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Distance |
29.6 km / 18.3 miles |
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Explorer map |
173 London North | |||
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Time |
7 - 7.5 hours average time based on Naismith’s rule |
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| Total ascent | 337m | |||
| Total descent | 437m | |||
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Waypoint coordinates |
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| Download PDF |
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Overview |
The route follows parts of the London Loop and the Dollis Valley Greenwalk before continuing along one of the commuter routes into London city. Walk through ancient woodlands and the green corridor of Dollis Brook to the Borough of Hampstead. Pass through medieval Hampstead and the Heath where some lands were once held by the monastery of St. Peter's at Westminster Abbey. Into the borough of Camden famous for its market before reaching Euston Station and turning left to St Pancras. |
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1 - From Allum lane heading out of Elstree, just after the garage turn left on Deacons Hill Road, signed the London Loop Path. At the top of the hill turn left, Barnet Lane A411, descend the hill and after passing a small red post box on the right take the footpath right to continue on the London Loop path. Pass through Scratchwood and at the end bear right around the tree line (playing field and playground ahead by the car park) to reach a path on the right back into Thistle Wood to reach the A1. Turn right and use the subway to pass under the A1, then turn left. Pass the Golf club entrance and after passing a lay-by with a bus stop shelter, turn right to return to the London Loop path ahead into Nut Wood.
2 - From Nut Wood the path now becomes the Dollis Valley Greenwalk for about 10 miles (some parts following the Dollis Brook), this is generally very well marked. This path will pass through Totteridge Nature Reserve, and the Boroughs of Barnet, Finchley and Hampstead. After crossing the A406 & the A598 the path will come out on Addison Way. Turn left then opposite the junction on the left see the signpost on the right to Little Wood. (Little Wood is not marked on the Explorer Maps but Big Wood is which will also be passed through.) At the end of the wood carry on straight ahead partly through a housing estate, and at the end continue down the snicket to Hampstead Heath. At the Heath turn immediately right to reach a road (Hampstead Way). At the road turn left, and then where the road bends to the left turn right down Wellgarth Road. At the end of Wellgarth Road turn left on to North End Road. Pass through Hampstead Heath, and the Borough of Hampstead on the main road.
3 - Look out for the information boards on the right about Whitestone Pond (see photo). At Hampstead Heath tube station (on the left) turn left - Hampstead High Street. Pass through Camden Town and at Mornington Crescent Tube Station pass by with it on your right (Eversholt Street) to eventually reach Euston Station. Turn left to St Pancras.
