Autumn Walks in London:
From Little Venice to Hampstead Heath
Tuesday, October 21, 2025|
I’ve taken quite a few autumn walks in London over the years, but this one from Little Venice to Hampstead Heath is still my favourite. It’s close enough to start without much planning, yet it feels like slipping out of the city and into another rhythm.
Autumn does that to London, slows it down, softens the edges, turns the light into something worth chasing.
Recently, I took myself out again. Just me, my camera, and a quiet plan: follow the canal, see where it leads, and end the day up on the Heath watching the city from above.
It reminded me how easy it is to rediscover what’s around us. You don’t always need a big trip; sometimes the best solo adventures start a few Tube stops away.
The walk: calm waters and lively corners
Little Venice in autumn is like a quiet dream, houseboats lined with leaves, the canal shimmering under soft grey light. I stopped often for photos; every reflection seemed to have something to say.
As the path winds towards Camden, life returns in full colour, chatter from the cafés, the smell of cinnamon buns, and a busker singing by the bridge. I grabbed a takeaway coffee and watched the world go by. No rush, no schedule.
Image: Walk, pause, and photograph the mirror-like canals this autumn.
Image: Little Venice To Camden autumn walk self portrait.
A nice little discovery you might spot
And if you don’t fancy walking all the way to Camden Town, you can cut through Regent’s Park instead. It’s beautiful this time of year, the rose gardens turning bronze, squirrels darting around, and that peaceful quiet you only get in wide open green spaces. The park also hides little surprises: statues and fountains scattered along the paths that made me pause and lift my camera, capturing moments I didn’t even know I was looking for. So yes! If you’re taking the Regent’s Park route, keep your eyes open for these statues. They add a little extra “I’m wandering and discovering myself” flavour to the walk.
By the time I reached Hampstead Heath, the air had turned crisp and gold. From Parliament Hill, the whole city stretched beneath me, rooftops fading into mist, that familiar skyline softened by autumn light. I felt small, content, and grateful for my own company.
Why solo walks matter
Because they remind you who you are when the noise fades. Noticing small things, like a reflection, a stranger’s smile, or the crunch of leaves, can shift your whole day.
If you’ve been putting off doing something for yourself, start here. Go for a walk alone. Bring your camera if you like, or just your curiosity. You’ll come back lighter, clearer, more yourself. And if you enjoy a little visual escape, I’ll be sharing some of my autumn walk photos from around London, from canal paths to hidden parks, over the next few posts. Keep an eye out; they might inspire your next solo outing.
Tip: I like to do this during the week as there are fewer people, softer light, and time to linger without feeling rushed. London's weather this time of year keeps you guessing, so layers are your best friend.
Have you walked this route before? Or do you have a favourite autumn spot in London? Tell me in the comments and share this post with a friend who might need a nudge to lace up and step outside this season.
I love photographing autumn light; it changes by the minute. The way it hits the canal, or filters through the trees on the Heath, makes every walk feel slightly different. Sharing a few in the gallery.
Image: Hampstead Heath autumn sky reflection.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!