Viaduct Pond

Viaduct Pond

Highlight • Historical Site

Viaduct Pond

Hiking

5.0

(137)

Mountain biking

4.8

(30)

Cycling

5.0

(2)

Running

5.0

(1)

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Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Tips

January 18, 2023

Hiking

The pond and viaduct road across it were built in 1844 at the start of Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson's ambitious attempt to build a series of villas on his estate. The intention was for the road to lead to the houses, but they were never built, except for a couple of foundation stones. His plans came under criticism by those against development on the heath, the ranks of which included Charles Dickens.

Christine🔹

February 19, 2026

Hiking

The HL is located exactly here, i.e. ON the bridge. It doesn't look great when crossing it.
To enjoy the great view you see in the photos, you have to walk around the pond once.
Today (in February) I was ankle-deep in mud. On the other hand, two dozen squirrels danced merrily around me.
Worthwhile detour, but with limitations at least in winter

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Artio

June 3, 2020

Mountain biking

Viaduct Pond on the Hampstead Chain has one of the most iconic views from its banks, its namesake—the Viaduct. This bridge was built between 1844 and 1847 by Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson, the then owner of part of the Heath. He wanted to develop his land into grand villas. The bridge, made of bricks from the Heath’s own brickworks (located near Vale of Health) was to be part of the grand entrance to these villas. Fortunately, his plans were thwarted by legislation which protected the Heath as open space.

Source: hampsteadheathpondsproject.wordpress.com

Nearby routes

Best routes near Viaduct Pond

4.6

(28)

104

hikers

#1.

Hampstead Heath Circular

8.44km

02:16

110m

Embark on the Hampstead Heath Circular, a moderate hike spanning 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with an elevation gain of 348 feet (106 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 16…

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