Let’s Walk: Central London Footways maps quiet and enjoyable walking routes to get more people walking this summer
23 May 2022
10,000 free copies of a new walking map that charts a network of quiet and interesting streets in central London now available at Network Rail’s London mainline stations
A new edition of a beautifully illustrated walking map has today been released by Footways, plotting hundreds of kilometres of scenic, safe and pedestrian-friendly walking routes in central London. The paper map – also available as a digital copy with geolocation – encourages Londoners to choose walking to get around their city, just in time for summer, London’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the opening of the Elizabeth Line.
The vibrant map also features a ‘Quick Connections’ tool on the back, making it easy for people to incorporate walking into A-to-B journeys. Whether on their own, with friends or as a family, Londoners and visitors can take 15 minutes to stretch their legs between a railway or Elizabeth Line station and many of London’s most iconic attractions such as museums, galleries and green spaces, while getting their step count up.
The Footways network has been designed to connect major places with London’s most appealing, accessible and interesting streets. The printed and digital maps also reveal hundreds of interesting features which can only be explored when travelling on foot. This means walkers get a glimpse into London’s diverse culture and long history when choosing London’s most enjoyable form of transport.
The second edition of Central London Footways is a collaborative initiative made possible thanks to key sponsors Network Rail, London North Eastern Railway, King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership, the Northbank BID, Urban Partners for King's Cross, Euston & St Pancras, Central District Alliance BID, City of London Corporation, with support from Transport for London, London boroughs and Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.
David Harrison, co-founder Footways and transport historian said: “We’re incredibly proud of the second edition of Central London Footways, launching in time for Living Streets’ National Walking Month. London boasts such an interesting history, so what better way to discover this and all its hidden gems than by foot? Londoners are often surprised to discover just how close destinations are to stations; many are within a 15-minute walk.
“This summer we want to see more people walking, particularly families with their kids. That’s why our definition of ‘walking’ covers all uses of the ‘footway’, including feet, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and kids on bikes. Although we want everyone to use these walking routes to experience the city, walking infrastructure must be improved to make the city truly accessible to all Londoners.”
Importantly, the Footways walking routes make the most of low-traffic streets, so walkers can reduce their exposure to pollution. Emma Griffin, co-founder Footways said: “We want to make it easy for people to get from A to B and walking is really the best way to travel in central London. We know Londoners love to walk, and the benefits are clear. Aside from making cities more pleasant, walking is the cheapest, healthiest and most sustainable form of transport.”
According to Living Streets, walking is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health. A 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of a number of preventable health conditions, including certain cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Susan Holden, stations customer experience manager, Network Rail, said: “Network Rail is pleased to have worked with Footways London in the development of this walking map, which highlights safe and accessible walking routes across London for locals and visitors. We know that our customer journeys do not begin and end at stations, so to connect rail – the best long-distance, low-carbon travel – with walking – the easiest, most accessible and enjoyable form of transport on short distances – creates the ultimate integrated, sustainable transport. Ten thousand initial copies of this map will be made freely available across our Managed Stations in London, for the benefit of our customers and people in our communities.”
Michael Richardson, Project Director, Urban Partners for London King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras, said: "Urban Partners is delighted to have sponsored Footways' updated walking map of London. We have been working for 10 years to encourage people to take an alternative, lower-carbon walking route through King's Cross, St Pancras and Euston. Partnering with Footways on the latest iteration of their map not only means we can encourage active travel by those visiting, working in and living in our area, but also support this across London.”
Debbie Akehurst, Chief Executive of Central District Alliance, said: “At CDA we are proud to have sponsored this new walking map of central London. The new Footways map is a fantastic update to the highly successful version produced in 2020. This map will give visitors, staff, and even residents exciting new ways to enjoy their city. It will emphasise travelling through quieter streets and discovering some of Holborn and Clerkenwell’s hidden gems.”
Alison Gregory, Head of Placemaking and Sustainability, the Northbank BID, said: “Northbank BID is delighted to be partnering with Footways to encourage people to explore and enjoy the Northbank area and its neighbouring districts in central London by foot. Walk and enjoy the stunning architecture, fabulous riverside and city views and of course the world-class hospitality and culture. Collect your free map from St Mary Le Strand Church, Charing Cross station or visit www.footways.london/map”
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Walking is a fantastic way to get around and explore our wonderful capital. We’re making London a city where walking is the most obvious, enjoyable and attractive means of travel for all short trips. This map is a great tool for exploring quiet and interesting streets across central London. I hope Londoners and those visiting enjoy using it this summer. I know I will.”
Roberta Fusco, Director of Policy, Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, said: “Walking for just 20 minutes a day can have fantastic health benefits, reducing the risk of long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression and certain cancers. The Footways maps will help make walking and wheeling an easier option for people living, working and visiting the capital, improving people’s connectivity to the people and places around them.”
Key facts
Let’s Walk is launched by Footways in collaboration with sponsors Network Rail, London North Eastern Railway, King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership, the Northbank BID, Urban Partners for King's Cross, Euston & St Pancras, Central District Alliance BID, City of London Corporation, with support from Transport for London, London boroughs and Living Streets.
#letswalk
The second edition of the map has been designed by Applied Information Group, with the project led by Footways. The project has been made possible thanks to contributions from volunteers at London Living Streets, along with residents, businesses, cultural organisations, walk guides, councillors and local campaigners who know the best walking routes and infrastructure in London.
The interactive digital map was developed with and supported by Mapbox www.mapbox.com.
Footways is a map of quiet and enjoyable streets for walking in central London. Route information is available online at www.footways.london.
10,000 maps will be available to pick up for free from Network Rail’s Managed Stations with information desks: London Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, Euston, London Victoria, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo and Paddington. Sponsors will also be distributing maps from the following locations: St Mary le Strand; King’s Cross Visitor Centre, Stable Street; Central District Alliance, 52 Bedford Way.
From June, maps will be on sale for £4.99 online at www.footways.london and selected London book shops including Stanfords. A full list of locations will be available at www.footways.london.
Images and contact:
Download images from our website here. Password letswalk: https://footways.london/image-gallery
Ineke Neeson, communications coordinator, Footways: 07395641238, ineke@footways.london
Emma Griffin, co-founder, Footways: 07960 587030: emma@footways.london