Best walks to or from Ilford

Walthamstow Central Station to Ilford Station

A green urban walk through quiet streets, cycle paths and parkland, including long stretches of park and woodland paths that can be muddy in places and with busy-road sections at each end. Take the underpass beneath the Green Man roundabout. Wanstead Park has sometimes grazing cattle and a bluebell display in spring; look out for wildlife.

8km.

Can be muddy.

Lunch: Wanstead Park has a tea hut and toilets.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Stratford Station to Ilford Station

A safe, direct urban route through quiet residential streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and with green stretches through cemeteries and along the edge of Wanstead Flats. One section of unpaved footpath between high fences can get muddy and uneven after rain. Follows the line of the Stratford-to-Ilford railway, so Forest Gate and Manor Park stations are on route. Some sections (the cemetery and the fenced path near Ilford) are unlit and best walked in daylight.

6km.

Manor Park Cemetery closes at 5pm in summer and 3:30pm in winter, needing a half-mile diversion; the unpaved footpath between two high fences by the City of London Cemetery is isolated and may feel uncomfortable for some, and can be muddy after rain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ilford Station to Romford Station

The most direct route, following the High Road (an old Roman road) almost its entire length, paved all the way but narrow in places. Easy, straight navigation with lots of architectural and shopping interest that gradually peters out; brief glimpses of greenery and the River Rom near Romford, but no steps and stiles or tricky crossings. Follows a Roman road. Passes the Havering Stone (a boundary stone) and crosses the River Rom.

8km.

Heavy, fast traffic makes the route noisy and polluted, and you must watch for turning vehicles at crossings. Two crossings carry an element of danger - Aldborough Road South and the filter lane into Cameron Road by Seven Kings station.

Lunch: Cafes, shops and pubs at both ends, with food and drink pitstops along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ilford Station to Barking Station

A very short and direct and straightforward route predominantly along one busy main road full of local shops. All on pavements; not a pretty route. A small diversion into Loxford Park, which has specimen trees, a lake and a cafe, is a nice option if you have time.

Easy: 2km, flat terrain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route