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{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
{{Infobox Location
|country = England
|pop = 8.623 million (2015)
|motorways = {{Mgb|1}} {{Mgb|11}} {{Mgb|2}} {{Mgb|20}} {{Mgb|23}} {{Mgb|25}} {{Mgb|3}} {{Mgb|4}}
|map = <map lat='51.500152' lng='-0.126236' zoom='11' view='3'/>
}}
'''London''' is the capital of [[England]] and the [[United Kingdom]].
It's worth knowing that London is HUGE (third biggest city in Europe).
== Greater London ==This region is a part of the [[East of England]] and accessible through the motorways M1/A1 and M11. These regions are part of the [[London]] commuter belt and include in part or totally the following counties: '''Bedfordshire:''' [[Luton]] (London Luton Airport) '''Cambridgeshire:''' [[Cambridge]], [[Peterborough]] '''Essex:''' [[Colchester]], [[Southend-on-Sea]] '''Hertfordshire:''' [[Stevanage]], [[Bishop's Stortford]] / [[London Stansted]] (Airport) == Hitching Out Hitchhiking in ==* London has a motorway ring-road, the [[httpM25 (GB)|M25]]. '''Get dropped off on or near the M25 and use the public transport to get wherever you need.''' If you are coming from the west and your driver is heading south on the M25, ask to be dropped off at the first junction on the M25:Heathrow Terminal 5. Get off at the roundabout at the end of the motorway spur and walk to the terminal building. The Piccadilly Line Underground starts here. If they are heading north, see the description for getting to Uxbridge Underground station below.<br/ >If you are coming from the southeast on the M20, ask to be dropped off at the A20/M20/wwwM25 roundabout. From here you can take the B2173 road 2km to Swanley train station.hitchbaseAlternatively, if they are heading further north, get dropped off at the M25/A12 junction and walk ≈3km west to Harold Wood station.com<br/ >If you're coming from the north and your driver is heading towards the M4/ergebnisseM3 direction, try to persuade them to do a slight detour off the M25 to junction 1 of the M40 (roundabout with A40).php?LANGFrom there, it's a ≈2km walk to Uxbridge Underground station. Otherwise, get off at the last services (Toddington) before the M25 and look for a lift going inside the ring road.<br/ > '''Hitch into London from the last services on your motorway before the M25 (the driver will usually know which one this is).''' Then try to find a ride that bring you close enough to your destination. Check "public transport" for navigating the system efficiently and cheaply. See the transiting around the M25 section below if you just want to bypass London. =eng&abfrage%5Bstartort%5D=444 Hitchbase] has some information about hitchhiking Hitchhiking out of London==
Hitchhiking out of London is pretty tricky, but not impossible - the big problem is getting onto a motorway is a bit of a challenge, once you're on the motorway, stick to the petrol stations, hitching entrance ramp to entrance ramp is quite difficult, especially in the big cities.
=== Direction: West England, South-West England, South Wales ===
==== M4 Motorway ====
<map lat=== West towards [[Reading]], [[Swindon]], ([[South West England|The South-West]]), [[Bristol]], [[South West England|Devon]], [[South West England|Cornwall]] [[South Wales]] {{Mgb|4}} === When hitching West out of London and onto the M4, to try to avoid accepting a ride to anywhere before Reading Central. A few of the earlier junctions are hitchhiking nightmare spots - junction 8,9 for Maidenhead and 10 for Reading East are two of the worst junctions for hitchhiking in this area of the country because of the M4 then turning into another motorway for a few miles, thus taking you well off your route. Reading Services is great though, and well worth encouraging your driver to take you the extra few miles to. '''Option 1''': M4 Motorway Junction 1 (Chiswick Roundabout) A. Take the District Line Underground to ''Gunnersbury'' (zone 3) or train to ''Kew Bridge''. (Alternatively, the Overground at ''South Acton'' doesn't have barriers, but is a kilometer further away.) Both stations are on the Chiswick High Road (A315 - one west and one east of the roundabout) along which you walk 500m to Junction 1 of the M4 where you will see the Esso petrol station that is on the corner of the slip road onto the motorway heading west. There is a bus lay-by nearby with a sign saying M4 west. B. Take bus H91 from ''Hammersmith Bus station'' in the direction of Hounslow West and get off at ''Chiswick Roundabout/Gunnersbury'51', and you are already at the bus lay-by hitching point.491738177580345 Cost of public transport: £2.80 (off peak) from Zone 1. (Bus fare £1.50) '''Option 2''': A4 leading to M4 (or M3) Heading for [[South West England|Cornwall]], it is much easier hitching the M4 and changing to the M5 in [[Bristol]] than trying to hitch the M3 through [[South West England|Dorset]]. Take District Line Underground to ''West Kensington' lng='(zone 2). Turn right out of the station, there are traffic lights 10m away. Turn right and there is a lay-0by where you can stand. The advantage of this spot is that all the traffic must stop here frequently for the lights and much of it is going to either of the motorways. (It's also cheaper to get to). Cost of public transport: £2.40 (off peak) from Zone 1.28118133544921875 ' zoom''Option 3''': Motorway service station Heston Take Piccadilly Line Underground westbound and get off at ''Hounslow West'' (zone 5). Turn right from the station exit and walk 800m west along Bath Road to just past Henleys roundabout where there is a BP petrol station. Right at the exit of the petrol station is a footpath heading north. Walk ≈650m and where it splits, turn right 20 metres until you reach Armytage Rd. Turn left onto this road and continue north for another ≈200m, cross over Cranford Lane and then continue north again for another ≈350m along Phoenix Way until it bends to the left. Just past the bend, you will see a short path on the right through the bushes/trees onto Heston service station.It's not an overly busy services but enough traffic to justify getting out here and cutting out all the local traffic in the centre. Use a sign as there is a lot of local traffic and also traffic heading onto the M25 both south and north. Cost of public transport: £3.10 (off peak) from Zone 1 === Southeast towards [[South East England|The South East]], [[Maidstone]], [[Folkestone]] ([[Channel Tunnel]]), [[Dover]] (Ferries to Europe) {{Mgb|20}} === '16' view='0Option 1''': Mottingham Take the train from ''Charing Cross Station'' (Zone 1) to ''Mottingham Station'' (Zone 4). It passes through ''Waterloo East'' (Zone 1), ''London Bridge'' (Zone 1), ''New Cross'' (Zone 2) and ''Lewisham'' (Zone 2) stations on its way to ''Dartford'' or '' float=Gillingham'right' . Alternatively, take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich, and from there, the 161 bus to Mottingham. When you come out of the train station, walk 100m south along Court Road to the intersection with Sidcup Road (A20). At the traffic lights turn left, where you will see a Shell petrol station.<br/> Cost of public transport: train to Mottingham was £5.
