning to encourage walking, open up public footpaths, protect the countryside and secure the freedom to roam on mountains, moors, heaths, downs and common land in England and Wales. There are over 400 local groups throughout England, Scotland and Wales and all of them organise regular walks for members.

South-East London Green Chain The Green Chain helps promote a variety of opportunities to be found amongst some 300 open spaces in South East London and also manages a 40 mile network of sign-posted footpaths.

Sustrans Sustrans - it stands for sustainable transport - is a charity working on practical projects to encourage people to walk and cycle more, so as to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects. The National Cycle Network will open in June 2000 with 5000 miles of continuous traffic-free routes and traffic-calmed and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Youth Hostel Association The YHA runs 230 hostels across Britain in a wide range of locations and unique buildings from major city centres to National Parks. All ages are welcome.

The Health Education Authority is working to encourage more active lifestyles. This site is to encourage young people to walk.

Walking World is a website directory of walks, providing comprehensive directions, maps and photographs on walks in the UK.