London’s history and ever-changing nature mean that the city’s buildings, venues, and even railways can transform in their identity over time. After all, nothing can possibly remain the same for centuries at a time! (Although some of London’s oldest pubs would beg to differ.) But one fascinating example of a space transforming over time is the Parkland Walk. What was once an old railway line is now a tranquil escape in North London.
This 4-kilometre stretch of parkland is London’s longest linear nature reserve, and allows visitors to explore a myriad of environments. If you walk the full length, you’ll encounter everything from sun-dappled woodland to railway relics that hint at its previous life. The area is even home to rare flora and fauna, making it an important part of London’s natural ecosystem. But ultimately (and perhaps most importantly), it’s also just a downright stunning place for a wander – or a full-on hike.
The old train line in Parkland Walk
In its original guise, the Parkland Walk was part of the Great Northern Railway, which ran trains between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. Plans to add the track to the Northern Line were scuppered at the onset of WWII, and the line fell out of service in the years afterwards.
Slowly but surely, the track stopped being used entirely. Passenger services ceased in the 50s, and the last trains passed through in 1970. A couple of years later, the track came up, and the station buildings were demolished. Over the following years, nature took over the expansive open space, and in 1984, it became the Parkland Walk.
Sights along the Parkland Walk
While the tracks and the station buildings may be gone, there is still plenty to see along the trail. The old platforms and tunnels are still in place, albeit having been overtaken by Mother Nature. They make for a charming mix of natural and man-made sights along the way.
And, of course, there’s plenty of nature to spot along the way. The nature reserve is populated by everything from butterflies to hedgehogs and foxes. Additionally, some two hundred varieties of wildlife bloom in the area. In fact, the Parkland Walk is home to Islington’s only area of acidic grassland. This means that it’s home to a variety of rare plants and insects that you won’t find elsewhere.
The Parkland Walk is also home to a mysterious figure that surprises many a passerby. Keep your eyes peeled around the Crouch End stretch of the walk, and you’ll spot a mischievous elf emerging from the brickwork. It’s actually a sculpture of a Cornish sprite, known as a Spriggan, and was the only statue to be commissioned when plans were briefly made to turn Parkland Walk into a sculpture trail. In full sunlight, it looks pretty mischievous climbing out of the graffiti. But in the fading winter twilight, it does tend to loom slightly forebodingly above those going for a winter wander.
How to get there
There are a number of access points to the Parkland Walk, but if you fancy seeing the whole thing, you’ll want to start at one of the endpoints. You’ll find these on Muswell Hill near Ally Pally and Oxford Road in Finsbury Park. The nearest stations for the endpoints are Highgate and Finsbury Park.
Alternatively, if you just fancy seeing a stretch of the nature reserve, Crouch Hill station is situated about a third of the way along. Follow Crouch Hill north out of the station and you’ll find the Crouch End Hill Bridge, which goes over the Parkland Walk. The Highgate tube station is also very conveniently situated for those looking to wander a portion of the Parkland Walk.
Image: @__.ellebee.__, via IG
Regardless of how you choose to approach the trail, it’s a delightful way to experience nature in the city. And it allows you to go on a nature hike without having to leave London!