The best ride to accept from Mottingham is one that brings you directly into the South-East along the M20 and past the M20/M25 junction, most likely to the [[Maidstone Services]]. Many drivers have said that many hitch-hikers happen to stand and hitch at the M20/M25 junction, but the police might be more likely to pick you up.
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (London)]]'''''), [[Reading]], [[Swindon]], ('''''[[South West (England)|The South-West]]'''''), [[Bristol]], [[South West (England)|Devon]], [[South West (England)|Cornwall]],* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to Zone 3 £2.80 (off- approximately 5 UKP peak) from Zone zone 1. There are also a number of buses that run by this roundabout(Mottingham train station doesn't have barriers. The H91 runs to the hitching spot itself. I'll try and get more details next time. * '''Last verified''': January 2009)<br/ >
* '''Directions'''NOTE:Get The most classic method departing London in the Underground direction of continental Europe begins in Mottingham. Most traffic is local, thus it is best to Gunnersby tube ask people whether they are going onto the M25 ring road. If yes, they will passby the BP @ Swanley as described in option 2. The next major service station''(District Line)'' or after Swanley is after the M25 called Maidstone Services on the main line station M20 Junction 8; be sure to find a ride that exits at Kew Bridge. Both stations are on junction 8 as the Chiswick High Road (A315 - one west and one east of main exit for the roundabout) along which you walk 500m to Junction 1 town of the M4Maidstone is junction 7. You want This is the Esso petrol last major service station that located before Dover and it is on the corner of the slip road recommended to find a ride directly onto the motorway heading westtrain or ferry from here. There is a lay-by nearby "I have hitched across the channel many times from Maidstone, with a sign saying M4 westwaits ranging from 30 seconds to as long as 6 hours. "
'''Option 2''': BP petrol station on Swanley Bypass (A20)
The easiest way to get here is to take a train to Sidcup, then take the 233 city bus towards Swanley and get off at Old Maidstone Road. The service station will be about two minutes' walk down and across the road. There is a gate in the fence, though it may be closed in which case you'll have to jump the fence.
Heading for Another way to get here is to take a train from ''London Victoria''to 'Cornwall'Swanley''. Some trains will go directly there, otherwise change at Bromley South. (There is also a direct train from St. Pancras to Swanley, but it is cost £8.80 (peak) in Nov 2015, so might as well just get a megabus if you're going to pay that much more easier hitching ). From the M4 and changing station, cross the tracks with the pedestrian bridge to Everest Place, turn right on St. Mary's Rd to the roundabout at London Road. From here, turn left (north) along London Road/ Maidstone Road for 2.6kms. Here you'll find the M5 in [[Bristol]] service station behind a fence on the left. It's a longer walk than trying to hitch the M3 through [[South West Texaco mentioned below but managed to get a lift there in 15 minutes at 22:00 asking people (EnglandSeptember 2013)|Dorset]].It seemed most traffic was M20/M25, but might of been the time of night. This is perfect for getting to Maidstone.<br/ >
=== Direction: South-East England (Kent) ======= M20 Motorway ====<map lat=This service station has a BP petrol station and a McDonald'51s.43983124736507' lng='0.0528717041015625' zoom='15' view='0' float='right' />
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[South East (England)|South East]]'''''), [[Maidstone]], [[Canterbury]], [[Dover]], [[The Channel Tunnel]], [[France]] (''[[Western Europe]]'')* '''Cost of public transport''': One train ticket ''from zone 1''(approximately £3.1050 off-peak) or take the train from Elephant & Castle in central south-east (no barriers) * '''Last verified''': february 2009towards Seven Oaks for a free ride.
* '''DirectionsOption 3'''Get the Underground to London Bridge Station ''(Northern Line - Jubilee Line)'' and get the overland train to a station called Mottingham ''(direction Dartford)'' - this is very close to the entrance to the M20 to Dover - head for 'Great Sidcup Road' around 800 yards further down the road is a set of traffic lights (corner of 'Sidcup Road' and 'Court Road'), and you can hold a sign saying Dover from that crossroad and try to get the cars stopped at the lights to let you jump in. You can also stand by 'Sidcup Road' at the Shell : Texaco petrol station entrance. Remember that the Shell petrol station is the only place that a car can pull aside before the motorway, it is therefore flaw to try to walk further down 'Sidcup Road'.Swanley
If you arrive in Mottingham you just need to go on the other side of the tracksSame directions as for Option 2 above, but this time, go out of walk into town from the station , and you go head to your right just 100m to a mainroadthe London Road going south towards M20. There On the way there is a Texaco petrol station that seems quite busy. Further down there is a big parking space, with a lot of local traffic, but greasy spoon van if you ask for 're hungry or in need of a lift cup of coffee. The road takes you straight down to the next Mc Donalds on motorway. Make sure that roadyou get a ride going to Maidstone Service Station, where another petrol because it's after the town so someone going to the town of Maidstone won't pass the service station . If you do get a ride just to the town of Maidstone, there is as wella good lay-by for hitchhiking on the roundabout that leads to the on ramp to the M20, but you 'll have good chance to travel onthumb a ride because there is nowhere to ask people. It works with a sign saying "M20 4 miles" to get to the service station.
