Running has always been a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets. This type of sport not only keeps you fit but also trains your concentration, memory and thinking. You also pump your logical thinking by routing the way in your mind and navigating in an unknown area. Moreover, a morning run saturates the body with energy and makes it more resistant to external stimuli. This is a cool way to explore the world. Jogging through a quiet, calm city, when everything around is just beginning to wake up, you can discover another mysterious side of even the loudest and busiest places in the world. This all can apply to Morning London. What are the most popular places for jogging in the capital of Great Britain and why exactly are they so attractive to local residents? Learn more at ilondon.info.
Where do Londoners like to run?
Usually, the most popular routes for jogging are going through locations of historical and cultural significance, such as parks. There are a lot of them in London and each one is specially equipped for walking with children, cycling and, in particular, jogging. Also, most of them are located close to one another and are conveniently connected.
You can come across runners in different parts of London every day. Those who came to the city on business usually actively spent the morning in Docklands or Canary Wharf. Yes, those locations are popular among jogging fans too. Some people prefer specially dedicated paths in parks in the city centre. Others, on the contrary, like to run in the suburbs of London, away from the hectic atmosphere. However, there are also those who have their own secret places in the city. These are usually off-the-beaten-track lanes or over-the-river paths that resemble quiet routes outside of London. People who have found them are most likely either residents who know every corner of their place of residence or resourceful tourists who are always exploring everything.
Jogging along the amazing Thames
For many, the River Thames or it’s better to say the area on its banks is a special place for sports, especially morning runs. Many Londoners are fond of the paths that wind along the Thames. You can take one of the best such routes starting from Putney Bridge Underground Station and heading west from there. Thus, you can enjoy not only beautiful views of the river but also run past the most beautiful location in London. The only thing that can stand in the way is the rain because the route goes along a path, which turns into mud in bad weather.
You can discover the river from a completely different side by taking the route that starts from Cutty Sark DLR Station. A run along the Thames around Greenwich will fill everyone with the magic of amazing landscapes and green areas. Moreover, you can come across famous cultural and architectural objects on the way. At one of the bends, you can see a barrier built in the 1980s to prevent the city from flooding during high tides. It is one of the most genius engineering ideas in the world.
A combination of sports and amazing nature landscapes
Speaking about the most scenic jogging routes, it is also worth mentioning the paths that run through local parks. For example, you can get aesthetic pleasure by taking the route that starts at St James’s Park Underground Station. This park hides an interesting history and features large green areas, which contrasts with the main London streets. Running up, you can see Buckingham Palace. In addition, there is Green Park nearby. This route is especially amazing in spring because the park is almost completely covered with daffodils. You can finish in Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. This route is approximately six kilometres long. However, you can always get some extra exercise in one of the parks.
Another route shows you a contrast between the frenetic everyday life in London and the amazing nature full of silence and harmony. If you really want to discover different sides of the city, start your run from Regent’s Park station. Unlike the previous routes, it isn’t peaceful from the very beginning. First, you have to immerse in the bustling atmosphere of Marylebone Road, but this short part will be compensated with what awaits you ahead. In Regent’s Park, you will be surrounded by bright and incredibly beautiful flower gardens. Such natural surroundings will also be complemented by animal sounds because there is one of the most famous and oldest zoos in the world nearby. The route is not too long and has several paths. It is ideal for beginners in this sport and for those who appreciate the fresh morning air. Its total length is approximately four kilometres, but it depends on the chosen trail.
Fantastic landscapes from a bird’s eye view
If you dare to take a run to Parliament Hill, you can feel the rhythm of London to the fullest. It is better to start your route from Hampstead Heath Overground Station. Having climbed the hill, you will receive your coveted reward, an unparalleled view of the city from a bird’s eye view. An amazing sunrise or a magical sunset awaits you there. The main thing is to calculate the time correctly and not to miss the moment. Moreover, the entire path is surrounded by almost wild nature. Run north and you’ll reach Kenwood House, which is free to enter. Thus, your run will turn into a kind of excursion. In addition to receiving visual pleasure, you can also swim in one of the nearby ponds. It’d be better to take this route in summer. It is not too long, but a bit more difficult due to the uphill part.
A classic option for sightseeing lovers
It turns out that you can see famous London locations during a regular run. This is a good combination of physical and cultural development. Starting your journey from the famous Westminster Underground Station and running along the northern bank of the river, you can visit the most popular places in the British capital. The total length of such a route is approximately 11 kilometres, so it is more suitable for physically prepared people. On the way, you will see such sights as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. All of this is also harmoniously accompanied by amazing river scenery. The River Thames will reveal and fill you with its vital energy. The most important thing is to follow the guidelines so as not to get lost among crowds of tourists. For the same reason, it is better to start jogging in the morning. Running a little farther, you can enjoy the view of the incomparable Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye. In general, the route impresses with both the beautiful nature and the bustling city life. However, repair work, which is often carried out in this part of London, or uneven cobblestones can get in the way. In any case, there are many beautiful routes in the city that can satisfy the tastes and preferences of every person.