A linear, full-day city/town walk in England starting at Cockfosters Tube Station, London, about 16km (roughly 10 miles) long and
suitable for prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs.
This signposted walk runs for ten miles through the parks and suburbs of north London as it follows (roughly) the course of Pymmes Brook, a tributary of the River Lea. This guide gives you an overview of the route; for a more detailed guide to the walk, contact Barnet Council for a free trail leaflet:
www.barnet.gov.uk/walks
As ever in London, there are excellent transport links to the start and finish points, and along the way. It's useful to pop a London street atlas in the rucksack.
Start:
Cockfosters Tube Station, OS Grid: TQ280963
End: Pickett's Lock, OS Grid: TQ362937 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
End: Pickett's Lock, OS Grid: TQ362937 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 41m (137ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 167m (549ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 125m (412ft)
Max. Elevation: 110m (360ft)
Public Transport
Waypoints
Take the tube or the bus to Cockfosters.
Pick up the trail at the end of Games Road. From here, the blue arrow markers will guide you all the way along the route; rather than giving step-by-step instructions, this guide provides a handy overview.
The route follows the London Loop past Beech Hill Lake, the source of the brook.
Leave the brook and pass through Victoria Recreation Ground. From the southeast corner, head along Crescent Road, which lies just south of the brook (although you can't see it).
Turn left at Brookhill Road and then right onto Cat Hill.
Rejoin the brook as it runs through Oak Hill Park. Remind yourself how lucky London is to have so many lovely parks.
Leave the park on the southern side and head along West Walk.
Cross Osidge Lane and into Brunswick Park.
Across Waterfall Road, the Pymmes Brook enters Arnos Park.
Head north a short way and walk along the southern edge of Broomfield Park. At the end, follow Broomfield Lane over the railway and onto Oakthorpe Road.
This little section is a wee bit tricky - keep an eye on the arrows as you cross over the North Circular and join Princes Avenue.
The route continues along Tile Kiln Lane.
The brook can't make its mind up, heading back under the main road. At Silver Street, it passes through the grounds of the Millfields Arts Centre.
The next bit of green is Pymmes Park.
Leave via Park Road and head onto Fore Street, turning left up to Plevna Road.
The trail heads along Salmon's Brook and past Tottenham Park Cemetery.
Head up to Pickett's Loch Lane. Continue on to the William Girling Reservoir, where the trail ends.
For an additional bonus, head along the Lea Valley Walk on the western edge of the reservoir.
Finish your day at Ponders End station, for the train onwards.
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