The train to Mottingham (zone 4) departs from Charing Cross Station (downtown zone 1) through Waterloo (zone 1), London Bridge (zone 1), New Cross (zone 2) and Lewisham (zone 2) stations on its way to Dartford and Gillingham. Mottingham Station (as well as the previous station Cost of Lee in zone 3) does not have a check-in/check-out gate, which means that it is better not to use a Oyster Card when going to that station as you won't have the chance to 'touch out' and be charged consequently. Therefore, it is also possible to simply buy a ticket to the previous station in zone 3 (Hither Green or Lee) and bring the cost of the ticket beneath the 3 pounds. The distance between each stations is no longer than 5 minutes.Public Transport: xxx
The best ride to accept from Mottingham is one that brings you directly into the South-East along the M20 and past the M20-'''Option 4''': Motorway service station Clackett Lane (M25 junction, most likely to the [[Maidstone Services]]. Many drivers said that many hitch-hikers happen to stand and hitch at the junction, but the police might be more likely to pick you up. )
There is also a BP petrol A. Take the train from ''London Bridge'' to ''Oxted''. Walk southeast along Station Services Road to Westerham Road (A25). Turn left (Swanley Serviceseast) before and walk 3.5km till the M25 junction but the cars still goes in every direction from there with Clackett Lane. Turn left here and catching a ride might reveal difficult; although it would not be advised walk 1.6km along Clackett Lane to go until there, someone might want want the entrance to do so if he feels he needs to change landscape ''the service station (gathering more information neededheading East)''. Drivers have also said that some people do hitch-hike at just after you pass over the M20/M25 Interchange Roundabouts, though this sound more likely to be illegal, more information would be welcomemotorway bridge.
==== M2 Motorway ====* B. Take the train from ''Victoria''Where to''Bromley South': ('. Then take bus 246 south in the direction of Westerham Green and get off at ''Pilgrims Way''[[South East . Walk west along Pilgrims Way and then Pilgrims Lane for ≈1.4km until you reach Clackett Lane. Turn left (Englandsouth)|South and walk for ≈1km until you reach the entrance to the service station heading East]]'''''(before crossing over the motorway bridge), [[Rochester]], [[Canterbury]], [[Dover]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': .
*'''Directions'''Cost of Public Transport:Get the Underground to You can reach London Bridge Station ''(Northern Line - Jubilee Line)'' and get the commuter train to by overground from a station called Mottingham ''(direction Dartford)''(''Note that you can hitch along the M20 without barriers and changing to skip the M2 in [[Maidstone]]'')fare.
==== A21 Highway ====* '''Where to'''Option 5: ('''''[[South East (England)|The South East]]'''''Experimental): Sun in the Sands roundabout, [[Hastings]], [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]]direct onto the A2 to Dover. * '''Cost Jass passed here the other day and saw what seems to be an ideal spot with a lot of public transport''': space for vehicles to pull over on the slip road onto the motorway.* '''Last verified''': Take the overline to Blackheath from London Bridge. Follow Montpellier Road past the large Blackheart meadows/ park then up Shooters Hill Road till you get to the roundabout.
*'''Directions''':{{infoneeded=== Southeast towards [[South East England| Help providing the information with the one available for the M20}}The South East]], [[Hastings]], [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]] A21 ===
=== Direction: North-West, Scotland, North Wales ======= M40 Motorway ====Add info pls
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (London)]]'''''), [[Oxford]], [[High Wycombe]], ('''''[[West Midlands (England)|The West Midlands]]'''''), [[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]], [[Redditch]]
* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 6 (Hillingdon) or zone 3 (Hanger Lane).
* '''Last verified''': 28 December 2007 (Hillingdon), 26 January 2008 (Hanger Lane), 24 May 2009 (M40 J1)
*'''Directions''':=== Northwest towards [[Oxford]], [[High Wycombe]], [[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]], [[North Wales]] {{Mgb|40}} ===
[[M40 (GB)|M40]] is different from other motorways originating from London, as it starts quite close to M25 as a continuation of the dual-carriageway A40.
[[A40 (GB)|A40]] has a number of entrances with heavy traffic, and the following 3 places have been successfully hitched from'''Option 1''':M40 Junction 1
**Take a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line to ''Uxbridge'' (Zone 6). Exit the station onto High Street and turn right. Walk until you reach Harefield Road - turn left there, and then right at the next big roundabout. From there follow signs to M40 - you will eventually get to junction 1slip road, and you can hitch-hike from there (there'''s also a nice spot at the traffic lights). You might need to cross parts of the road where vehicle will already be flying at motorway speeds - stay safe!!!
Take a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line to Uxbridge station (Zone 6). Exit Confirm with the station driver that he is going straight onto High Street the M40, and does not turn right. Walk until you reach Harefield Road - turn left there, and then right at the next big roundaboutonto M25 (London Orbital). From there follow signs to M40 - you will eventually get Also beware that Junction 2 is not very easy to junction 1 slip road, and you can hitch-hike from thereon (see M40 article).
Confirm with the driver that he is going straight on M40, and does not turn onto M25 (London Orbital). Also beware that '''Option 2''': A40 Junction 2 is not very easy to hitch-hike on (see [[M40 (GB)]] articleHangar Lane)
**Take the Central Line tube (West Ruislip branch) to '''Hanger Hangar Lane''' Underground station (Central Line, West Ruislip branch, zone 3). As you exit into the main hall of the tube station, have a look at the local area map and find the exit for the westbound A40 slip road. Keep walking along the slip road, and then A40. There are two good places to hitch from:
As you exit into 1. A bus stop just past the main hall of the tube station, have junction with Lynwood Rd. It has a look at the local area map and find an exit long lay-by the Westbound A40 slip road. Once you are out of the underground, keep walking along the slip road, and then A40. There are two which is a good places place to hitch from:as long as there's nothing parked there. Legally, it's a "non-stopping except buses" lay-by.
One of them 2. The other place is half a mile further on, a bus stop just past little lay-by with no restrictions. Its good spot and has an advantage of being open to the entire A40 (the junction with Lynwood Rd. It bus stop has a long lay-separation between the incoming slip road and the main carriageway, so you can only be picked up by, which is a good place to hitch traffic emerging from as long as there's nothing parked there. LegallyNorth Circular Road, it's a "non-stopping except buses" lay-byor Lynwood Road).
The other place is half a mile further on - a little lay-by with no restrictions. I ([[User'''Option 3''':Lnx|Lnx]]) have not personally hitched from there, but it looks like a good spot and has an advantage of being open to the entire A40 Junction (the Lynwood Rd bus stop has a separation between the incoming slip road and the main carriageway, so you can only be picked up by traffic emerging from North Circular Road, or Lynwood RoadHillingdon).
**Take the Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line tube to ''Hillingdon'Hillingdon'(zone 6). As you exit the tube station and go to the end of walkway, turn right and walk until you reach the big traffic light-controlled crossroads of 'Long Lane' and 'Western Avenue' Underground station (PiccadillyNOT the A40 Western Avenue). Cross the road, then turn right and continue to the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slip-road to A40. Stand on the grass next to of the hatched area - the hatched area is a good and legal place for a vehicle to stop. The area is also well-lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at night.It is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or something, as a lot of traffic leaves [[M40 (GB)|M40]] at junction 1a to continue on [[M25 (GB)|M25]].There is also an Oxford Tube coach stop in Western Avenue/Metropolitan LinesFreezeland Way nearby. If you happen to get really stuck (which I think you won't - I waited only about 12 minutes for a ride on an evening during a post-Christmas season) and only need to get to Oxford, zone 6)this might be an alternative.<br/ >
As you exit the tube station and go If your driver is going to Oxford or somewhere nearby then request to be dropped off at the end of walkway, turn left and walk until you reach big traffic light-controlled crossroads of 'Long Lane' and 'Western AvenueWelcome Break' services just before Wheatley, junction 8A (NOT the A40 Western Avenuejust a km after junction 8). Cross the road, then turn right and continue to the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slip-road to A40. Stand on the grass next to of the hatched area - the hatched area This is a good busy services and legal place for a vehicle easy to stop. The area is also well-lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at nightfind lifts all over the country.
It is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or something, as a lot of traffic leaves [[M40 (GB)|M40]] at junction 1a to continue on [[M25 (GB)|M25]].
There is also an Oxford Tube coach stop in Western Avenue/Freezeland Way nearby. If you happen to get really stuck === North towards [[Luton]], [[Milton Keynes]], (which I think you won't - I waited only about 12 minutes for a ride on an evening during a post-Christmas season''''[[East Midlands|The East Midlands]]''''') and only need to get to Oxford, this might be an alternative.[[Northampton]], [[Leicester]], [[Derby]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Leeds]] {{Mgb|1}} ===
=== Direction: North ======= M1 Motorway ====* '''Where toOption 1''': ('''''[[The North (England)|The North (Motorway service station London)]]'''''), [[Luton]], [[Milton Keynes]], ('''''[[East Midlands (England)|The East Midlands]]'''''), [[Northampton]], [[Leicester]], [[Derby]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Leeds]]Gateway
*Take Northern Line tube to Edgware, and then walk 2.5km: Turn right out of the station onto 'Station Road'. Follow the road along, it turns into 'Hale Lane', keep going, then turn left onto 'Selvage Lane' and keep going, you will then go over a bridge over the M1 and come to a big roundabout 'Apex Corner'. Go down into the subway under the roundabout, and come out on the A1 ('DirectionsBarnet Way), just by the petrol station. Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue', this road runs parallel to the high way. Keep walking until you come to a road on your left with a big sign with three symbols, one of which would translate as 'no access to anyone except authorised vehicles' and clearly goes under the motorway. Walk down it and you come to [https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.6136474,-0.2756824/51.6331801,-0.267389/@51.6234134,-0.28321,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m24!4m23!1m20!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2707532!2d51.6182613!3s0x487616bd30b5031d:0x8018c6fc46ad7c0a!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2601509!2d51.6168185!3s0x487616bf7b9c6b11:0x36592f73c8bb24ff!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2554027!2d51.6210173!3s0x487616ea6c84b413:0x4e9825452a0ab13a!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2661023!2d51.6315945!3s0x4876168dfd4886a1:0x9337096bd5773568!1m0!3e2?hl=en London Gateway Services].
** '''Option 1''' - [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=15386599078168394493,51.613806,-0.276014%3B7303632460877835457,51.616789,-0.260584&saddr=A5100%2FStation+Rd+%4051.613806,+-0.276014&daddr=A5100%2FHale+Ln+%4051.616789,+-0.260584+to:51.629873,-0.264659&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=15&via=1&sll=51.62617,-0.269852&sspn=0.017104,0.047035&ie=UTF8&ll=51.622306,-0.273972&spn=0.017105,0.047035&z=15 London Gateway Services]** '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to £3.10 (off peak) from zone 51.
