Nordic Walking around London. On this second of our two Explorer walks in December we will return to north London to explore the area between Finsbury Park and Hampstead Heath.

This walk takes us along the Stoke Newington reservoirs, along the new river, beautiful Finsbury Park, through London’s longest nature reserve -along a disused railway line-, through Highgate and Hampstead Heath.

En route we will dip through cuttings and under bridges brightly sprayed with graffiti art; we walk past back gardens and even pass a ghost station at Crouch End. Look for the Spriggan emerging from a wall, a bronze sculpture by local artist Marilyn Collins that some say depicts the supernatural man-monster that picked off walkers in Stephen King’s horror story ‘Crouch End’.

Training to Nordic Walk the half marathon (aka the Big Half) on 4 March? This walk will keep you on track with your training schedule, so do make sure to join us. But don’t worry, you don’t have to have ambitious plans like a half marathon to enjoy this walk. We will walk at our usual pleasant pace, so don’t expect a super-fast walk.

Now the days are getting shorter, it is even more important to spend time in nature, get plenty of daylight and enjoy the friendship and company of others. So, come on a walk with us – we promise we will help you feel absolutely fabulous, both mentally and physically!

Will you join us on this walk?

How to get there:

We meet at 10 am in front the Arsenal shop next to Finsbury Park station.

There are so many options to get to Finsbury Park, there is bound to be an easier option from where you live, but if you want, you can meet me at 9am on Camberwell Road, bus stop X (opposite Burgess Park entrance) to travel together. I will take bus 68 to Holborn, and will jump on the Piccadilly line from there.

All stations are within the Oyster and 60+ Freedom card zone, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

We can catch the Northern Line underground back from Hampstead Heath.

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 7 miles/ 10 kilometres. This walk follows a few city roads, then mostly follows sand and gravel tracks and woodlands paths. The walk is fairly flat until we get to Hampstead Heath, which ofcourse has some steeper inclines. It is December, so puddles and mud can be expected. Please bring good footwear.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t attractive enough to eat outside, there are plenty of places we could stop along the way.

There are public toilets in Finsbury park and in Highgate wood as well as in Hampstead Heath.

Don’t forget to bring a flask, so you have something warm to drink for on the way.

I have a reputation to uphold, so I am counting on sunny weather, but this walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and shoes with a good grippy profile. It is December, so the path might have puddles. Waterproof trainers with good profile are highly recommended.

(There are lots of good waterproof shoes available and they don’t have to be expensive. Get in touch, I would be happy to share my favourites that fit your budget).

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 10 km.

Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walker or not, you are very welcome to join us, if you are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊

Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me THE MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me for poles days before the walk unless you remind me the morning of the walk, or risk walking without poles.)

Cost:

£10 or, if you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers, one stamp on your 10 session card. (£89 for ten walks)

If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5

(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me THE MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me for poles days before the walk unless you remind me the morning of the walk, or risk walking without poles.)

Check our shop if you would like to buy your own. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

Joining A Walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: