Join us for this beautiful walk in Northwest London. We will discover London’s first National Nature Reserve; the ancient woods of Ruislip, after lunch the woods will open up to splendid views over the Colne Valley. We will pass trough some old villages and walk along the grand Union Canal to the lakes near Rickmansworth.

The woods in this walk, located on the boundary between Hertfordshire and the old county of Middlesex, were already recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1068.

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 8 miles/ 13 kilometres. We will walk on a variety of terrain, with some uneven grassy paths and some hilly bits. There is one stile on this route. The forest and meadow paths can be muddy. Please bring good footwear.

Who can join:

Anyone who can comfortably walk 8 miles. 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)

What to bring

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy your lunch outside. It is a great idea to bring a flask, so you have something warm to drink for on the way if you get a bit cold. There are a few café’s and pubs along the route, so if the weather isn’t attractive enough to eat outside, we could stop at one of those to eat inside and warm up.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and (waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile.

Where to meet us:

We will meet at 9.30 by the news stand to the left of Bakerloo line entrance of Elephant and Castle station (close to bus stop E), where we aim to take the Bakerloo line to Bakerstreet, from where we will hop on the Metropolitan line to Northwood.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us in Northwood. We should be there around 10.30. If you do aim to meet us there, please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that so we don’t get worried!

Need poles?

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 days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this 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: