Transport for LondonRoute details
London Loop: Section 16 Elstree to Cockfosters
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10.4 miles (16.8 km) |
| Location: | Barnet and Enfield, plus some in Hertfordshire |
| Start: | Elstree (Allum Lane, GR 189-693) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Cockfosters (Cockfosters Station, GR 281-964) |
| Factor: | London Loop: Section 16 Elstree to Cockfosters |
| Recommended direction: | West to east |
| Terrain and surface: | Mainly level walking on rough paths, tracks and grass. One longish steep ascent, several fairly gentle ascents and descents. Two stiles. 7.0km (4.3ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | Scratchwood and Moat Mount Open Spaces, Dollis Valley, Battle of Barnet, Monken Hadley Common, Jacks Lake |
| Signage: | Complete both ways |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Pubs at Borehamwood, Barnet, Hadley, and Cockfosters. Cafes at Borehamwood, Barnet, Trent Park and Cockfosters. Public toilets at Barnet and Trent Park |
| Public transport and breakpoints: | NR: Elstree & Borehamwood. LU: High Barnet, Cockfosters. Buses at these points and at Barnet Way |
| Links with other walks: | Moat Mount Walk, Dollis Valley Greenwalk, Barnet-Totteridge Loop |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | London Walking Forum, LB Barnet, LB Enfield, Hertsmere DC |
Walk details:
- The longest section of the London Loop, providing very pleasant walking despite a high proportion of roadwalking, and taking in some attractive open spaces and commons in North London.
- From Elstree, a long road walk leads to the ancient woodland of Scratchwood, then a long and frustrating diversion is necessary beside the hectic dual-carriageway of the A1 Barnet Way.
- One hopes that this situation will improve, but the annoyance is soon forgotten as you continue through lovely countryside all the way to Barnet.
- This consists of the woodland of Moat Mount and the valley of Dollis Brook, broken by one road stretch.
- Note that a permissive footpath here is required to close on 28 February each year (see Route Closures, Strategic Network introduction) but can be avoided on alternative paths.
- Skirting the east side of Barnet through hilly open spaces, you come to Hadley Green, site of the Battle of Barnet in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses.
- After passing the picturesque old Church of St Mary the Virgin, through what was once a toll gate, you follow the edge of the well wooded Monken Hadley Common, run by a board of conservators.
- Soon after crossing the East Coast main railway line you can make a short diversion to view the serene Jacks Lake.
- The official end of this section is at Cockfosters station, but if continuing on to Section 17 you can take a short cut.
- Soon after the Cock & Dragon pub keep ahead to the main road and cross into Trent Park, whose drive leads to the cafe and toilets mentioned at Point 1 in the Section 17 leaflet.
