Walk, explore, laugh, compete, relax, collect your postcards, share your photos and celebrate every milestone.
Sign up, choose your route and join the Headway Essex Virtual Backpacking Tour.
Because every step counts – and every adventure can make a difference.
Walk approximately 40,000 steps over the month of September. Your route will take you to our capital city and the landmarks of London.
Send us updates of your travels and we will mark your successes along the way!
Stop 1: The O2 Arena ~ 0 miles
Your London adventure begins at the famous O2 Arena, one of the capital’s most recognisable entertainment venues. Take your first steps and get ready for a whistle-stop tour of London!
Stop 2: Cutty Sark ~ 1.5 miles
Your first landmark is the magnificent Cutty Sark in Greenwich. This historic sailing ship once carried tea around the world and is now one of London’s most famous maritime attractions. You’ve already clocked up your first 1.5 miles!
Stop 3: The Shard ~ 4.5 miles
Continue along the Thames towards The Shard, London’s iconic skyscraper. Standing high above the city, it offers spectacular views across the capital. At 4.5 miles, you’re already making great progress.
Stop 4: Tate Modern ~ 5.5 miles
Next stop is Tate Modern, housed in a former power station on the South Bank. Whether modern art is your thing or not, the building itself is an impressive London landmark.
Stop 5: London Eye ~ 6 miles
Keep walking along the South Bank until you reach the London Eye. One of the city’s most recognisable attractions, its giant observation wheel gives visitors incredible views across London.
Stop 6: Big Ben ~ 6.5 miles
Just a little further and you arrive at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. At 6.5 miles, you’re right in the heart of Westminster — and your London adventure is really gathering pace!
Stop 7: Buckingham Palace ~ 7 miles
Head towards Buckingham Palace, the famous London residence of the British monarch. You’ve now reached 7 miles — time to imagine the royal wave before continuing your journey!
Stop 8: Royal Albert Hall ~ 8.5 miles
Your next destination is the magnificent Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most famous concert venues. From classical concerts to world-famous performances, this iconic building has hosted generations of performers.
Stop 9: Paddington Station ~ 9.5 miles
Keep moving towards Paddington Station, one of London’s best-known railway stations. You may even spot a certain famous bear along the way! At 9.5 miles, you’re almost halfway through your challenge.
Stop 10: London Zoo ~ 11 miles
Now head north to London Zoo in Regent’s Park. Home to thousands of animals, it’s a great place to take a virtual walk on the wild side.
Stop 11: Camden Lock ~ 11.5 miles
Just half a mile further and you reach Camden Lock, at the heart of one of London’s liveliest areas. Famous for its markets, canals, food and music, Camden is packed with character.
Stop 12: Piccadilly Circus ~ 13.5 miles
Time to head back towards central London and Piccadilly Circus. Famous for its bright advertising screens and the statue of Eros, this bustling crossroads is one of the capital’s most recognisable locations.
Stop 13: Trafalgar Square ~ 14 miles
Continue to Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most famous public spaces. Take a moment to picture the fountains, Nelson’s Column and the famous lions before continuing.
Stop 14: Covent Garden ~ 14.5 miles
Just half a mile later, you’ll arrive at Covent Garden. Famous for its market, street performers, shops and restaurants, it’s a perfect place for a virtual rest stop.
Stop 15: British Museum ~ 15 miles
Your next landmark is the British Museum, home to an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years of human history. You’ve now travelled 15 miles — just 5 more to go!
Stop 16: St Paul’s Cathedral ~ 16 miles
Continue to the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, with its famous dome dominating the London skyline. At 16 miles, you’re entering the final stretch of your challenge.
Stop 17: London Bridge ~ 16.5 miles
Cross another iconic London landmark as you reach London Bridge. The River Thames is never far away on this journey, and you’re now only 3.5 miles from the finish!
Stop 18: Tower of London ~ 17 miles
Next stop is the historic Tower of London. With nearly 1,000 years of history, this famous fortress has been a palace, prison and place of execution — and is now home to the Crown Jewels.
Stop 19: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ~ 20 miles
You’ve made it!
Your final destination is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Don’t forget to set up your Just Giving page to help you raise funds for your epic walk.
Share your journey – Set up your Just Giving Page, or grab a sponsor form and the update your friends, workmates and family and watch your impact grow
