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We've teamed up with TENZING to bring you the least polluted running routes in the city
You know how running outside gives you a natural high thanks to all those endorphins? That’s sort of the premise behind TENZING – a new kind of energy drink that uses only plant-based ingredients to give you a natural boost. They’ve swapped artificial nasties for all-natural ingredients, which got us thinking about what other changes you could make to feel healthier. And we think it’s time to switch up your running routine – ditch the city’s polluted pavements and explore London’s greener spaces. That’s why we’ve teamed up with TENZING to bring you the capital’s cleanest running spots. Everyone knows that London is one seriously smoggy city, but did you know that in the most highly polluted areas, breathing in the toxic air while you exercise can actually undermine the health benefits of pounding the pavements? Here are five green spaces where pollution levels are below the legal limit so you can breath easy and enjoy your run.
Find out more about TENZING.
Run around the vast grounds of this north London haven to see amazing panoramic views of the city while staying far away from that central London smog. Fancy a challenge? There are some pretty steep inclines ideal for hill sprints, or you can just soak up the sights and take it easy along the flatter paths.
Want to feel like you’re in the countryside without leaving the confines of the M25? Jog along the tree-lined paths of the leafy Tamsin Trail in this 2,500 acre park. It’s the largest of the Royal Parks and as it’s further out than places like Hyde Park or St James’s Park, pollution levels are lower. Oh, and you might even see some wild deer.
Tucked away on the outskirts of north-east London, this is the capital’s largest open space, spread over 6,000 acres. You’ll feel like you’ve left London, but don’t panic: you can actually get there on the Central line. There are a total of nine trails covering 20 miles, but as the forest is open-access, you can also go off the beaten track if you prefer. It’s an ideal spot for clocking up some serious mileage
There’s loads of wildlife to see in the city’s parks, but this south London green space offers something a bit different: dinosaurs. Okay, they’re obviously not real, but these iconic Grade I-listed sculptures date back to the nineteenth century – and there are more than 30 of them, which should make for a nice distraction if you’re struggling halfway through your run.
Running round in circles can be a bit tedious, but there’s no chance of you having to double back on yourself as you explore the wild woodland, playing fields and meadows of this 790-acre green space. The heath is one of the highest points in the city and the view from Parliament Hill is protected, so it’s totally worth tackling the hilly climb to get there.
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