North - South London Trail section 1: Cockfosters to Highgate

This is the first section of a new 34 mile across London walk. It makes use of numerous green spaces, river paths and quiet streets while discovering new and familar parts of the great metropolis along the way.

Starting from Cockfosters Piccadilly line station we follow quiet roads to enter Oak Hill wood and park. Here we meet the Pymmes brook which we follow on level well maintained paths through to Arnos park and its impressive railway viaduct. Crossing the park to a short road climb we arrive at Broomfield park. Its house has sadly has been waiting for restoration for 40 years, but the park contains many original features of a once great estate. Please bring a picnic to eat in the park, there are toilets and a small community run cafe with outdoor seating.

On leaving the park we join a pleasant section of the New River path crossing the Pymmes brook on a short aqueduct. Once the New river goes underground we continue to follow the ribbon of green that marks its route to reach Alexandra Palace NR station (possible drop out point after 6mls). A level pedestrian bridge takes us across the railway to the bottom of Alexandra Palace park, here a steady climb should reward us with great views over London. Then the flat Parkland walk and through Highgate wood brings us to the finish of this section at Highgate Northern line station.