Dollis Valley Greenwalk & sections of Hampstead Heath

18 members met for a well constructed and educating walk through parts of London that many of us had never seen before.
From low brow to high brow , and that included sights and conversation
Fascinating to explore Hampstead Garden Central Square with its magnificnet churches and school. Must have been quite intimidating to move there from the East End- it would have terrified me.
Lobely lunch with 'nourishing salads' and views of grand houses and follies on Hampstaed Heath

Date: 
Saturday, 17 February 2024 - 9:40am
Walk Leaders: 
Graham Child
Meeting Point: 
Woodside Park station
Distance: 
7+ miles
Maps: 
OS Explorer 173 London North.
Travel: 

Northern Line, High Barnet Branch to Woodside Park. Return from Hampstead .

Route: 

the route follows the pretty and meandering Dollis Valley Greenwalk path (mostly paved) to Mutton Brook and a short section of the Capital Ring. Leaving the waterside it passes through Little Wood and Big Wood. We continue to the imposing Central Square of Hampstead Garden Suburb with its 2 Lutyens churches. From here we cross Hampstead Heath Extension to exit at North End and the pub lunch stop (at approx. 5.5 miles).
The afternoon walk crosses via Golders Hill Park to West Heath, and through Hill Garden and the Pergola. It then passes Jack Straw’s Castle (now residential and no longer a pub) and we will then select a way to Hampstead Tube Station. he afternoon walk crosses via Golders Hill Park to West Heath, and through Hill Garden and the Pergola. It then passes Jack Straw’s Castle (now residential and no longer a pub) and we will then select a way to Hampstead Tube Station.

Lunch: 

The Old Bull and Bush (renowned from the popular music hall song). Menu choices are required . See the “All Day Menu” on their website: www.thebullandbush.co.uk. Please send menu choices to Graham by Monday 12 February.

Notes: 

We are not far from public transport at any time. Shortly before lunch or afterwards one could walk to Golders Green tube, or after lunch catch a 268 bus to Hampstead tube station or 210 bus to Finsbury Park.

Facilities NOTE PLEASE Toilet may be open at Woodside Park station but by no means certain. There are toilets on the Heath Extension 25 minutes before lunch