It is possible to walk from Edgware tube ''(Northern Line)'Option 2' to London Gateway Services on the M1. There are a few different ways to walk, but the simplest is: Turn right out of the station onto 'Station Road': [http://maps. Follow the road along, it turns into 'Hale Lane', keep going, then turn left onto 'Selvage Lane' and keep going, you will then go over a bridge over the M1 and come to a big roundabout 'Apex Corner'google. Go down into the subway under the roundabout, and come out on the A1 ('Barnet Way), just by the petrol stationcom/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51. Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue'572780, and keep walking until you come to a road on your left with a big sign telling you not to go down there. Walk down it and you come to '''London Gateway Services'''+-0.230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]
<map lat=Take Northern Line tube to ''51.572129Brent Cross' lng='-0(zone 3).230595From there you follow the ' zoom=North Circular Road'16' view='0' width='400px' height='200px' float='right' />** '''Option 2westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road), and you get to the bottom of the M1 (don't get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby, although if this road is more convenient for your destination, you can also hitch from here). After passing the shopping centre, you should see the M1. It is possible to hitch at the first entrance you see, which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (there is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular, and a small lay- [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51.572780,+by further on -0both adjacent to the lane for M1).230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]** '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket You can also hitch at the traffic lights (see spot on the map to zone 3the right) or on the hard shoulder on the on-ramp that slopes up right after those traffic lights.** '''Last verified''': January 2009
[[FileImportant :Staples_corner_m1If you are getting a lift from here, ensure that the driver is driving to at least the next service station (Toddington), which is approximately 50-60 miles from this spot.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Hitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1]]
Another option is to take the tube to Brent Cross ''(Northern Line)''. From there you follow the 'North Circular Road' westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road), and you get to the bottom Cost of the M1 (don't get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby, although if this road is more convenient for your destination, you can also hitch from here). After passing the shopping centre, you should see the M1. It is possible to hitch at the first entrance you see, which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (there is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular, and a small lay-by further on - both adjacent to the lane for M1).public transport: xxx
However, it tends to go slightly quicker if you walk 2 minutes more around the roundabout ('''Staples Corner ''West'' '''). You'll see a railway bridge, go under it and there is a bus stop beside a car repair place (the bus stop itself is near Adrian Avenue and is by the ''Western'' side of the railway bridge). It doesn't look like such a great place, but it works quite well if you have a sign (worked for [[UserFile:LnxStaples_corner_m1.jpg|thumb|400px|right|LnxHitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1]] - a 5-minute wait in the dark!). Certainly it is better than the entrance to the M1 used by traffic going eastbound on the 'North Circular', which has a big camera pointing right at where you would stand.
- This place seems to work really well. I get the bus to brent cross and then its about a 10 min walk to this spot. However, it tends to go slightly quicker if you walk 2 minutes more around the roundabout ('''Staples Corner ''West'' '''). You'll see a railway bridge, go under it and there is a bus stop beside a car repair place (the bus stop itself is near Adrian Avenue and is by the ''Western'' side of the railway bridge). It doesn't look like such a great place, but it works quite well if you have a sign.
==== A1 Highway / A1- This is a very good place, however one user recommends right next to the car repair center (Mon the right of it ) there is entrance for the M1 Motorway ====* '''Where which is slightly going upwards before meeting the highway. You may go up and make sure to''': stand ('''''[[The North (England)|The North (London)]]'''''), [[Stevanage]], ('''''[[East Midlands (England)|East Midlands]]'''''), ('''''[[East (England)|The East]]'''''), [[Peterborough]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': atleast 100 meters away from the point where cars enter on this road from the redlight behind. Have a sign that says M1.
*'''Directions'''- In case you are going to Edinburgh:''(See information for M1once you are at any of the service stations on the motorway, you will find a lot of people going in that direction, Option 2 - Staples Corneri.e. going to Leeds and further. Hold Somewhere north of Leeds, the M1 becomes the sign saying "A1 North"(M) highway; however, ensure that once you are on this highway going in the direction of Newcastle, and then Edinburgh, you do not get out at the last petrol station before Newcastle. There must be better places to get onto A1 Get out at the 2nd, 3rd or 4th last petrol station before Newcastle, thoughbut not the last one.The second last one has a huge McD and more long-distance traffic than the last one, which has a Burger King and Costa and is just a small petrol station with mostly local traffic from Newcastle coming for petrol.Ensure whoever is taking you drops you off only at a petrol station and not on a country road.)After Newcastle, there is only one major/decent petrol station in a town called Alnwick (pronounced 'Annick' {{infoneeded| Help complete this information with ). Try finding someone who is going to Edinburgh directly from one of the one available for earlier good McD stations. A better alternative route to Edinburgh is to take the M20}}M1, M6, A74(M), and A707; this way, you won't have to bother about McD and Newcastle.
