Book excerpt: These 30 walks unveil nearly 100 miles of London's great variety of landscape - formal gardens and wild heathland; cobbled mews and narrow alleyways; elegant squares and arcades; royal palaces and country houses; docks, canals, lakes and rivers; bustling markets and tranquil villages. The text not only describes each route, but anticipates and explains puzzling features, both historical and contemporary, which the walker will encounter. Detailed maps indicate the precise location of historic sites, buildings and other landmarks, and opening times are given for places which are open to the public, together with information on all forms of public transport. There are also recommendations for suitable refreshment and sustenance breaks.