If you're looking to escape the busy city streets and experience nature, you could do it without ever leaving London. Walking is a great way to improve your health, no matter what your fitness level is. You can take any walking route at your own pace, and if you head to somewhere green for your walk, you can also take in some beautiful scenery while you stroll or powerwalk to your heart's content.
You don't have to get out of the city to experience nature, either. London has its fair share of large parks and open green spaces, but it's also home to some peaceful nature reserves that you can walk or cycle through at any time of year as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Parkland Walk: London's Longest Linear Nature Reserve
A video shared on TikTok by Londoners Helen and Andy documented one of the city's "easiest" walks that's so beautiful you'll forget you're still in the busy capital. It takes you straight through Parkland Walk, the longest linear nature reserve in London, following the former railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. It's around 4km (2.5 miles) long, and it's great for families, dog walkers, and cyclists.
Helen explained in the video: "This walk takes you along London's longest nature reserve. You'll follow a former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, which opened in 1873. It splits into two sections, north and south, with a short stretch through Highgate linking them together."
"Start at Finsbury Park, heading into the park, past the tennis courts, and you'll find the start of the Parkland Walk on your left. You'll follow the trail for around 3km. It's so green and peaceful, it honestly feels like you've left London."
Wildlife and Scenery Along the Route
The woman said that while the railway tracks have long gone, you can still see the platforms and the graffiti which is often common along railway lines up and down the country. She also said just before Highgate, there is a path that leads to a wildlife trail which has been set up to boost biodiversity in the area. You may even be able to see bats in the nature reserve if you do the walk close to sunset, as Helen explained that part of the railway tunnel has been closed off to protect the creatures.
She added: "From here, you'll need to walk on the road briefly to the northern section. Head past Highgate Station and turn right down Muswell Hill Road, between Queens Wood and Highgate Wood. Just past Highgate Wood on your right, you'll join Parkland Walk north, and you're straight back into the trees."
"There are lovely views over the rooftops and turrets of north London. Keep following the path, and you'll arrive at Alexandra Palace. There are a few different paths, but as long as you're heading uphill towards the big building, you'll get to the right place. At the top, you're rewarded with some of the best skyline views in London."
Facilities and Further Information
While there are no cafes or rest stops along the Parkland Walk itself, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a drink in Highgate, Queen's Wood, Highgate Wood, and Finsbury Park, as well as at your final destination stop at Alexandra Palace. The Parkland Walk website has more information about the nature reserve, including further walking route options and an in-depth description of the history of the site.
Part of the website reads: "The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London at 4km in length, and follows the former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace that opened in 1873. Its fame is now global, and it often features on 'must-do' lists for visitors from overseas. Sunny weekends bring out large numbers of ramblers, walkers with their dogs, runners and cyclists to escape the urban hullabaloo. Don't get swept along by the crowd, though. Stop and take in the ambience that nature has to offer."
