Walking is the way to go in London. Not that I have any choice. I haven’t got a car here! Marv takes the car to work every weekday leaving me to walk or take public transportation. No complaints, though. It’s the only exercise I get and I appreciate the motivation.

When we first moved to London, I relied on the bus more because I had absolutely no idea how long it would take to walk places and didn’t know which walking routes were the most efficient. Luckily, one of the moms at school showed me the way and not only is walking faster, it’s less subject to traffic and other weird delays.

For example, one time we were on a bus headed for our local high road when we got stuck simply because the road was too narrow to allow our bus and the bus coming from the opposite direction to pass at the same time. But in order for one of them to back-up, they needed someone to get out and guide them. No one seemed up to the task until another bus showed up at least 10-15 minutes later and that driver got down to guide the buses through. Insane, right?

Dad Camera March 2006 118

For people who are in Central London, this walking map created by students at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design could save you time and make you healthier.

It is amazing how many stops take less than ten minutes to walk between!

So many journeys are actually far quicker on foot.

When you walk there is no chance of:

being charged
being delayed
having to wait once on the platform
being squashed on the platform or once in the train

Amen! I’ll walk to that.

Photo: My dad
HT: Londonist