The Central London Footways map has been created to highlight little known connections between mainline railway stations, popular destinations and green spaces. One aim is to show how many 20 to 30 minute journeys by foot can take only a few minutes longer than on public transport.

The map has been produced by social enterprise Urban Good with support from London Living Streets and Transport for London. To view the map, click here.

Urban Good founder Charlie Peel said: “Footways is a functional network of routes that showcase walking as transport, not simply recreation.”

London Living Streets web manager Emma Griffin said: “In 1854, nine years before the arrival of the Underground, 400,000 people walked into and out of the City of London every day. The Footways routes will ensure longer walks become an everyday habit again.”

TfL’s head of transport strategy and planning Christina Calderato added: “These quiet and accessible routes highlight just how easy and surprisingly quick it is to explore our city on foot. Encouraging more people to introduce more walking into their daily routine will be vital for improving air quality and reducing congestion.”

Also this week, the Ramblers charity called on Government to set legally binding targets to guarantee everyone can access nature, wherever they live.

The group said the pandemic has shown how walking in local parks and green spaces is now more important than ever and added that the summer highlighted a sharp disparity between those who have easy access to green space, and those who do not. Its new report says no one should live more than a five minute walk from green space.

Ramblers head of policy and advocacy Gemma Cantelo said: “Restrictions of lockdown made us appreciate our green spaces more than ever, but not everyone experienced lockdown equally.

“We need to build on this new momentum and learn the lessons highlighted by the pandemic – people want to visit green spaces on their doorstep where they can be active and enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature. Our towns and cities should be designed to make this a reality.”

(Photograph: Paul Cochrane)