2 short running routes in Hammersmith of 3.5km or 2.2mi

Hammersmith Bridge

West London is ideal for commute runs, as it has very broad pavements on the main roads and many quiet side roads, which give you some space as a runner without hampering other people.  Find below 2 winter routes of 3.5km or 2.2mi that can be done as well before as after sunset, one in Hammersmith and one route from Gloucester Road to Hammersmith.

The Magnificent Seven Part IV: Kensal Green to Highgate Cemetery (14km or 8.7mi)

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Introduction

Highgate West Cemetery

The Magnificent Seven are seven beautiful landscaped cemeteries built between 1832 and 1840 to respond to the overcrowded local parish cemeteries and to move the associated health hazards further away from the city centre. The cemeteries are not only burial grounds but also beautiful gardens, some of them are classified as nature reserves.

This walk is the fourth in a series of seven magnificent walks, connecting the magnificent seven cemeteries. For an overview of the seven walks, highlights an tips, please visit the overview page.

This walk starts at Kensal Green Cemetery and ends at Highgate Cemetery. The walk mainly follows the tow paths of Paddington Branch and Regent’s Canal and diverts to Primrose Hill and Hampstead just before passing the London Zoo on Regent’s Canal. I really enjoyed walking through Hampstead. Just like Highgate and Muswell Hill, it feels like being out of the city, in a cosy little town.

Highgate West Cemetery is only accessible via a guided tour but it is the most beautiful of them all and definitely worth a visit. If you gather around the gate at the hour, a guide will be waiting for you to take you on a one hour tour for around £7. The next walk, Highgate to Abney Park is considerably shorter (9km or 5.6mi) and should give you enough time to visit the West Cemetery before the walk. Those who would like to admire the grave of Karl Marx, need to head to Highgate East Cemetery, accessible for an entrance fee of £3.

New River Path Part I (8.6km or 5.3mi)

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Introduction

East and West Water Reservoirs, Stoke Newington

The New River is actually not a river but a water supply aqueduct, bringing drinking water from Hertfordshire to North London for the last 400 years. In the London area, large parts have been piped and covered but you can still follow the trail of the river and find yourself between beautiful secret gardens. Today the New River feeds the East Water Reservoir in Stoke Newington but originally the aqueduct’s main destination was the River Head where the new river ended in a round water pond surrounded by engines and pumps to distribute the water across the City. The New River Head is located at Amwell Street, near Angel, and nowadays houses the headquarters of the Metropolitan Water Board. Most of the path is signposted and the total length of the walk is 45 km or 28mi. The PDF of the walk can also be download via the website of Shelford. This walk is also a perfect commute walk from Angel to Stoke Newington.

Circular Walk: Finsbury Park - Alexandra Palace - Queen's Wood - Parkland Walk (14km or 9mi)

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Introduction

Queen's Wood Cafe

When you combine the New River Path, The Capital Ring Walk and Parkland Walk, you get a beautiful circular walk from Finsbury Park, passing Alexandra Palace, Highgate Wood, Queen’s Wood and following Parkland Walk. The climb up to Alexandra Palace is so rewarding when you see the panoramic view across East/Central London. The best places to stop along the way are Muswell Hill or for a heartwarming soup, I would suggest you head to the cosy cafe in the middle of the woods, Queen’s Wood.