May is National Walking Month and with the evenings now staying lighter, it’s a great time to enjoy the benefits of a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll. Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, have some useful suggestions and resources on their website. In addition, Miss Victoria Greensmith, Maths Teacher and Head of Year 11, shares her favourite North London walk with us below.

North London Green Space Escape

Since moving to London in 2011, I have always been drawn to North London. The area has so many wonderful green spaces and hidden walks, providing a calm space to escape from city life. During the past year, when venturing out from our local area was mostly not allowed, we took the opportunity to explore and enjoy the walks closer to home.

One of my favourite local routes for running or walking starts at Alexandra Palace Station, then follows the footpath up the hill and around the back of the Palace. You continue to follow the footpath, which eventually leads onto The Parkland Walk.

The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London at 4km in length, and follows the former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, which opened in 1873. The first part of the Parkland Walk takes you to Highgate Woods; here you follow the footpath through the woods.

If you are looking for a shorter route you can continue the walk through Queen’s Wood and then follow the footpath signs back to Alexandra Palace; this route is about 8km. If you would prefer a longer walk, you could continue on the Parkland Walk to Finsbury Park and then retrace your steps back to the start; this route is about 14km.

There are a number of other routes to explore such as continuing your walk from Highgate Woods to Hampstead Heath. The Highgate Ponds are also worth a visit, especially if you enjoy cold water swimming...

I hope that you enjoy my North London green space escape!