In article , clio22
writes
Hi,

I'll be visiting London for the first time and, as such, can't gauge
what's walkable. This will determine whether I need to pick up 7-day
Travel Cards or just work with day offpeaks. I'm a decent walker, but
not ready for primetime marathon walking.

Just as an aside to the helpful information you've already been given:

Walking is often the *best* way of seeing places. Indeed, I'd
recommend it as something far too few visitors do. You can plan some
delightful walks where you'll see far more than you would on the
Underground (obviously!).

Buy a book of "Saver" tickets for the buses (not valid on the
Underground). They cost GBP3.90 for six rides (valid indefinitely),
working out at 65p per ride, where the cash fare is GBP1. That way, if
you feel a bit tired or simply want to walk one way and bus it another,
you can just hop on the bus (which is *almost* as good as walking when
it comes to sightseeing, especially if you go upstairs!).

If you're familiar with Paris, they're the London Bus equivalent of the
Carnet.

Let's look at some examples:

I'm trying to find out what's walkable. For example, (1) can I walk
from Victoria Station to Trafalgar Square, stop/rest/eat, and then
walk through Picadilly/St James, Hyde Park Corner to return to VicSta?
Yes and what a splendid walk that would be. You'll pass Westminster
Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall (and Downing Street), Saint
James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, the latter only passable on foot.

(2) Can I walk from VicSta to and through Hyde Park and Kensington
Gardens down to Albert Hall, then back to VicSta as a day's walk, with
rest stops?
Even at a leisurely pace, that shouldn't fill a whole day. Unless, of
course, you get caught in the Museums at South Kensington, in which case
allow, oh a lifetime should suffice!

(3) How about from the Strand through the Inns of Court to
the British Library?
Less exciting than some.#

Instead try The Strand, along Fleet Street, via the Temple and into The
City (what Londoner's call "The City" is the "Square Mile" of the
ancient City of London, nowadays the capital's Financial District.
Here you'll find Saint Paul's Cathedral, a vast array of Churches and -
just beyond the boundary - the Tower of London.

The South Bank of the Thames is another interesting walk, from Southwark
via Tate Modern and the London Eye to Westminster Bridge.

I'm from New York City and am very familiar with Paris,
They're probably the only other two true "World Cities", so you need to
complete the set!

Have a very pleasant visit!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG, Birmingham, UK
Registered "Blue Badge" Tourist Guide for
London & the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk