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Highgate to Hampstead Walk

A varied walk through the green spaces of London's ‘Northern Heights’, with some panoramic views of the city.

London

History

Club walks since April 2015, and a summary which goes back to Jan 2010.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sun, 21-Sep-25 Highgate to Hampstead 10 a mix of sun and cloud
Thu, 25-Jan-24 Evening Walk: Exploring the Hampstead Garden Suburb in the dark (East Finchley to Hampstead) 3 dry but overcast
Sat, 30-Sep-23 x A varied walk through the green spaces of London's ‘Northern Heights’, with some panoramic views of the city: Finsbury Park to Hampstead 2
Sun, 26-Dec-21 Boxing Day: Burn-off those Holiday Indulgences with a Walk from Highgate to Hampstead 13
Sat, 21-Dec-19 – A leafy urban stroll in north London (Highgate to Hampstead) 20 Rain dismal and some sunny periods
Sun, 10-Sep-17 Exploring the London Heights 8 cloudy with rain later
Sat, 21-Jan-17 – An urban stroll through London's Northern Heights
Sun, 03-Jan-16 London's Northern Heights
Sun, 20-Sep-15 a 2 – London's Northern Heights 10 mainly sunny
Sun, 21-Sep-25
Highgate to Hampstead 10
Sean
Sean
Extra Walk 257 – Highgate to Hampstead

Length: 15½ km (9.6 miles), with many ways to shorten. Toughness: 4/10

Take a Northern line tube (High Barnet branch) to arrive at Highgate (TfL Zone 3) by 10:45. Go through the ticket barriers and turn left to meet by the Priory Gardens exit.

Slug-a-beds could take the tube one stop further and start from East Finchley (also Zone 3). If the main group manage to avoid the temptation of an early coffee stop in Highgate Wood they should be passing through this station at around 11:15.

The Pergola This urban stroll through London's “Northern Heights” goes through plenty of woods and green spaces; as it often gets posted in winter it will be a pleasant change to experience them when they're leafy rather than leafless. There's much of interest to be seen along the way and if you're not familiar with this part of London it's worth skimming through the Features section at the start of the walk document.

A pub lunch is possible halfway round at the Old Bull & Bush in North End, with the nearby Refreshment House café in Golders Hill Park as an alternative. In mid-afternoon there's a large café at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath; the house is free to visit but you can book in advance if you want to guarantee entry. There are lots of refreshment places in Hampstead if you're not in a hurry to get away.

Please bring the directions from the L=swc.257 page.

  • author image
    Mr M Tiger
    Sep-25

    After a bit of a wait, the 9 that had gathered at the station set off up a steep path into the lofty heights of Highgate. The weather was a mix of sun and cloud No-one was waiting at East Finchley, but, by the time we had reached the big churches - and looked round the pointy one, a 10 th had caught us up.

    At lunchtime, most went to the cafe in Golders Hill Park and 3 to the Bull and Bush. No room inside, but it was warm enough outside.

    We done all the sights - woods, parks, posh looking streets, the impressive, if run-down pergola. (Seen better days, that one). We done the zoo (lemurs, donkeys kookaburras etc.) but the butterfly house was shut.

    A stop at Burgh house for cakes and tea then, after another steep climb, a visit to the Holly Bush inn. It was not the best place to finish an energetic walk. No room inside and standing room only on the pavement outside. Luckily, we found a space by the bins. So this is how posh people enjoy themselves. Mr Tiger had been spurred on by the promise of an 8% cider, but there was none to be had there. They did have ESB, which was of some solace.

    So ended another grand day out.

Stargazer
SWC 257: East Finchley to Hampstead (omitting the loop through the Heath)
First off, apologies for the late post....with the full moon on Thursday was hoping to post a full moon extravaganza.....but alas, it looks a bit iffy.....so a more local outing....
Start: 6:30 PM -- exit of the East Finchley Tube Station (Northern Line)
Distance: Approx. 5ish miles/8ishkm -- omitting the loop through the Heath (2hrs)
Difficulty: Relatively easy. Should be mostly lit pavements with a few short sections of parkland, unless opting to continue on the Heath loop.....
This is a snippet of the longer full day walk from Highgate to Hampstead. It covers a short section from East Finchley to Hampstead, through the Hampstead Garden Suburb, but omitting the loop through Hampstead Heath. I have never been in this area after dark -- but thought it might make for a good evening walk in the winter -- though, unfortunately, some of the highlights, like the Pergola will be closed.
Plenty of post walk refreshment opportunity in the village of Hampstead.
More information and a map or instructions can be found here.
  • Sean
    Jan-24

    You'll also have to skip the loop through Golders Hill Park as it's closed at night. But you can just head south through Sandy Heath or West Heath to reach Whitestone Pond, then take the suggested short cut down Hampstead Grove.

