Assembly Member Completes 169 Mile Walk to Celebrate London’s Nature

Conservative London Assembly Member for Bexley & Bromley, Thomas Turrell AM, has successfully completed the 169-mile London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) walk, raising vital funds for Thames21 and the Woodland Trust while highlighting the importance of London's green spaces.

The ambitious challenge saw Turrell traverse the entire circular route that winds through London's outer boroughs, passing through woods, fields, parks and historic sites that form the capital's "green lungs." The walk aimed to raise money for charity whilst highlighting the diversity of green spaces in London, which are under threat following the Labour Governments housing plans, which will weaken protections on the Green Belt.

Initially planning to complete the challenge in a week, the final result was 56 hours of walking over an eight-day period. Thomas set off from Erith on the 5th April completing over 100 miles to reach the Harrow viewpoint on Wednesday 9th April. Unfortunately a knee injury meant the challenge had to paused before Thomas complete the remaining miles over three days, completing the walk with a 27 mile trek from Chigwell to Purfleet on Friday 26th April. The challenge amassed a total of nearly 360,000 steps.

Reflecting on the journey, Thomas said:

"When you think of big global cities like London, you don’t always jump straight to their nature. We are incredibly lucky to live in a place that is so rich in the environment. There are seals in Erith and rare birds breeding in our backyards. Not just out nature, but how every borough is unique, the special character of Outer London. Greater London is truly a magnificent place and I have loved seeing it in all its glory.”

Completing the London LOOP has been both physically challenging and incredibly rewarding. These near-170 miles have given me a deeper appreciation for our city's remarkable green spaces and reinforced how essential they are for both environmental health and residents' wellbeing."

The fundraising initiative has generated support for Thames21, London's leading waterway charity, and the Woodland Trust, the UK's largest woodland conservation charity. Both organisations play crucial roles in protecting and enhancing London's natural environment.

The walk also served as a platform to raise awareness about the pressures facing London's green spaces and the importance of their preservation amid ongoing development across the city.

Thomas added:

"As an Assembly Member representing two boroughs with abundant green spaces, I've seen firsthand how valuable these areas are to Londoners. This walk has reinforced my commitment to ensuring these natural assets are protected and enhanced for future generations. Building on greenbelt is not a choice - we can solve the housing crisis without concreting over the spaces that Londoners have enjoyed for generations."