Issue #5: Urban Adventures Part 3 Hidden Escapes & LGBTQ+ Thrills in London

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:

• Urban hikes, forest walks, and ruins you can climb

• LGBTQ+ inclusive nature escapes in and around the city

• A 3-day sampler itinerary for locals and visitors

• One paddle route and one wild swimming spot to bookmark

• A simple poll at the end — tell me if you want more

1. Paddle the City — East London by Canoe

Start in Hackney Wick — an area known more for its art scene and warehouses than wilderness — and rent a canoe or kayak with Canoe London.

The route follows the River Lea past Olympic Park, through canals lined with street art, and ends at Limehouse Basin where the water meets the Thames.

You’ll see kingfishers if you're lucky, canal boats if you're not, and always a surprise or two along the way.

Pro tip: Bring snacks. Paddle slowly. Let it be about presence, not pace.

2. Wild Swim in Hampstead Heath Ponds

There’s nothing quite like diving into cold, dark water in the middle of one of the busiest cities on Earth. The Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds are a rite of passage — and one of the few places in London where queerness, nature, and community overlap naturally.

There’s a men’s pond, a women’s pond, and a mixed pond, each tucked into the trees. It’s quiet. It’s bracing. And it’s magic.

Insider tip: Go on a misty morning and bring tea in a flask. You’ll feel like you’re part of some secret London subculture — because you are..

3. Hike to the Ruins at Crystal Palace

South London doesn’t always get the outdoor love it deserves, but Crystal Palace Park is a strange and wonderful gem.

It’s got:

• Dinosaur sculptures (yes, actual Victorian dinos)

• Crumbling steps from the old palace

• Secret trails, tree tunnels, and an eerie quiet that doesn’t feel like London at all

It’s the perfect low-stakes urban hike — ideal for catching up with a friend, walking off a hangover, or finding a slice of solitude without committing to a full day trip

4. Escape to Epping Forest

If you want to feel properly out of London without leaving the border, Epping Forest is it.

Once a royal hunting ground, it now offers over 2,400 hectares of open woodland, trails, glades, and ponds. You can walk for hours and not see a single sign of the city.

Start at Chingford Station and enter via Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge — from there, choose your trail and roam. It’s peaceful, expansive, and surprisingly quiet, even on weekends.

Perfect for small groups who want to move, chat, and breathe.

5. Queer Community Outdoors

London’s outdoor LGBTQ+ scene is growing. A few groups to know:

• Out in the Wild – Queer camping and nature retreats

• Queer Hiking Club – Monthly meetups for gentle walks

• Outdoor Lads – While originally geared toward gay men, they’ve been expanding and evolving to be more inclusive over time

Joining a group walk or forest hang is a great way to meet people in a no-pressure, not-just-bars environment.

Your 3-Day London Urban Escape Plan

Day 1:

• Morning paddle from Hackney to Limehouse

• Grab lunch in Shoreditch or Broadway Market

• Golden hour walk through Victoria Park

Day 2:

• Wild swim at Hampstead Heath

• Picnic under the trees

• Dinner in Kentish Town + optional pub garden chill

Day 3:

• Day trip to Epping Forest

• Forest hike and pub lunch

• Optional yoga/stretch session at home or group sauna meetup

No flights. No itineraries. Just the city, opened wide.