Commute Walk: Covent Garden to Shoreditch (5km or 3mi)

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Introduction

the Old Kings Head - Scrutton Street

I used to work near Covent Garden and would head out to Shoreditch for a beer after work every now and then. The first times, I walked via Theobalds Road and Clerkenwell Road which are very traffic heavy and boring roads until I found a pleasant and alternative way passing beautiful historic sites and hidden residential courts. This walk might be done as a scenic or a commute walk. Gray’s Inn Gardens however might not be accessible during bank holidays. Things to see along the way are the Freemason's Hall, Lincoln's Inn Fields, Gray's Inn Gardens, Brooke Court, Leather Lane, Farringdon, St John's Lane, Smithfield Market, the Charter House, the Barbican and Bunhill Fields cemetery. The walk takes you via Leonard Street and Scrutton Street where a refreshment can be found at the Griffin or The Old Kings' Head. Enjoy!

Commute Run/Cycle/Walk: Hammersmith to Green Park (7km or 4.2mi)

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Introduction

Lovely way to start the day! Hyde Park

Every working day, I commute 40 minutes on the Piccadilly Line from North London all the way up to Hammersmith in West London. I was getting so bored of it, that I tied my walking into my commute and reduced my tube journey by skipping the Green Park – Hammersmith bit and trade the Piccadilly Line for the Victoria Line.

I’m not keen on cycling in London but to reduce my walking journey and make my walk a daily achievable goal, I rent a Barclay Bike in Green Park and then cycle through Hyde Park (which is already half the distance) and then walk/run the bit between Kensington and Hammersmith.

When I feel like shopping, I just pass through Kensington High Street on my way to Hyde Park, lovely!

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.

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.

Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington (Practical, 7.5km or 4.6mi)

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Introduction

Waiting in Line? @Abney Park

I believe keeping fit is easy if you are practical about it. Replacing your bus or tube journey by a walk, is a simple solution. It saves you money, you get to know and enjoy the area around you better and it doesn't cost you that much more time. All you need is some proper shoes (and waterproofs!).

I posted a scenic walk from Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington, via the water reservoirs. This post shows a quicker and practical version of the walk for those living in Finsbury Park and up for some Sunday grocery shopping at Church Street in Stoke Newington. The length of this walk is 3.75km (2.3mi) or 7.5km (4.6mi) for the return journey. If you get there and you're tired, just jump on the 106 back to Finsbury Park.

Commute Run Nag's Head to Strand (6.7km or 4mi)

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Running is becoming an increasingly popular way to commute. It's more enjoyable when you choose for quiet roads with broad pavements. I commuted twice a week from Nag's Head to Strand and so far, this is the best option I found to do it. I would love to hear your suggestions!

Good Morning York Way / King's Cross!

Tottenham Court Road to Nag's Head (6km or 3.7mi)

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                    Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRun

When the weather is nice, I replace my tube journey with a walk across Regent's Park and Camden Union Tow Path. If you've had enough, just catch any bus on Camden Road to get to Finsbury Park or stop at the big Sainsbury's in Camden for your shopping and jump on the 29.