  • Thomas G
    Jan-24

    My field reporter tells me: 3 walkers despite the mega-late posting, on a dry but overcast evening. They completed a version of the suggested route, mostly avoiding mud, and ended at L'Antica Pizzeria, Heath Street.

Thomas G
Length: 18.9 km (11.7 mi) [for a shorter walk see below]
Ascent/Descent: 335/321m
Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Meet at 10.15 outside Finsbury Park Station (Main Line Services from Kings Cross, and Victoria and Piccadilly Lines), Station Place/National Rail Exit.
This is an urban stroll through the green spaces of London's ‘Northern Heights’, starting with a section along the Parkland Walk, a linear nature reserve created along the trackbed of a disused branch line off the East Coast main line, followed by a succession of woods, parks and playing fields on the way to an early 20thC example of town planning, Hampstead Garden Suburb.
The remainder of the walk is now almost entirely on Hampstead Heath, 325 hectares of woods and parkland.
After a break for lunch (and a brief excursion into Golders Hill Park) the walk route takes you to a fascinating survival from one of the grand properties built around the edge of Hampstead Heath.
The walk now heads north-east to the Kenwood Estate, where you have the opportunity to visit Kenwood House.
The full walk ends with a short exploration of Hampstead's old streets, taking in some of its many historic buildings.
Short Walk:
Start from Highgate Underground (3.7 km and 80m ascent into the route) or from East Finchley Underground (another 2.3 km along).
Elevenses : Plenty of options in Highgate.
Lunch : the Old Bull & Bush in North Hampstead (11.0 km).
Tea : numerous options in Hampstead, see the pdf for details.
For walk directions, map, photos, height profile, and gpx/kml files click here .
  • PeteG
    Sep-23

    Just 2 at the start, which soon became 1. Very enjoyable for an urban walk. Lots of dogs, runners and a couple of wedding photo shoots.

Stargazer
Boxing Day: Highgate to Hampstead
Meet: 11:30 AM Highgate Underground Station (Turn left past the ticket barriers to meet by the Priory Gardens exit)

For those interested in the walk's pre-amble along the Parkland Walk, meet at 10:30 AM outside the main entrance to the Finsbury Park Underground Station which should get you to Highgate in time to meet the Highgate starters
The walk finishes at the Hampstead Underground Station.
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.3 km) for the main walk; 11.8 miles (19 km) if adding the Finsbury park pre-amble
Difficulty: 4 out of 10 for the main walk; 5 out of 10 for the longer version

This walk is mainly an urban outing exploring the "leafy" (doubt any will still be on the trees) Northern Heights of London, including the Hampstead Garden Suburb. In the afternoon the walk explores Hampstead Heath and the the village of Hampstead. For those wishing for a longer route, they can start an hour earlier at Finsbury Park and explore the Parkland Walk along a disused railway line. For those wishing a shorter walk, plenty of opportunities abound to abandon the adventure.
The recommended lunch pub is the Old Bull & Bush (7km into the main walk and 11 km into the longer walk). There are plenty of tea and post walk refreshment stops in Hampstead.
More information and the walk instruction and map can be found here.
Enjoy the walk and Happy Boxing Day!
  • Marcus
    Dec-21

    I am advised 13 went on this walk.

Sean
Extra Walk 257 – Highgate to Hampstead
Length: 15¼ km (9.5 miles), with many ways to shorten. Toughness: 4/10

Take a Northern line tube (High Barnet branch) to arrive at Highgate by 10:30. Turn left past the ticket barriers to meet by the Priory Gardens exit.

Late Risers could take the tube one stop further and start from East Finchley. Unless they're tempted by a very early coffee stop in Highgate Wood, the main group should be passing through the station at around 11:00.

On the Saturday before Christmas I thought an urban stroll through the leafy suburbs of London's ‘Northern Heights’ might appeal. The afternoon leg is essentially a clockwise circuit of Hampstead Heath and the walk document points out several possible short cuts if you want to finish early and catch up on all those last-minute preparations.

A pub lunch is possible halfway round at the Old Bull & Bush in North End, with the nearby café in Golders Hill Park as an alternative. In mid-afternoon you could visit Kenwood House (free entry) and/or have a break at its large café. And there are lots of possible refreshment places in Hampstead if you're not in a hurry to get away.

You'll need to bring the walk directions (with maps) from the Highgate to Hampstead walk page.
  • Sarah H
    Dec-19

    It might be a good idea to do the early start from Finsbury Park and drop out at lunch time to avoid the rain!

  • Bridie
    Dec-19

    Walk report for 21 Dec

    Loads got out at Highgate with most to discover that when they had left home it was sunny but now that they were emerging from the underground it was raining and no matter how many checked their Dark Sky or BBC weather app it continued to rain.

    Before we even did names 3 turned back down the stairs to abandon the walk. 17 set off from Highgate and 3 joined us at East Finchley - by which time the rain had slaughtered us and then abated completely.

    A couple of walkers bailed at East Finchley and then the rest of the day was not so inclement. So it goes.

    Happy Christmas and Belated Solstice Greetings

    Bridie

    Total of 20 walkers Weather was let's say mixed

  • Anonymous
    Dec-19

    A considerable number of walkers congregated at the Highgate's station entrance dismayed by the incorrectly forecast rain. I'd say about 20, but correct me if I am wrong. Four procrastinated and headed back down the station platform where they set off to do an alternative walk around Hampstead Heath I believe. The remainder headed off to Highgate wood during a brief lull in the rain, which came back with a vengeance shortly after. More folk joined at East Finchley and as the weather eased, and most set off to Hampstead Garden Suburb. Some caught a glimpse of the Nativity play rehearsals at St. Jude's Church and others took to the road to circumnavigate the somewhat waterlogged Hampstead Heath extension. A large table was nabbed at The Old Bull & Bush where the walk's poster appeared and others who had gone to East Finchley. The staff were courteous and attentive and apparently the freshly made mulled wine was excellent. I think most took a short cut, briefly visiting the Hill Garden and Pergola before heading for Hampstead tube. Weather Rain dismal and some sunny periods

PeteB
SWC Walk 257 Highgate to Hampstead

Distance 15.3km (9.5m); toughness 3/10

Trains: Highgate and Hampstead are on branches of the Northern underground line so this is one for your travel card. Meet up at Highgate tube at 10.45am

This is an interesting and varied walk for those who don't wish to travel too far from London this Sunday. You will enjoy some fine views of London's green spaces mainly comprising woods and parkland. The final part of the walk takes you round Hampstead Heath with the opportunity to visit Kenwood House.

See here for more information about the walk including lunch and refreshment options and click on the download walk pdf tab for full walk instructions.



  • Blacksheep
    Sep-17

    Kenwood House is free, even if you are not an English heritage member, and well worth a look.

  • Sean
    Sep-17

    Half a dozen walkers had assembled outside Highgate station by 10:45. A few others with rucksacks managed to slip through our grasp but we did sweep up a couple enjoying a quiet cup of coffee so eventually 8 set off. Early morning sunshine had long disappeared and it was cloudy with rain later . We stopped to inhale the incense at St Jude's church (moderately High Anglican, the vicar agreed) before pressing on to Golders Hill Park café for a simple lunch. The revised directions include a longer tour of the park and after staring at Golders Hill Girl for a while we particularly enjoyed the Butterfly House as well as its small zoo (but failed to find any over-fed squirrels in the Stumpery). One had already ducked out at lunchtime and I slipped away at Whitestone Pond; I hope the remaining six didn't get too wet as they did the final loop around Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House.

Sean
Extra Walk 257 – Highgate to Hampstead
Length: 13½ km (8.4 miles), with many ways to shorten. Toughness: 3/10

Take a Northern line tube (High Barnet branch) to arrive at Highgate by 10:45. Turn left past the ticket barriers to meet by the Priory Gardens exit.

Extended Walk option: 17¼ km (10.7 miles): Make your way to Finsbury Park station and set off from there no later than 10:00. The route takes you through Highgate station where you'll be able to join the main group if you don't dawdle.

