The London Loop (London Outer Orbital Path) provides a walking route around the periphery of the capital, comprising 140 miles of country-style footpaths linking together the secret ribbons of greenery that survive amid the urban scrawl. Divided here into 15 sections, each representing a day walk of reasonable length and starting and finishing at a public transport point, this easy-to-use guide is packed with indispensable information.

The guide is in several parts, beginning with an introduction explaining the origins of the London Loop. Because the walk takes you exploring the outer edge of the capital it gives some clues as to how London developed, and some stirring tales of the battles to save many of the green spaces you will walk through. The second part provides some guidance on walking the Loop, and especially how to make the best use of London's public transport to access it. Then follows a complete description of the walk itself in 15 sections and illustrated with specially prepared OS 1:25000 Explorer based maps. With text and maps on facing pages, you should find it easy to follow the Loop. Special features of interest have been numbered both in the text and on the maps. Letters have been used in the same way to identify key points along the route. Cafes and toilets have been identified on or very near the route, and also pubs in locations where they will be of most use to Loop Walkers.

Although you can start anywhere, the guide starts at Erith Riverside. The starting points of the other sections are as follows: Old Bexley; Jubilee Park; West Wickham Common; Hamsey Green; Banstead Downs; Kingston Bridge; Donkey Wood; Uxbridge Lock; Moor Park; Elstree; Cockfosters; Enfield Lock; Chigwell; Harold Wood; Coldharbour Point.