=== Direction: East Anglia, East Coast ===
==== M11 Motorway ====
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[East (England)|The East]]'''''), [[Cambridge]], [[Peterborough]], [[Norwich]], [[London Stansted]]
* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 4
* '''Last verified''': March 2008
*'''Directions''':=== North towards, [[Stevanage]], [[Peterborough]], [[East Midlands]], [[East of England|The M11 begins near RedbridgeEast]], so this is an ideal place to go to. [[User:Siinvincible|SimonNewcastle]] and , [[User:WhisperingofthestarsNorth East England|JasonThe North East]] managed to get a ride to Newmarket from the train to Redbridge, as someone noticed us making a sign.{{agb|1}} ===
=== Direction: SouthMoat Mount Park bus stop on A1. Buses 292, South West - Hampshire and Dorset ======= M3 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[South West (England)|The South West]]''''')384, [[Basingstoke]], [[Salisbury]], [[Southampton]], [[Porstmouth]], [[South West (England)|Dorset]], [[Bournemouth]]* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket606 tops there. After 5 km there is a Mimms Service petrol station /travelcard to zone 6 + one ticket from ''Hampton'' to ''Kempton Park'' railway station.* '''Last verified''': 27 March 2008rest stop
*'''Directions'''Cost of public transport:xxx
M3 is not an easy motorway to get to, although the following worked for [[User:Lnx|Lnx]]:
Take the train bound for ''Shepperton'' from ''=== Northwest towards [[Cambridge]], [[London Waterloo'' and exit at '''Kempton Park''' station. Exit the station (do not go on the footbridge)Stansted]], cross the racecourse car park and turn right into Park Road[[Norwich]], which goes into the slip road coming off A316. When you reach the A316 itself, walk on the pavement in the opposite direction to the traffic. You will immediately see a lay-by (chances are some lorries will be parked there). You can hitch from there. [[East of England|The position is not perfect, as the road is going downhillEast]], and the traffic is travelling very fast (50-70mph).East Coast {{Mgb|11}} ===
Take the Central Line tube to '''Kempton Park'Redbridge'' (zone 4). Once at the station is just outside London Transport Zones (''Hampton'', turn right and use the previous station subways to cross under the A406. Once on the Waterloo-Shepperton lineslip road for the A406 (extending Eastern Avenue), there is a great place for vehicles to pull over. The spot is in zone 6)located just next to the bridge over a canal or river. The traffic will not be coming from A406, but it has no ticket barriers and the chances of meeting really is a good place to hitch a ride. It is strongly recommended that you bring a ticket inspector between ''Hampton'' and ''Kempton Park'' should be quite remoteM11 sign with you.
==== A3/A24 Highway ====* '''Where to'''Cost of public transport: ('''''[[South East £2.80 (England)|The South East]]'''''off-peak)from zone 1. Tip: To get to the same part of london, [[Woking]], [[Porstmouth]], [[Guildford]]you can also take the Central line to Roding Valley. Here there are no barriers as you exit so if you managed to get into the underground system for free, [[Worthing]]* you can get out for free. It'''Cost s about a half an hour walk to the start of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': the M11. For getting into the underground system, you can for example get in at Finsbury Park where there are no barriers either. There are also other stations.
*'''Directions''':
{{infoneeded|Information needed}}
''Possible site along the A3 would be located between Putney Heath/Roehampton and New Malden/=== Southwest towards [[South West WimbledonEngland|The South West]], [[Basingstoke]], [[Salisbury]], [[Southampton]], [[Porstmouth]], [[South West England|Dorset]], New Malden offering the best opportunities''[[Poole|Bournemouth]] {{Mgb|3}} ===
''The A24 is best reached directly in Leatherhead outside the M25, there is a on-ramp to the M25 as well'Option 1''': Lay-by on A316 near Kempton Park
==== M23 Motorway/A22 Highway ====* Take the train from ''London Waterloo'Where to'in the direction of Shepperton and exit at '': (Kempton Park'''''[[South East station. Exit the station (do not go on the footbridge), cross the racecourse car park and turn right into Park Road, which goes into the slip road coming off A316. When you reach the A316 itself, walk on the pavement in the opposite direction to the traffic. You will immediately see a lay-by (Englandchances are some lorries will be parked there)|. You can hitch from there. The South East]]''''')position is not perfect, [[Brighton]]as the road is going downhill, [[Eastbourne]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': and the traffic is traveling very fast (50-70mph)
*Cost of public transport: One ticket/travelcard to zone 6 + one ticket from ''Hampton'' to ''Kempton Park'' railway station. '''Kempton Park''' station is just outside London Transport Zones (''Hampton'Directions', the previous station on the Waterloo-Shepperton line, is in zone 6), but it has no ticket barriers and the chances of meeting a ticket inspector between '':{{infoneeded|Information needed}}Hampton'' and ''Kempton Park'' should be quite remote.
''For the M23, possibly Purley'Option 2'''For the A22, possibly Kenley'': A316 Junction with A312
=== Direction: East (Essex) ======= A12/A13 Highway ====* Take the train on the same line as above, and get off at ''Fulwell'Where to''': ('''''[[East (England)|The East]]'''''). Walk south on Wellington Road, [[East (England)|Essex]]and then turn right onto Park Road. Follow this road as it joins the A312 for about 1.5 km in total. Just below the A316 bridge, [[Chelmsford]]which you will see ahead of you as you follow the A312, [[Colchester]]there is a roundabout. The first left turn on this roundabout is an on-ramp for the A316. There is a bus stop and a pedestrian crossing here, [[Ipswich]]and traffic is going uphill, [[Southend-on-Sea]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': and so is quite slow. One user waited here for about 30 minutes with a sign saying "M3".
*'''Directions'''Cost of public transport:{{infoneeded|Information needed}}xxx
== Airports ==
Paid transport to and from airports can be expensive. Hitching can be a good alternative. The exits to the airports can also be good places to get lifts to other places. For example, if you get stuck on the western part of the M25, try to get to Heathrow, from there people are going all over the country. If you are coming from Brighton, and trying to get around London, you may get a ride quicker to where you want to go if you get dropped at Gatwick Airport than at Pease Pottage services.
