Route Section Capital Ring Walk

Section 11 (Hendon Park to Highgate)

Description:

Most of the walking in this section is easy, but gets tougher towards the end with some steep slopes and rough ground. The surroundings are pleasant, at first following firm paths through a string of narrow parks and recreation grounds beside the River Brent and Mutton Brook. You pass the point where Mutton and Dollis Brooks combine to form the River Brent, and join the Dollis Valley Greenwalk for a while. The route passes through East Finchley station, then comes a trio of woods, all remnants of the ancient Forest of Middlesex, starting with the small Cherry Tree Wood. Highgate Wood occupies fairly level ground on a hilltop at altitude 101m (331ft), while Queen's Wood straddles a deep valley with a steep climb to the section end near Highgate station.

Distance:

5.5 miles ( 8.5 km)

Start:

Hendon Park (GR 235-883)

Finish:

Priory Gardens, Highgate (GR 287-882)

Recommended direction:

West to east

Terrain and surface:

Mainly level on firm paths and pavements, but with some steep ascents and descents on rough ground especially towards the end. No stiles. 2.8 km (1.8 miles) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways. The logo is 'Big Ben' and text 'Capital Ring' in blue and green on white background.

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Hendon Central, East Finchley and Highgate. Cafés at Hendon Central, Hampstead Garden Suburb, East Finchley, Highgate Wood and Queen's Wood. Kiosk in Cherry Tree Wood. Public toilets at Lyttelton Playing Fields, Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Wood.

Public transport and breakpoints:

Tube: Hendon Central, East Finchley, Highgate
Buses: at stations above plus North Circular Road and Hampstead Garden Suburb

For more information on public transport please see Transport for London's Journey Planner.

Links with other walks:

Dollis Valley Greenwalk

Map required:

Explorer 173 (route marked)

Principal promoters:

LB Barnet, LB Haringey

Access information:

The route is fairly level most of the way, but the stretch in Queen's Wood is rough and steep - it can be avoided on parallel roads. Beside Mutton Brook the path is narrow with some steep slopes.