There are few better times to explore London on foot than autumn. As the leaves begin to turn shades of gold, orange and red, the capital's parks, commons and woodland paths take on a completely different atmosphere.
You don't have to travel into the countryside to enjoy an autumn walk, either. From deer-filled royal parks and woodland trails to riverside routes and wetlands, London has plenty of places where you can get your autumn fix without leaving the city.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is one of London's most spectacular places for an autumn walk.
The park covers around 2,500 acres, so there is plenty of space to escape the feeling of being in a city. In autumn, the grasslands take on golden tones, the woodland becomes a mixture of reds and oranges, and the park's famous deer are a regular sight.
One option is the Tamsin Trail, a roughly seven-mile route around the park that takes you through a mixture of open grassland and woodland. For something shorter, you can explore the paths around Pen Ponds and King Henry's Mound.
For a particularly colourful autumn stroll, head to Isabella Plantation. This 40-acre woodland garden is known for its seasonal displays, with Japanese maples, sweet gums and other trees creating a spectacular mix of autumn colours.
Nearest station: Richmond
Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill
If you want a walk that combines woodland, open countryside and some of the best views in London, head north to Hampstead Heath.
Hampstead Heath feels surprisingly rural considering how close it is to central London. Its network of paths takes you through woodland and open heath, while Parliament Hill provides an impressive panorama across the city.
Autumn is a particularly atmospheric time to visit, especially on a crisp morning when the paths are covered in fallen leaves.
For an even more picturesque detour, make your way towards the Hill Garden and Pergola. The ivy-covered walkways and autumn foliage make it one of the more unusual corners of the Heath.
You can then continue towards Kenwood House before heading back towards Hampstead, or finish with a drink somewhere nearby.
Nearest station: Hampstead Heath Overground
Greenwich Park to the Thames
Greenwich Park is another excellent autumn destination, particularly if you want to combine greenery with some of London's most recognisable views.
Start in Blackheath and make your way across Blackheath Common before entering Greenwich Park. From here, walk along the tree-lined avenues towards the Royal Observatory and the General Wolfe statue, where you can stop to take in the panoramic view across London.
Rather than ending your walk in the park, continue downhill towards Greenwich and the Thames. You can follow the riverside past the Old Royal Naval College before finishing around the Cutty Sark.
It gives you a little bit of everything: leafy paths, historic buildings, skyline views and the river.
Nearest station: Greenwich
The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill make a great combination for an autumn afternoon.
Start by exploring The Regent's Park, where formal gardens and tree-lined paths provide plenty of seasonal colour. You can then make your way towards Primrose Hill for one of the most recognisable views across London.
It's also easy to extend the walk into the surrounding neighbourhood if you fancy stopping for lunch, coffee or a browse around the independent shops.
For a quieter finish, continue through the residential streets around Primrose Hill and Camden.
Nearest station: Baker Street
The Parkland Walk
For something a little different, head north to the Parkland Walk.
Parkland Walk follows the route of a former railway line between Finsbury Park and Highgate. Today, the path is surrounded by trees, wild vegetation and urban wildlife, making it feel surprisingly green for a route running through north London.
Autumn is an especially good time to explore it, when the woodland sections become covered in fallen leaves.
The walk can also be combined with Highgate Village and Hampstead Heath, giving you the option of turning it into a much longer day out.
Nearest station: Finsbury Park
Sydenham Hill Wood
South London has some wonderful autumn walks of its own, and Sydenham Hill Wood is one of the more unusual places to explore.
Sydenham Hill Wood is one of London's remaining ancient woodlands and has a distinctly different atmosphere from the capital's manicured parks.
The woodland paths are particularly atmospheric in autumn, when the canopy changes colour and the ground becomes covered with leaves.
You can combine the walk with Dulwich Park and Dulwich Village, making a nice day out of exploring this corner of south London.
Nearest station: Sydenham Hill
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
For a more central option, you don't have to venture to the edge of London.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens provide a surprisingly peaceful route through the heart of the capital.
You could begin around Hyde Park Corner and walk through the park towards the Serpentine before continuing into Kensington Gardens. From here, there are plenty of paths to explore around the Italian Gardens, Long Water and Kensington Palace.
It's an especially good choice if you're meeting friends in central London and want to combine a walk with lunch, shopping or a museum visit.
Nearest station: Lancaster Gate
Battersea Park and the Thames
Battersea Park is another great choice if you want a relatively easy autumn stroll.
Walk through the park's gardens and tree-lined paths before heading towards the Thames. From the riverside, you can continue towards Chelsea or cross Battersea Bridge and explore the streets on the other side of the river.
The park works particularly well for a relaxed weekend walk because you don't need to commit to a long-distance route. You can simply wander, stop for a coffee and decide how far you want to go.
Nearest station: Battersea Park
Epping Forest
If you want to feel like you've left London altogether, Epping Forest is one of the best places to head in autumn.
The ancient woodland stretches across around 8,000 acres, with hundreds of kilometres of paths to explore. There are routes to suit everything from a short stroll to a much longer hike.
For a manageable autumn walk, you could explore Knighton Wood and Knighton Lake. If you want something more challenging, the Oak Trail offers a longer route through the forest.
The woodland is particularly beautiful in autumn, with beech trees creating golden canopies and fallen leaves covering the paths.
One of the best things about Epping Forest is how different it feels from central London. Within minutes of arriving, you can find yourself surrounded by ancient woodland, open grassland and ponds rather than traffic and buildings.
Nearest station: Loughton or Chingford
Walthamstow Wetlands
For something completely different, head to Walthamstow Wetlands in north-east London.
The reserve covers a huge area of reservoirs and open water, with paths providing plenty of opportunities to explore the landscape. Autumn can be particularly atmospheric here, with changing trees reflected in the water and migrating birds adding to the experience.
You can take a relatively gentle stroll around the reservoirs before continuing towards Walthamstow Village for coffee, lunch or a browse around the independent businesses.
It's a particularly good option if you want an autumn walk that combines nature with the feeling of exploring a London neighbourhood.
Nearest station: Blackhorse Road
Best for: wildlife, waterside views and combining a walk with exploring Walthamstow.
Autumn is one of the few times of year when London can feel almost rural in places. Take your time, look up at the changing trees and enjoy seeing a different side of the city.
