The Parkland Walk

Submitted by Timwoods on 29 September 2009

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(4 votes)

A linear, half-day city/town walk in England starting at Finsbury Park, London, about 6km (roughly 4 miles) long and suitable for families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs. Need a bit of fresh air in London? Then head for the Parkland Walk, a wonderful stretch of woodland that runs along a disused railway line from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. In among the trees and bushes, you will spot lots of birds, butterflies and maybe even a fox or a hedgehog. There are several species of wild flower, and many places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat, making it a perfect family walk in the big city. Start: Finsbury Park, OS Grid: TQ312868
End: Alexandra Palace, OS Grid: TQ310904 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 105m (347ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 183m (600ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 77m (253ft)

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. Finsbury Park

OS Grid: TQ313868

Take the tube or bus to Finsbury Park. Halfway up the western side of the park, a path leads off across a bridge over the railway line. This is the start of the Parkland Way; follow the path as it heads off to the right.

2. Along the Parkland Way

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 1 OS Grid: TQ309877

Route finding is easy - just follow the path! You will quickly feel hidden away from the city of London, with the glimpses of rooftops through the trees the only reminder.

3. Crouch Hill

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 2 OS Grid: TQ302877

This is the first point where you can duck out for a coffee. Follow the zigzag slope heading uphill, turn left and there are plenty of cafes at the bottom of the hill. Near here, you pass the overgrown platforms that used to serve Crouch End Station.

4. Archway Road

About 2 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: TQ287879

The Parkway Walk is a local nature reserve, and you may even spot a muntjac deer, which are occasionally spotted hiding among the trees. You can also leave the woodland walk at Archway Road if you want a quick caffeine-based pick-me-up. Head up the hill on to Archway Road.

5. Along Muswell Hill Road

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: TQ284890

You may choose to end the walk here at Archway (Highgate Station is just nearby), but for a longer walk, head along Muswell Hill Road. Walk past the primary school (St James's) and look for the steps down to Alexandra Palace.

6. St James's Lane

OS Grid: TQ287893

The walk passes under a viaduct at St James's Lane, and the under the road of Muswell Hill. Carry on towards Alexandra Park.

7. Alexandra Palace

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 6 OS Grid: TQ296897

The Parkland Walk ends near Alexandra Palace. This famous building was built in 1873 as an entertainment centre for North London. It has held many events, from Robbie Williams to Miss World! The surrounding park is a great spot to relax before catching the tube/bus home.

1 comment ...join the discussion!

Penny Woods commented on 22 February 2012

Queens Wood
Really enjoyed doing this walk on a wet n windy February day. We turned off the track for a bite to eat in the Railway Tavern in Crouch End. Queens Wood is really lovely - we spotted long-tailed tits but searched in vain for nuthatches. Then the heavens really opened so we didn't quite make it to Alexandra Palace (we caught a W7 in Muswell Hill to Muswell Hill Broadway for a pint) but it was lovely to find such a countrified peaceful walk in a bustling part of London.