The best walks and hikes around Merton

There are over 180 hiking routes to explore around Merton. The majority of these are easy or moderate, making the area accessible for most fitness levels. You'll find everything from short park strolls to longer riverside walks.

Yes, Merton has plenty of easy circular routes. A great option is the Langford Henge – Jubilee Lake loop from Graven Hill Village. It's a gentle walk of about 7 km that takes you past a lake and through open fields with very little elevation change.

Merton is very family-friendly. The terrain is mostly flat, and many trails run through parks with amenities. For a shorter, manageable walk, consider the Jubilee Lake – 2K Mark loop from Langford Village. Additionally, Morden Hall Park offers wide, gravel paths perfect for pushchairs and little legs.

Generally, yes. Dogs are welcome on most public footpaths and in the large commons like Wimbledon and Mitcham Common. However, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near roads, in nature reserves like Morden Hall Park to protect wildlife, and around other walkers.

Definitely. A popular choice that starts and ends near a pub is The Lion, Wendlebury – Merton Church loop from Wendlebury. This easy route offers a pleasant walk through fields and village paths, making it perfect for a pre- or post-hike refreshment.

The hiking landscape in Merton is defined by its green spaces within an urban setting. Expect scenic riverside paths along the River Wandle, expansive open areas on Wimbledon and Mitcham Commons, and beautifully maintained parklands like Morden Hall Park, which features a popular wetland boardwalk.

The most significant long-distance path is the Wandle Trail. This 14-mile (22.5 km) route follows the River Wandle from Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, passing directly through Merton. You can walk it in one go or explore shorter sections, such as the moderate Wetlands Watch Hide loop from Woodsides Meadow which incorporates parts of the local scenery.

Being a London borough, Merton's trailheads are very well-connected. Many walks in Morden Hall Park, Wimbledon Park, and Wimbledon Common are easily reachable via the London Underground, National Rail, or local bus services, reducing the need for a car.

Parking can be limited. While some larger parks like Morden Hall Park have dedicated car parks (which may charge a fee), many trailheads rely on residential street parking. This can be restricted, especially on weekdays. Using public transport is often the more convenient option.

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers are sufficient for most trails, as the terrain is generally flat and paths are well-maintained. Waterproofs are always a good idea given the unpredictable British weather. You won't need technical hiking boots unless you plan a very long walk after heavy rain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the surprising amount of green space so close to central London, the peaceful riverside sections of the Wandle Trail, and the well-maintained paths in the various parks.