* [[London Gatwick]]
* [[London Stansted]]
* [[London Heathrow]]
* [[Luton|London Luton]]
== Transiting in Greater London = Southwest towards [[Porstmouth]], [[Worthing]] A3/{{agb|3}}, & A24 ===
Since nearly all the motorway networks lead towards London you probably might have to go through that urban area somehow to reach your destinationWest Lodge bus stop on A3. The M25 is the ring motorway that surrounds the metropole Buses 85, 265 and connects with every possible motorway network in destination of the country969 stops there. It There is then better to be left at some very specific Motorway Services to manage to catch a ride further.also Co-op Roehampton Vale petrol station
Be carefulCost of public transport: there are only 3 service stations on the M25, and on the whole western part there are none at all. If you get dropped at a junction rather than at services you can get really stuck, as a large part of the traffic is only going round the road a short way. If it is not possible to get a lift to one of the services, consider waiting for a ride that takes you actually to the road you want to be on, rather than just stopping somewhere random on the M25.xxx
=== Clacket Lane Services ===
Possibly the best place to get lifts on the M25. There is a bridge here to cross from one side to the other, which can be useful to know if, for example, you are trying to hitch from the M4 to === South towards [[Brighton but get a lift with someone who is going to Dover.]] {{Mgb|23}} ===
== Public Transport ==Take a train from ''Victoria'', ''Clapham Junction'', or ''See specific article for [[Transport for London]]Bridge'' station to ''East Croyden'' (zone 6). From here, take a train to ''Coulsdon South''. Turn left out of the station on Brighton Road and walk 600m to the roundabout. Nearly all the traffic goes to the M23 from here.
== Sleep ==There are several options when it comes to finding a place to sleepCost of public transport: £3. If the worst prevails and you're without a place, you're still not too bad 80 (off-peak) (£2. Central London is relatively safe and you probably wont be bothered sleeping outside.70 off-peak from Clapham Junction)
== Wild [[Camping]] ==
Its quite possible to sleep out in London in considerable privacy despite its gigantic population of 10 million. Go North East to Trent Park (Picadilly Line North, second to last stop before Cockfosters. Find the directions for the university (Middlesex) campus and walk (or take the free bus) up the hill. Beside it and beyond the lake are quite a few miles of woodland and and it is incredibly beautiful. [[User:Whisperingofthestars|Jason]] lived here for 7 months during his final year of university. Be careful with park wardens, they eventually discovered him during the last few weeks of his studies. Build camouflage from ferns if staying for long. People are unlikely to be your greatest threat...dogs are. Dogs! A lot of people walk them here but you can find amazing places if you search hard enough. And if you search really really hard, you'll find a tree with the dates of the past dweller's residence...;)
Also=== East towards [[East of England|The East]], [[East of England|Essex]], [[Chelmsford]], outside this station (Trent Park)[[Colchester]], there is a Greek Bakery. Behind it lie huge sacks of bread every night. Please go. Its crazy that this could possibly be wasted every night. [[Ipswich]], [[Southend-on-Sea]] A/12 ===
=== Squatting ===London has such an abundance of [[squat]]s that you shouldnTake Hammersmith & City Line or District Line to ''Bow Road''t ever have (Zone 2). Walk east for ≈700m along the Bow Road to pay for accomodationthe roundabout junction with the A12. Having said thatThere are traffic lights here, most squats are places where people live and go about their normal business, so don't expect too much from thema McDonalds across the road. Perhaps it would be good to find some friendly squatters by word of mouth or Hitch on the slip road heading north on [http://www.couchsurfing.com couchsurfing] or similar. Don't worry about the negative connotations associated with squatsA12. They generally aren't crackhouses You can get lifts from here to Ipswich or scabies-infested punk hangoutsColchester. People of all types squat in London and their homes are usually very niceI waited 20 minutes. They are especially helpful if you're planning to stick around for a while, but can also be great if you're just passing throughIt was OK. [[User:Zac Stewart|Zac]]<small><sup>[[User talk:Zac Stewart|talk]]</sup></small> ended up with a squat to sleep in on his first night, and in [[Mayfair]] of all places! There is a strong community of squatters especially in the north east plenty of London where a new group has been set room for resistance and solidarity. The North East London Squatters Network are having meetings every month as well people to stop as there is a mailing list etc... For more info, get in touch with the '''[http://www.hackneysocialcentre.blogspot.com/ Hackney Social Centre]''' .. (unfortunately this has now been evicted)bus stop nearby.
'''[httpCost of public transport://www£2.rampart.co.nr/ rampART]''' is a squatted social center in [[Whitechapel]], east London. This place isn't a residential squat, but they do have a "crash room" for visitors. They make it clear that it is not a tourist hostel so you needn't bother them unless you are interested in getting involved with their project for some time while you're there. To stay, you need to contact them well ahead of time. If nothing else, it's a great place to meet squatters and find a place to stay. They also have free internet! The address is 1540 (off-17 Rampart Street, London, E1 2LA. The space is under threat of eviction but is still hanging on (August 2008). Interestingly, the new place at Bowl Court Road that was squatted a few months ago has already been evicted (August 2008peak from Zone 1).
The '''[http://www.squatter.org.uk/ Advisory Service for Squatters]''' is helpful for people that are planning to find a place to live and cannot really help you find a place to crash. It's located at the Freedom Bookstore in Whitechapel and is another great place to meet squatters as well as get online for free. The address is Angel Alley, 84b Whitechapel High Street, Whitechapel, London, England, E1 7QX. (Tel. 020-32160099)
For more info on social centres in London, check out [http://www.socialcentresnetwork.org.uk/ Autonomous London].== Airports ==
== Eat ==Cheap and free food abounds in '''[[London. Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]''' / '''[[London Stansted|London Stansted]]''' / '''[[London Heathrow|London Heathrow]]''' / '''[[Luton|London Luton]]'''
=== Free ===Hari Krishna offer free food Paid transport to and from several locations in London at lunchtime: outside SOAS by Russel Square at 1pm, for exampleairports can be expensive. Hitching can be a good alternative. Expect The exits to the airports can also be good places to get lifts to queue for 30 minutesother places. For example, if you get stuck on the western part of the M25, arrive early try to get to guarantee a fill - Heathrow, from there people are going all over the food does run out. Otherwise.country.If you are coming from Brighton, and trying to get around London, you may get a ride quicker to where you want to go if you get dropped at Gatwick Airport than at Pease Pottage services.
