The lush green hill trail that is officially one of the best scenic walks near London – and it’s less than an hour from the city

London might be packed with teeming roads and foreboding skyscrapers, but we’re surprisingly spoiled for choice when it comes to lovely green walks. And, if you’re willing to travel a little further afield, there are also countless hikes and trials within easy reach of the city to suit every preference and ability. Like the sea breeze through your hair? Head for the Kentish Coast. Want a chilled saunter along the river? Then the Goring Gap and Thames Path is for you. After a forest stroll with some ancient ruins along the way? Take the Central line to Epping Forest. 

But if you’re a stairs-not-lift kinda person, up the ante and take on the incline at Box Hill, which we recently named one of the most scenic walks near London. 

There are several different routes you can take depending on how long you’re willing to walk, but for a moderate challenge, we recommend the 6.4km Box Hill Juniper Top route, which takes around two hours.To get to the start of the trail, you first have to trudge up 272 steps to the top of Box Hill – that’s roughly equivalent to 14 storeys. Once you reach the peak, take a minute to admire the panoramic views (read: get your breath back) before turning left and head towards the woods. 

The trail then continues through woodland and grassy plains, onto another hill named Juniper Top, which looks out onto the North Downs, then through Juniper Bottom (aka Happy Valley). 

For post-walk refreshments, sink pints at the aptly named Stepping Stones or stop by Denbies Wine Estate a mile down the road to sample a glass of Juniper Hill. After that, you can then be back in the big city in under an hour. Sounds like an idyllic day if we say so ourselves. 

How to get to Box Hill from London

Hop on the train at Waterloo or Victoria and you’ll be at Box Hill and Westhumble station in as little as 48 minutes. 

The top scenic walks near London, according to Time Out.

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