The Walking Lord Mayor: Footways in conversation with Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg

Emma Griffin (co-founder of Footways London) sits down with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, to explore why walking is the best way to experience the city from side-road zebras and dropped kerbs to blue plaques, park corridors and the brand-new West End public toilets (yes, really). Recorded live at the London National Park City Visitor Centre during Open House Festival.Westminster Footways map & routes: footways.london/westminsterIn this episodeWhy Paul calls himself the “Walking Lord Mayor” and how walking shapes civic lifeHow the Westminster Footways map helps residents find calmer, greener everyday routesSmall changes with big impact: dropped kerbs, side-road zebras, lighting, seating, planting, and better toiletsFavourite routes: Paddington → Hyde Park → Green Park → St James’s Park → Victoria, Serpentine North past the wildlife sanctuary, and Marylebone → Bell Street → Edgware RoadThemed strolls: tree walks, pub heritage walks, blue plaque trails, and even Nordic walking in Hyde ParkTry these this weekendThree-Park Green Corridor: Paddington → Hyde Park → Green Park → St James’s Park → VictoriaHyde Park Sanctuary Stroll: Serpentine North path up to Bayswater RoadMarylebone Heritage Meander: Marylebone Station → Bell Street → Edgware RoadGuest Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Lord Mayor of Westminster; Westminster councillor since 1982; former Cabinet Member for City Management & Air Quality (2022–2025).Host Emma Griffin, co-founder of Footways LondonRecorded at London National Park City Visitor Centre (Open House Festival, live audience) — learn more about the movement: nationalparkcity.londonIf you enjoyed this conversation, share the Westminster Footways map with a neighbour, pick a themed route, and tell us your favourite Westminster walk in the comments.Explore more London National Park City Podcasts