Situated along what was, until 1970, the trackbed of the London and North Eastern Railway, Parkland Walk is a prime example of some of the more idiosyncratic walking routes that can be found amongst London's urban sprawl.
4.5 miles long, this declared Site of Metropolitan Importance wends its way through the suburbs of North London, from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, along a route that finds remnants of the abandoned railway line preserved amongst dense woodland that frequently parts to reveal impressive views of the surrounding urban landscape. It is also London's longest Local Nature Reserve, providing a natural habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Beginning at its easternmost end, the route rises up onto a narrow, elevated area of woodland that carves a path through the back gardens of the Victorian houses surrounding Finsbury Park. The sound of North London's busy streets travels with the route as it progresses, until it arrives at the abandoned, partly overgrown platforms of Crouch End Station. Walking amongst these modern ruins, Parkland Walk's railway past is given a ghostly presence. Incidentally, it is this section of the route that inspired Stephen King's short horror story
Crouch End.
The abandoned platforms at Crouch End
Past the abandoned platforms, through the arch that runs underneath the old Station Building, the woodland becomes denser, swallowing the sound of the surrounding traffic with the voluminous calm of rustling trees and the cheerful back and forth of bird song. That you can immerse yourself in such a calm and peaceful environment, right in the heart of North London, is part of what makes Parkland Walk so special.
Elevated footbridges appear regularly along the route however, so you're never far from a convenient vantage point from which to regard the surrounding scenery and gauge your progress across this part of the city. There are also regular access points to the street, together with signposts providing information about the route, its history, and its plant and animal life.
Towards Highgate
This section of Parkland Walk ends at Holmesdale Road, near Highgate Tube Station, just before the entrance to the southern pair of Highgate Tunnels. Before exiting onto the street, peer into the darkness beyond the locked tunnel gates and you should be able to see part of the structure for the old Highgate Station, together with electrical equipment from the planned electrification of the track in the 1930s.
Continue on along Archway Road and through Highgate Wood and you'll eventually reach the shorter North Section of the route. It is here that, in my opinion, the real jewel in Parkland Walk's crown can be found. The route progresses along a short section of woodland before eventually emerging out onto a seventeen-arch viaduct that offers a truly spectacular panoramic view eastwards and southwards over London. From here, you can take a breath and take stock of the journey you've made, before rounding the corner and finally exiting Parkland Walk at Muswell Hill Gate.
View from the viaduct
Parkland Walk combines an area of historical interest with a peaceful, open space where you can unplug from the sprawl and let your own thoughts run freely. Walked in its entirety, it is engrossing and rewarding, but convenient access along the route means you can also join it at any point.
Further information can be found on the
website.