In the uk, the term for eating food that would otherwise be thrown away, is called skipping. Lots of people do it, all from people that come from poor countries and see all the food that goes to waist, to people that are political in there way of living. Many people, especially in the squatt sceen live totaly out of food from the bins...
Plenty of places throw out food at closing time. Always check the bags out front of '''Pret a Mangers''' and '''Benjy's''' at 5-7pm. If you feel up to it, you can even go inside when they are closing shop and explain that you're homeless and pick out all the food you want instead of getting it off the sidewalk. Feel no shame, you're helping to curb wastefulness!== Transiting Greater London ==
Since nearly all the motorway networks lead towards London, you probably might have to go through that urban area somehow to reach your destination. The M25 is the ring motorway that surrounds the city and connects with every possible motorway network in all directions. It's recommended to find a lift past London as it''Coffee Republic''' s somewhat hard to find somebody going off the M25 in your direction from any of the service stations on Great Marlborough Street near the Oxford Circle M25. Be careful: there are only 3 service stations, and Carnaby Street the entire western section has none at all. It may also be possible to head around the M25 from junction to junction. However, the only problem is reported to put out garbage bags with totally normal food--boiled potatoesthat a few of the junctions are really bad in the south, sandwichesand you can get really stuck as a large part of the traffic is only going round the ring a short distance. If if you do get stuck, etctry making a sign M25 east or west. every eveing around 8pm So consider waiting for a ride that actually takes you to the road you want to be on weekdays and 7pm , rather than just stopping somewhere at random on weekendsthe M25.
The sandwich company "Eat" throw away lots of stuff everyday all over town. Have a look in there bins or outside the shops on the street.=== South Mimms Services ===
The bakery South Mimms services are in Potters Bar in the northeast of London and are actually just off the M25 at the junction of the A1(M). For some reason, although it'Pauls a big services, you can get stuck here for hours. One option, as ever, is to ask people where they' in Blackfriars and Paddington throw out re headed... but there are so many directions possible that it could take a lot long time to find someone headed your way. Standing at the exit of cakesthe services is unlikely to work, all extremely luxurious and scrumptiousfor whatever reason. Several reports of hours of waiting here mean that you probably need to try something else. From Blackfriars station walk up If you're going towards the main west, you can stand at the ridiculous entrance to the west slip roadonto the M25. Although insane, you should be able to get a fast ride out. Have a big sign and Paulsomeone should be able to at least take you further down the M25 to a better junction, or directly to where you's will re going, be on your right after a few minutesit to the west or down to Sussex.
Wholesale vegetable markets at New Covent Garden Market and New Spitalfield Market have tons of stuff lying around on the floor that they cant sell but you certainly can eat... Go early in the morning, you probably run in to some other people skipping...=== Clacket Lane Services ===
Places like Sainsburys, Marks Clackett Lane services are located in the south of London and Spencers, Tesco and so are possibly the best place to get lifts on have the M25. There is a marking system on there packedge food that says when bridge here to cross from one side to the food should other, which can be thrown away and when it should be eaten before. The gap between this days useful to know if, for example, you are often two days and you can still have it more or less trying to hitch from the M4 to Brighton but get a week more depending on what it lift with someone who isgoing to Dover.
=== Cheap ===If youTake the train from 're going to self cater, stick to 'Victoria''Sainsburyto 's'Bromley South'' . Then take bus 246 ([http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/246Sum.htm timetable here]) south in the direction of Westerham Green and get off at ''Pilgrims Way'Tesco''' rather than the convenient Off-Licenses . Walk west along Pilgrims Way and then Pilgrims Lane for better prices≈1. If you are a bit out of Central London, 4km until you might as well look for '''Lidl''', '''Morrisons''', '''Netto''' or '''Asda'''reach Clackett Lane. Anyhow with a decent Turn left (south) and wise grocery, walk for ≈1km until you can get your grocery reach the entrance to the service station (heading east). Continue walking along Clackett Lane for nearly a week another 400m over the motorway M25 bridge to reach the entrance for about 10-15 pounds at any of the mentioned supermarket with decent, fresh and healthy food ''(to cook)'services heading west. You can see where you're going on a map [http://www.motorwayservices.info/clacket_lane_services_m25/googlemap here]. Be aware though that these supermarkets are not in any sense Where it says "ethicalClacket Wood". They are wiping out local shops, taking monopoly on feeding us, destroying is the environment and throwing away food every day that could feed hundreds of peopleservice station. It's better to eat out There is also a street view of their binsthis area on google maps.
If you get tired of peanut butter sandwiches Clacket Lane is an excellent place to hitch to Brighton (Westbound) or want Dover (Eastbound) and also fairly good for most other directions as it's a busy station. Best thing is to fill up for stand outside the weekend, try one of main doors into the MANY £5 all-you-can-eat '''Thai Buffets''' which station and ask everyone that comes out if they are always always totally vegan! going your way (some good all-"excuse me, are you-can-eat start at £3,50by any chance going to Brighton?"). Go early, they get more expensive in the evening. While downtown, you can also get a ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>6-inch sandwich of the day<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' at '''Subway''' for 2 pounds.== Nomadwiki & Trashwiki ==
The markets in Camden Town have cheap food around 5pm, especially in the Lock Market where, if you walk for a few minutes past all the initial food courts, you can easily find dishes of noodles for £2.{{nomadwiki}}
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