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Monday 23 May 2022

Let’s Walk: Free walking maps at Network Rail stations in London to get more people walking this summer

Region & Route:

National

10,000 free copies of a new walking map that charts a network of quiet and interesting streets in central London is now available at Network Rail’s London 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 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 Crossrail 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. 

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.”

David Harrison, co-founder of 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.”

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

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.”

ENDS