Footways have created a beautiful printed map to accompany the Green Link Walk, a new long-distance walking route that crosses London from north to south. Launched a year ago, this 16-mile route from Epping Forest to Peckham connects many of London’s finest green spaces and low-traffic streets. The walk is now even more accessible thanks to this free illustrated guide, which details every stage of the route.
Inspired by the strip maps that guided travellers on England’s roads in the 17th century, the pocket-sized Footways map breaks the walk into 12 route stages, each one richly illustrated by London-based artist Rachel Morris. It provides information about points of interest and districts along the route, as well as context on the growth of London, and the history of foot crossings over the Thames. Practical information on public transport links is supplied so that the walk can be undertaken in manageable stages.
The Green Link Walk route spans five boroughs, links almost 40 areas of green space and a number of waterways via mostly quiet streets, and connects with the Capital Ring, Jubilee Greenway, Jubilee Walk, Lee Valley Walk and the Thames Path. The route was conceived by partners Footways, Ramblers, London Living Streets, Sustrans and CPRE London, and delivered by TfL.
Footways co-founder David Harrison said: “In proposing a new leisure walk, my key idea was to put an equal emphasis on green spaces (marshes, rivers and canals, forest and parks) and the links between them. I proposed a route which includes quiet and enjoyable streets, taking advantage of the boroughs’ traffic reduction and public realm improvements, and incorporates great buildings, from medieval churches to splendid contemporary architecture. I am delighted that the map design and illustrations reflect both the abundance of nature and architecture.”
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in leisure walking since the pandemic, and Londoners have told us they’re keen for more space dedicated to walking. The Green Link walking route connects almost 40 of London’s green spaces, and I am delighted that the Footways walking map makes those spaces even more accessible.”
Copies of the map will be available for free from Walthamstow Library, Hackney Central Library, Finsbury Library, the London Archives, the church of St Bartholomew the Great, Smithfield, the City of London Information Centre, and Peckham Library from 14 March. In addition they can be ordered from the Footways website, where a digital version of the route is also available to view and download: footways.london/the-green-link
Notes for local news editors – the route passes by the following places of interest in individual boroughs, and features information about them:
Waltham Forest – Epping Forest, Orford Rd/Walthamstow Village, Walthamstow Market, Coppermill Tower, Walthamstow Marshes, Lea Bridge Road
Hackney – Millfields Park, Clapton Pond, Hackney Downs, St John at Hackney church, Hackney Central, London Fields, London Fields LTN, De Beauvoir Square, Northchurch Road
Islington – Canonbury East and St Peter’s LTNs, Regent’s Canal. Angel, Sadler’s Wells, Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell Green
City of London – Smithfield Market, St Bartholomew’s Hospital and church of Great St Bartholomew, Postman’s Park, St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge
Southwark – Tate Modern, St George’s Circus, Elephant and Castle, Aylesbury Estate, Burgess Park, Surrey Canal Walk, Peckham Library
