Not all day hikes need to be famous. Take the train from London Marylebone to Wendover (Buckinghamshire). The station itself looks like a toy train set—all wood and quiet. From there, you hike along the Ridgeway, and the path is so flat you can walk while texting your mum. At one point, you pass through a field of sheep that will stare at you like you’re the weirdest thing they’ve seen all week. (They’re not wrong.)
Or try Epping Forest—yes, from London Liverpool Street. The train to Chingford is 20 minutes, and suddenly you’re in a forest where you might see a deer but definitely will see a man in cycling shorts eating a protein bar angrily. It’s the perfect “I only have three hours” hike. You feel wild and free, yet can be back in time for a disappointing Deliveroo order.
27 Awesome & Easy Day Trips From London By Train!
The Dreaded “Where Do I Pee?” Situation
Let’s be honest—this is the real challenge of any hike in the UK. You’ll be mid-walk, hydrated from your fancy water bottle, and suddenly the call of nature hits like a freight train. Pro tip: find a bush with good coverage, and pretend you’re a very discreet deer. If you see a public toilet, use it immediately, even if you don’t need to. It’s the unwritten law of the trail.
