The best walks and hikes around the London Borough Of Barnet

Yes, many of the trails in Barnet are circular, making it easy to start and end at the same point. These routes often explore the area's parks and nature reserves. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the 2.8-mile Rabbit Habitat – Darland's Lake loop from Darland's Lake Nature Reserve, which is great for a quick escape into nature.

Barnet offers several easy walks suitable for the whole family. A great option is the Darland's Lake – Hidden Pathway loop from Woodside Park. It's a relatively flat 3.3-mile (5.4 km) trail that takes you through lovely scenery without being too strenuous for younger children.

Most parks and open spaces in Barnet, such as the popular Hadley Green and Whitings Hill Open Space, are dog-friendly. Trails like the Dollis Valley Greenwalk are excellent for walking with dogs. However, always be mindful of local signage, especially in nature reserves where wildlife is present, and keep your dog under control.

Barnet's trails are well-connected by public transport. Many routes are accessible from London Underground stations like High Barnet (Northern Line), Totteridge & Whetstone (Northern Line), and Woodside Park (Northern Line), or National Rail stations like New Southgate. These stations often serve as convenient starting points for hikes.

Yes, a section of the London Loop, a 150-mile orbital footpath around the capital, passes through Barnet. This provides opportunities for longer, more challenging hikes. For a substantial local route, you could try the 7.7-mile (12.3 km) Grange Playing Fields – Whetstone Park Entrance loop from Mill Hill, which explores a variety of green spaces.

The trails around Barnet are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising amount of green space and the feeling of being in the countryside without leaving London. The well-maintained paths along waterways like the Dollis Brook and around scenic spots like Darland's Lake are frequently mentioned as highlights.

While the area isn't known for large natural waterfalls, you can find charming water features. The Arnos Park Viaduct – Arnos Park Waterfall loop from Oakleigh Park is a moderate 5.1-mile (8.2 km) walk that includes a visit to the waterfall feature within Arnos Park, offering a pleasant scenic point along the trail.

The Dollis Valley Greenwalk is the most significant waterside trail in the borough, following the Dollis Brook through a continuous green corridor. For a route that incorporates this, consider the Substation Gate – Hidden Pathway loop from London Borough of Barnet, an easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) walk that explores parts of this pleasant waterway.

For more elevation and rewarding views, the area around High Barnet is a good choice. The King George's Playing Fields – Jack's Lake loop from High Barnet is a moderate 6-mile (9.6 km) hike with some hilly sections that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

There are over 170 hiking routes to explore around the London Borough of Barnet. These range from short, easy strolls through local parks to more moderate, longer hikes connecting various green spaces, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

Many of the larger parks in Barnet, such as Hendon Park and Oak Hill Park, have paved, flat paths that are generally suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk also has sections that are relatively flat and wide, though conditions can be muddy after rain. It's best to check specific sections of a trail beforehand.

Barnet is home to several highly-regarded green spaces perfect for walking.

Darlands Nature Reserve is a local favorite, known for its unspoiled beauty and lakeside paths. For a more expansive walk, Oak Hill Wood offers a great open space with well-maintained paths. Another popular spot is Hadley Green, which provides a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing stroll around its historic pond and open fields.