Spring into Summer with TfL’s free guided walks

AVRUPA TIMES/LONDON-Spring into Summer with TfL’s free guided walks. Book a place on one of 42 free guided walks taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May - www.walklondon.org.uk Themed walks include #BehindEveryGreatCity’s Suffragette City, and Urban Tree Trail. A 20-minute walk each day helps keep the body mentally and physically healthy. Now that the warmer weather is here, and with lighter evenings signalling that summer is on its way, it’s a great time to book a place on one of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) 42 free guided walks next month and experience London on foot. The Spring into Summer walks take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May across the capital and with over 25 of them fully accessible there’s something for all ages and abilities. Whether you have an interest in history and art, enjoy green spaces and want to be outdoors or are simply after a free activity for the family – the walks cover a variety of fun and interesting themes.A number of new walks have been introduced, including Urban Tree Trail which provides the opportunity to find out more about how ecosystems are managed in an urban landscape.  Curated as part of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s #BehindEveryGreatCity’s gender equality campaign, Suffragette City will explore the Suffragettes’ fight for votes for women and the From Prejudice to Pride walk will delve into the history of London’s LGBTQ+ community.

Urban Tree Trail

This walk looks at street trees and other kinds of green infrastructure in London, exploring the importance of trees and discussing the environmental, economic and social benefits they can deliver. The walk is aimed at anyone with an interest in trees and the natural environment.

 Goodnight Mister Tom

This family focused walk, inspired by the much loved children’s book “Goodnight Mister Tom” by Michelle Magorian, tells the story of Willy Beech who is evacuated outside of London during World War II. The walk explores the City of London and hears what life was like for those who remained in the capital during the Blitz

A Sensory and Dementia Friendly Walk

All are welcome to join this gentle sensory stroll to learn more about the history, flora and fauna of Dulwich Park. You will learn more about how to support people living with dementia to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. The walk is primarily aimed at people who have dementia and their carers, friends and family but everyone is welcome.

Sunday 13 May 2018

#BehindEveryGreatCity Suffragette City

Much of the Suffragettes’ fight for “Votes for Women,” took place in Central London. We will discover where it all happened, as we walk through some of Westminster’s side streets and some famous landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Whitehall & the Houses of Parliament. Participants will meet the brave women who are fighting for the vote and the scheming politicians who are trying to stop them.

From Prejudice to Pride

This walk takes us through the heart of London’s modern LGBTQ+ community in Soho following the history and struggles of ‘the love that dare not speak its name’ and the challenges individuals have faced to have their gender identity recognised. The walk will take a look at some raffish and bohemian bars and meeting places from the 1930s as we learn about the fight for equality.

Walthamstow Wetlands 

Set to be Europe’s largest urban wetland, Walthamstow Wetlands is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also forms part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area. Walthamstow Wetlands provides a special home to many species. Here participants will enjoy some peace and quiet whilst getting close to nature, observe birds both resident and rare.

Active travel forms an integral part of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and encourages regular moderate exercise, which significantly reduces individual health risks and improves overall physical and mental wellbeing. The Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims for 80 per cent of journeys in London to be made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041. Beyond the immediate personal benefits of walking, reducing reliance on car journeys will help improve London's air quality, reduce congestion and make the capital's streets greener, safer and more pleasant places.

Each walk is led by an experienced Walk London guide equipped to manage groups on trips varying from short ambles up to the lengthiest routes. To find out more and secure a free space on one of these walks, visit www.walklondon.org.uk 

Lilli Matson, Director of Transport Strategy, said: “Our walking weekends provide Londoners the opportunity to explore and find out what London has to offer in an active and healthy way.  There’s a variety of walks that really show London from a new perspective and how different areas of the capital connect. We hope they will inspire people to go on to enjoy more journeys on foot.”

Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: These walks are a wonderful way to see London this spring. They offer an interesting insight into our capital and are a great way to stay fit and healthy. I hope they inspire everyone to get out and enjoy exploring their local area.”