Route Section

Capital Ring

Section 10 (South Kenton to Hendon Park)

Description:

Despite being mainly beside roads, this section includes some of the most rural parts along the whole Capital Ring, some fine hilltop views and a long lakeside stretch.

From South Kenton station it crosses Preston Park to pass Preston Road station, then climbs steadily into Fryent Country Park, divided into two halves by the A4140 Fryent Way. From the wooded, pond-capped summit of Barn Hill you can see the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium and Central London. At a second and more exposed summit, Gotfords Hill, you are among fields with a fine view towards Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Following residential roads through Kingsbury you pass two neighbouring churches, little (old) and large (new), both dedicated to St Andrew. The green-spired little church, surrounded by dense greenery, is a haven for wildlife. Soon you reach Welsh Harp Open Space, which includes the huge Brent Reservoir, and follow a firm track along its north shore with a grandstand view of the sailing.

At the far end, the reservoir continuation beyond Cool Oak Lane has the appearance of a yacht harbour in a seaside creek. A long roadside stretch leads across West Hendon Broadway (signed link to Hendon station), across the M1 motorway and under Hendon Way to the end of this section in Hendon Park, where a signed link takes you along a grassy avenue to Hendon Central station.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

Brent Reservoir/The Welsh Harp

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Barnet
Brent

Distance:

6.4 miles ( 10.3 km)

Start:

South Kenton station (GR 173-870)

Finish:

Hendon Park (GR 235-883)

Recommended direction:

West to east

Terrain and surface:

Mainly level on firm or tarmac paths or tracks and pavements, with some rough ground and steep climbs. No stiles. 5.5km (3.4ml) beside roads

Signage:

Partial both ways - some gaps in Barnet borough. The logo is 'Big Ben' and text 'Capital Ring' in blue and green on white background.

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafes at South Kenton, Preston Road, West Hendon Broadway and Hendon Central. No public toilets

Public transport and breakpoints:

Tube: South Kenton, Preston Road, Hendon Central
Rail: Hendon
Buses: at stations above plus Church Lane and West Hendon Broadway

Links with other walks:

None

Map required:

Explorer 173

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Brent, LB Barnet

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