As a respite from muddy fields I thought I'd offer this urban stroll through the leafy suburbs of London's ‘Northern Heights’, taking in the distinctive architecture of Hampstead Garden Suburb and the wide expanse of Hampstead Heath. You can get a pub lunch halfway round at the Old Bull & Bush in North End and could visit Kenwood House in the afternoon (free entry).

You'll need to print the walk directions and maps from the Extra Walk 257 page. There are many places where you can shorten the walk if you want to finish early.
    PeteB
    Book 3 Walk 257
    Highgate to Hampstead
    Length 13.5km (8.4m); toughness 3/10.
    Trains: You use London Underground for this walk. Meet outside Highgate tube at 10.45am
    For those who want a walk within the city and not involving a train journey this is a varied walk through the green spaces of “ London’s Northern Heights” with some panoramic views of the “great wen”.

    Extensive walk notes and maps can be found here. Click on M – (13½ km) so you can print off just the main walk instructions.
      Sean
      New Walk – Finsbury Park to Hampstead
      Length: 17½ km (10.9 miles), with many ways to shorten. Toughness: up to 5/10

      Take a Victoria or Piccadilly line tube to arrive at Finsbury Park by 10:15. Turn left outside the station and meet on the concourse by the bus station.

      [Or take the 10:08 Peterborough train from Kings Cross for its 5-minute journey to Finsbury Park, but I doubt if anyone will find this more convenient.]

      Late Start option, 13¾ km (8.5 miles): Take a Northern line tube to Highgate (on the High Barnet branch) and intercept the main group as they pass through the station shortly after 11:00.

      As this weekend is the annual Open House London event I thought it would be a suitable time to try out this new walk in the capital. You might find there are buildings near the walk route which you'd like to visit, or perhaps you can manage to fit in part of the walk with visits further afield.

      The walk itself starts with a long stretch on a disused railway line dressed up as a ‘linear park’, the bit which you can skip by starting from Highgate. It continues through woods, gardens and the distinctive architecture of Hampstead Garden Suburb with its two imposing Lutyens churches. The suggested lunch stop is more than halfway round at the Old Bull & Bush in North End, on the fringes of Hampstead Heath. Much of the afternoon's route explores this large open space and even those of you familiar with the area (perhaps from the SWC's evening walks there) might come across a few surprises. You can easily shorten the suggested route into Hampstead if you want to finish early.

      You'll need to print the walk directions and maps from this temporary New Walk page.
      • Anonymous
        Sep-15

        There are two bus stations at Finsbury Park, Station Place and Wells Terrace (and three exits); the Station Place exit seems closest to the start of the walk. Hilary

      • Anonymous
        Sep-15

        kind of regretted going off to see the old Dairy @ Kenwood as never caught up with the rest again and so no ice-cream at Marine Ices !! what a let-down.. otherwise this walk was a revelation notably the Pergola & West Heath. Lovely time & nice sunny weather. Well done & thanks Sean for faultless navigation!

      • Walker
        Sep-15

        10 mainly sunny I only did the central bit of this walk, but found it an ingenious route through many North London delights. Despite being a suburban walk it is almost entirely within green space. Revelations to me were Hampstead Garden Suburb, the northern extension of Hampstead Heath and the amazing Pergola, Hopefully the walk will be up on the site soon for others to enjoy.

      • Sean
        Sep-15

        Although seven started from Finsbury Park and more joined along the way, only two stalwarts managed to complete the full walk. The rest took the walk poster's advice to dip in and out along the way: going on Open House tours around Hampstead Garden Suburb, visiting Kenwood House, etc. On reflection it would have been better to save more energy for the Heath and Hampstead itself at the end of the walk, so I think the shorter Highgate start deserves to become the preferred option for this walk.

        The Sunday roast at the Old Bull & Bush was good but the service was predictably slow; arriving at 1.45pm was about the worst possible time. There were long queues for tea at Kenwood House, too. A real bonus was finding the famed Louis Hungarian Patisserie still open as we passed it on the way to Hampstead tube station just before 6pm; one of its fabulous chocolate confections more than made up for missing out on cake at Kenwood House. Louis's tearoom will certainly get a mention in the published version of this walk.

      • Hilary
        Sep-15

        This walk had some real gems, especially as it was Open House weekend and we were able to visit some beautiful churches. Kenwood House was a revelation and well worth a look. Hampstead Garden Suburb was a delight and it was interesting to discover parts of Hampstead Heath that were new to me. This would be a perfect mid-week walk, with the potential bonus of avoiding the week-end queues.