Push On

All our routes have been created in the early morning hours—and there's a reason for that. This is when London reveals itself at its finest. The early morning light paints the city in gold. The streets are yours to explore, free from crowds and traffic. You experience a more personal connection with the capital, plus that unmatched sense of achievement that comes from starting your day with purpose. There's something magical about watching a city wake up. We want you to feel that magic.

Our routes can be adapted to your needs. Because they're short and you can complete them at your own pace, they work well for gradual return to activity. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise programme after injury.

We focus on short routes that are easy to fit into your schedule and learn. Each route varies in length (1.4 to 5.7 km), and you can link them together to form longer routes—the whole collection totals 50.4 km. Each one is designed to be manageable whilst still offering rich exploration and discovery. You'll find specific distance and timing information for each route on our website.

Absolutely. All route information is available in detailed blogs on our website, allowing you to discover and complete each route at your own pace. Take your time, stop for photos, explore side streets—make the experience your own. That's the beauty of self-guided exploration.

Not at all. Our routes work for all fitness levels—from experienced runners to people just starting out, from those training for marathons to those simply wanting engaging ways to explore. You can run, jog, or stride at whatever pace feels right for you.

Join our mailing list! You'll receive new routes every month, news about what's on in London, updates about Striding Cities expansions, and opportunities to provide feedback on new route concepts.

No—providing you do your research upfront using the detailed guides. Our routes are short, clearly mapped with multiple navigation tools, start and end at easily identifiable underground stations, and include detailed information so you can explore with confidence. The Strava and Google Maps will show you where you are on the route, and the high-speed video shows you what the route looks like from a runner's perspective. However, the maps don't provide turn-by-turn directions. That's intentional. We want you to be alert, present, and focusing on what's around you rather than glued to your mobile phone. The aim is to see how much you can do just using your senses, and to only use your mobile for backup or to review what you've achieved.

Underground stations provide convenient, accessible start and end points that fit seamlessly into your day. Whether you're a local, commuter, or tourist, you can easily reach the route, complete it, and continue with your plans—no car required, no complicated logistics.

Absolutely! Our routes are perfect for charity training and fundraising. They're engaging, manageable, and offer interesting backdrops that make your fundraising story more compelling. Plus, the underground station start/finish points make them easy for supporters to join or meet you along the way.

We have a preview section to help you chose which routes you want to do with videos, texts and maps and a supporting detailed guide that has all the information you need in one place so you can explore it at your one pace split into three information guides: Familiarisation Guide – With high-speed videos and maps, Sightseeing Guide – With sight information, photo galleries and 360° virtual tours, Connoisseur's Guide – With extension routes, eating and drinking areas and things to do locations. You'll feel like you know the route before starting.

Our routes are perfect for anyone running and striding with purpose, such as: Locals wanting to rediscover their city, Commuters looking to transform their London routine, Tourists craving authentic exploration beyond conventional routes, Runners of all levels seeking motivation with purpose-driven training, Charity fundraisers needing inspiring routes, Photography enthusiasts chasing that perfect shot, Anyone who believes the best way to know a city is to stride through it.

No, and here's why: we believe the best way to truly experience a city is to be present in it. Our routes use visual previews, maps, and detailed guides so you can familiarise yourself with the route beforehand, then rely on your awareness and senses whilst you're actually striding. Your mobile is there for backup if needed, or to review your achievement afterwards—but the magic happens when you're engaged with your surroundings, not your screen.

Striding Cities began over 10 years ago when founder Philip Carey was searching for interesting photography locations whilst studying for a part-time degree. What started as a hobby became a passion for London and a desire to share that passion with others. After a decade of developing, testing, and refining routes, Striding Cities is now ready to help others discover London one stride at a time.

Striding refers to purposeful movement—whether you're running, jogging, or walking briskly. It's about moving with intention, exploration, and discovery in mind. If you're moving through London with curiosity and engagement, you're striding.

We'll be at Stand F3 at the NEC from 31st January to 1st February 2026. Come say hello, try the routes virtually, and share your thoughts with us! It's also a chance for us to gather feedback to shape our future route plans.

We'd love to hear from you. The best way to get in touch is through our contact form or by visiting us at the National Running Show. We're always happy to chat about new routes, new cities, London, and the future of Striding Cities.

Striding Cities creates short, interconnecting, visually appealing self-guided running and striding routes across London that start and end at underground stations. We help you explore different areas of London—its history, sights, and hidden gems—whilst running or walking with purpose, all without getting lost.

We're an early-stage start-up currently in the concept validation phase. Right now, it's mainly founder Philip Carey creating and curating routes, but we have plans to grow after our launch at the National Running Show. We're building this with community feedback and input at the heart of everything we do.

Neither. All our routes are designed to be self-guided, giving you complete flexibility and freedom. You can do them whenever you want, at whatever pace suits you, alone or with friends. We provide all the tools you need—maps, videos, virtual tours, and detailed guides—so you can explore independently on your own terms.

Yes! All 16 routes for the Across London Visual Marathon collection are live on the website with complete information, maps, videos, and detailed guides You can start exploring immediately. We'll also be publishing new routes every month exclusively to those on our mailing list.