Top Ten Urban Walks in the UK

The ten best walks in the UK for those that live in the city

Living in the city doesn't mean you should be limited for ideas for great walks. No need to go on a long car journey and pitch up a tent. A great walk may well be on your door step as walking in an urban environment is full of surprises.

Most who live in the city are office workers.  Sat at their desk all day the only exercise they get is to grab a lunch from the nearest Subway or Pret.  A weekend walk is great for city dwellers' health.  70% of us do not get the recommended physical activity each week.  A simple walk in your local city will have you discovering things you never knew existed.  One minute you're sat at your desk, the next you're discovering a hidden park or a strange looking building.  Walking is a great way to deviate away from the normal bus route you are exposed to.

Some citiy's parks offer a great sense of escapism.  When in Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park you can forget you're even in the city at all.  Climb a hill or steep set of steps and you'll finish your walk with a great view of your city.

You'll be amazed with the greenery and wildlife you get exposed to even when walking in the city.  Don't forget, the Thames path stretches all the way to Berkshire and is just 50 minutes away from Paddington station.

Here we explore our top five UK city walks:

• London : Make the recent riots in London a thought of the past by exploring the nicer side of Hackney by walking through London Fields.  You'll pass through the Mapledene Conservation Area and see how this area inspired the hit soap, EastEnders.  Fancy a swim during your walk?  London Fields Lido is your answer and their outdoor pool is heated.  The walk is only 2 miles and takes 45 minutes, so can easily fit into a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Start at Ridley Road in London.
• Sheffield : This walk stretches over 3 miles and start at Sheffield Cathedral.  You'll pass Medieval parts of the town and into where the town grew many years ago  Get set to see some famous architecture, including Old Bank House, City Hall and Sheffield University.  Finish off with a picnic in either Weston Park or Crookes Valley Park.
• Birmingham :    This walk takes you past Birmingham's famous canal and you'll see Edgbaston and the Sea Life Centre.  The highlight of this route is a Japanese Garden where you can get lost before finishing off in a local cafe for some ramble jelly on crumpets.
• Edinburgh :  Walk from the wild volcanic outcrop of Arthur's Seat and see many a mountain.  This walk allows you to take in all of Edinburgh's rich history where rich and poor rubbed shoulders for centuries before.  This walk takes six hours and needs to start at The National Gallery.
• Manchester : This walk starts at the Arndale Centre and takes you through the city centre and you'll pass many historical buildings along your walk.  See St Anne's Churchyard and a famous statue of Abraham Lincoln (for some reason!)