I remember seeing Phil Cook writing accounts of the London LOOP on
here last year - have you finished it yet Phil? I've just completed
it - see http://www.wheresthepath.com/London_loop/London_Loop_Intro.htm
(unfortunately days 3 & 4 aren't online yet, but will be soon).
I didn't expect anything much of it - I only started doing it as a
"training" walk. To my surprise, I got completely sucked in. Okay,
the scenery isn't fantastic, but the contrast between urban and rural
sections is probably more pronounced than anywhere else, and often
quite dramatic in its own way. It's so varied and so unexpected, you
never know what you'll come across from one day to the next. It's
also incredibly accessible - probably the only LDP that can easily be
completed as a series of day walks using public transport. The only
real aggravation was the poor signposting - I would strongly advise
buying the Aurum Press guide before attempting it.
I'd like to see it promoted to National Trail status, the first
suburban National Trail in Britain. Not because it's spectacular or
unique (it's not), but because it is so accessible and easy to walk
that (given a higher profile) it might actually encourage Londoners to
get out and experience walking and the countryside. This'd help the
governments current fitness drive, as well as raising awareness of the
problems of urban sprawl and maybe helping to protect the countryside
in the long term.
Added to that, the majority of our National Trails are "wilderness"
trails - it'd be nice to have one representing a different type of
scenery.
I'd be interested in anyones views or experiences of walking the LOOP,
and anyones opinion on promoting the LOOP (or other paths) to National
Trail status.
Cheers
Anth
Please link to http://www.wheresthepath.com/