The end of the line...but worth it!

Submitted by Timwoods on 23 July 2008

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A circular, half-day countryside walk in England starting at Cockfosters Tube Station, London, about 6km (roughly 4 miles) long and suitable for families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs. Head out north on London's Piccadilly Line to Cockfosters and you will soon find yourself in the beautiful Trent Country Park, full of meadows, woodland and lakes - perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. There's a good cafe in the park, plus a brilliant 'Pick Your Own' farm just outside the northern edge of the park. All this less than an hour from the centre of London! Start: Cockfosters Tube Station, OS Grid: TQ280964 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 83m (273ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 165m (543ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 82m (270ft)

Max. Elevation: 110m (360ft)

Public Transport

OS Explorer Map:

173 - London North
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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Cockfosters Tube Station

OS Grid: TQ280964

Turn right out of the tube station along Cockfosters Road, and the entrance to Trent Country Park is about 500 metres down the road.

2. Exploring the meadows

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 1 OS Grid: TQ288963

Head right at the entrance and you will find large meadows, full of butterflies in summer. Follow the edge of the meadows, next to the woodland.

3. Middlesex University

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 2 OS Grid: TQ287970

Find your way through the meadows - you can't really get lost. When you come to the campus of Middlesex University, head across the road and down to the lakes.

4. Past the lakes

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: TQ291976

Follow the paths beyond the lake into the woodland, and towards the north-eastern corner of the park. The pick your own farm is near here, although this little bit may be tricky for prams or wheelchairs.

5. Parkside Farm

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: TQ302980

Once you leave the country park (via a small gate), turn right and follow the road for 250 metres until you see Parkside Farm. This is a great place to pick a few fruits and vegetables - check the website for what's available and opening times: www.parksidefarmpyo.co.uk

6. The cafe

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 5 OS Grid: TQ279969

Once you have picked lots of strawberries (and eaten a few!) head back through the park on any of the paths. The cafe is just near the entrance where you came in.