The Open Guide to London: the free London guide

There are three large organised weekly skates (with volunteer marshals to direct traffic, and often with music) through the streets of London: these are

• Wednesday nights, the London Skate. Medium pace, meets Serpentine Road at 8pm, summer months only (2006 season starts on 19th April). Circular route, often with pub stop at half time. Free introductory lessons in the park after the skate leaves for people new to skating.

• Friday nights, the London Friday Night Skate. Meets at 8pm across the road at Wellington Arch. Usually comprises two halves: first the medium-paced 'Red' section (first half, finishes near a Tube station somewhere) followed by the faster 'Black' section which loops back to the start point for a total distance of around 12-15 miles. Runs all year subject to weather.

• Sunday afternoon, the Sunday Stroll also run by the LFNS people. 2pm from the east end of Serpentine Road. Slow-paced - this skate caters to pretty much anyone who can stop, turn, and control their speed on an incline. Usually a circular route of about 8 miles, though sometimes there's a longer one-way skate; previous destinations have included [Richmond Park]? and Greenwich. Year-round, again subject to weather.

Each of these tends to be around two hours long, more or less, though obviously they cover different distances in that time

Advice if you're thinking about joining one of these:

• you skate at your own risk. appropriate protective equipment (pads, helmet etc) probably a good idea
• at most times of year, it will be dark by the time any evening skate finishes. They do some amazing things with LEDs these days: bring lights.
• stay behind the front marshal, ahead of the back marshal.
• obey the instructions of marshals; keep left to let them pass.
• take water, a pair of shoes, cash for taxi, etc
• lots of people go to the pub (Victoria, W2 2NH) afterwards, esp. on Wednesdays/Fridays
• Enjoy!