Question 1

What is Striding Cities?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Who is Striding Cities for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What user  problem is Striding Cities fixing

Accepted Answer

Finding your way around a city like London and getting to know it is genuinely challenging — even if you live here, let alone if you're just visiting. Because beyond the well-worn tourist trail, there are very few routes that actually show you a city's real sights, stories, its history, and its best places to eat and drink.And that’s a shame, because running or striding through a city is one of the most effective ways to explore it. But because there are so few discovery routes for runners   and the fear of getting lost in the city it tends to confine confined them to the same tourist routes, the same parks, the same riverside paths — running past the city and the sights , watching their pace rather than embracing with the PlaceThis is what Striding Cities intends to fix  -  Starting in London and then exploring how it can be replicated in other towns and cities..This is how we want to fix itWe provide  high-energy virtual running videos for each route, filmed from the runner's POV with an informative audio track that tells you what you can see along the way, its history and special places to look out for along the way. The idea is simple: through these virtual running video and its audio guide I want you to feel like you already know a route before you run it for the first time, and when you do, to provide you with all the information you will need  to use the detailed guides on the website for navigation, and to bring in a bit more discovery and learning along the way.Each one of these routes has a DETAILED GUIDE on the Stridingcities.com website that has the videos and audio guides, Google and Strava maps, a GPX file so you don't get lost, a photo gallery, 360° virtual tours for those who want to look closer at the sights along the way, and local eating and drinking recommendations to help you explore the area if you want to return  and become a route connoisseurs.These routes are designed for anyone who likes to move through a city with curiosity. So although these routes are designed from a runner's perspective, they work just as well for striders, walkers and joggers.We want you to have fun on a run in London, while stimulating the mind as well as the body.And we would like to do it for  free - because we believe in free runing

Question 4

What routes are available?

Accepted Answer

The Across London Visual Marathon is the foundation for launching this channel: This map shows you what areas are coveredIts a 50-kilometre journey across central London, starting form the Royal Docks in East London and finishing at Hyde Park on the western side of London and is  made up of 16 scenic interconnecting routes, each one starting at a station.It’s designed to help you discover London with purpose immersing you in the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and visual splendour The routes are grouped into four area collections, which I'll walk you through now.And this map shows you the areas and routes:•     C1 — East London Collection•     C2 — City of London Collection•     C3 — Central London Collection•     C4 — The West End Collection

Question 5

How do I preview routes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How long are the routes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Why start and end at underground stations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What does 'striding' mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Can I do routes at my own pace?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do I need to be an experienced runner?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Are the routes live now?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Why do you recommend doing them in the early morning?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What future routes are planned

Accepted Answer

In early 2027, Striding Cities will be  releasing two new discovery  themed routes.The Central London Fun Runs -  A 20 km interconnecting set of six routes covering the sightseeing, shopping, eating and drinking areas of Central London. Running Around Town -  A 28 km circular circuit of 8 routes covering new areas around Central London — Battersea Power Station, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Camden Town, King's Cross, Holborn, Southwark and Lambeth.Pocket GuidesWe have also produced  physical pockey guides for each route and collection which are  and beig tested - these should be available towards the end of 2026.In 2027 we will hope to work with other running and walking clubs to establish how to create similar routes for other towns and cities

Question 14

What if I'm recovering from an injury?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How did Striding Cities start?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Will I get lost?

Accepted Answer

You should not—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.However - we have created the routes on RunGO whch does provide Turn-By-Turn directions - the links are in the detailed guides

Question 17

Are these guided tours or group runs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I stay updated?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Can I use the routes for charity fundraising?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

Do you provide turn-by-turn navigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No. We do provide a GPX file to load to your watch, but the maps don't support tun by turn., 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. Update - We have created the routes in the  RunGo App that does support Turn by Turn and have added the links to the detailed guides

Question 21

I have a question that's not answered here. How can I reach you?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Is Striding Cities a company or a community project?

Accepted Answer

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.

See more of London. One short route at a time.

16

1 – 5 km

50 km

Where will you stride next?

16 - Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Mayfair and Shepherd Mark...

15 - Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street Shopping...

14 - The BBC, Portland Place, Regent’s Park & Baker St...

13 - Bond Street, Regent Street & Carnaby Street Luxur...

12 - Royal Parks, The Mall, Buckingham & St James’s Pa...

11 - Covent Garden, London Eye, Big Ben, Leicester Squ...

10 - Old Bailey, Smithfield, Holborn, and the Inns of ...

9 - Borough Market, The Globe, Tate Modern and St Paul...

8 - City Tour, Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Sh...

7 - London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of Londo...

6 - Tower of London, Old Billingsgate, & the Monument ...

5 - Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping, St Katharine Docks -...

4 - Docklands – Middle Dock, Westferry & Limehouse - ...

3 - Docklands – Poplar Dock, Canary Wharf, South Dock ...

2 - Trinity Wharf, East India Docks, City Island - Run...

1 - Royal Docks, ExCel Centre & City Hall - Running &...

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