Head out on one of Hampstead Heath’s less walked tracks. Running down the spine of its narrow extension it still feels like a heath – reed filled ponds and old field boundaries. You reach the heath’s core, West Heath following its lane past the weatherboarded farm house, one time secluded retreat for artists. Cross over and climb to the sandy summit surrounded by pines. Be prepared.
Walking through the gate of the Hill Garden could astonish you. Once good enough for Lord Leverhulme it’s now open for us all to enjoy. Shrubberies edge the lawns surrounding the geometric lily pond.
As you climb up to the pergola don’t miss the view back to Harrow then enjoy the long serenade of roses and wisteria. Reaching inner London’s highest point you cascade down Hampstead’s lanes, alleys and steps, past its ponds to reach South End Green.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
N.B. On Wednesday 17th Ann will be sharing the guiding
A B A –
Section 5 of the Ultimate London Walk this September.
Once again, our guide navigated us through the area’s hidden corners—from woodlands and grand houses to secluded yards and squares—providing fascinating history on how and why they came to be. Participating in this series of walks is a wonderful way to experience the city, as each route adds another piece to the puzzle.
The pre-walk information was excellent. The detailed email covering meeting points, potential toilet stops, and terrain details made it easy to prepare and pack appropriately. Additionally, the group size was ideal; everyone could hear clearly and we were encouraged to walk at our own pace without feeling rushed.
Our guide, Charlie, was outstanding. He was attentive to detail, passionate about sharing his knowledge, and very open to input from the group.
Rose and Richard Neville –
We had a fantastic time doing this walk and the next section. Charlie sets a good pace, but allowing for those who walk slower. The break for lunch is long enough to eat without rush as well. We had a few specks of rain, but we didn’t even need to reach for the coats – that’s London weather for you!
The walk was really good, yes we had slightly sore feet at the end of the day, but we left wanting to do the rest of the sections across the whole of London. What better way to get to see a place than on foot with time to appreciate and a guide with so much to say and a great way of presenting the stories. How Charlie can remember so much detail is beyond me, not only for this walk but for the whole of the Ultimate London Walk, but he does. His depth of knowledge and interesting ways of putting bits of facts together to provide even more insight is amazing. The walk across Hampstead Heath is beautiful. Wending a way through Hampstead and Chalk Farm is fascinating. The walk up Primrose Hill is steep but worth it for that iconic view of London. And then you get to Regents Park and Charlie takes you to the most perfect, quiet garden so you almost forget you’re in central London.
We’ll be back for more of these walks on our next trips to London. We love London Walks, the guides are always interesting and really know their facts. We’ve been doing London Walks for decades and hopefully for more decades to come. They are the original and are definitely the best!
Rose Neville –
We had a fantastic time doing this walk and the next section. Charlie sets a good pace, but allowing for those who walk slower. The break for lunch is long enough to eat without rush as well. We had a few specks of rain, but we didn’t even need to reach for the coats – that’s London weather for you!
The walk was really good, yes we had slightly sore feet at the end of the day, but we left wanting to do the rest of the sections across the whole of London. What better way to get to see a place than on foot with time to appreciate and a guide with so much to say and a great way of presenting the stories. How Charlie can remember so much detail is beyond me, not only for this walk but for the whole of the Ultimate London Walk, but he does. His depth of knowledge and interesting ways of putting bits of facts together to provide even more insight is amazing. The walk across Hampstead Heath is beautiful. Wending a way through Hampstead and Chalk Farm is fascinating. The walk up Primrose Hill is steep but worth it for that iconic view of London. And then you get to Regents Park and Charlie takes you to the most perfect, quiet garden so you almost forget you’re in central London.
We’ll be back for more of these walks on our next trips to London. We love London Walks, the guides are always interesting and really know their facts. We’ve been doing London Walks for decades and hopefully for more decades to come. They are the original and are definitely the best!
ant –
I am learning all the time through our guide Charlie who is very knowledgeable and able to share his passion with us all. We walked in areas of Hampstead I did not know and learnt what a Garden Suburb is.
At walk 5 the pace has been excellent – no-one feels rushed and Charley never starts telling us things until the group is together. I like that he always repeats a question an individual may have asked – in case we had not heard it the first time.
Jacky –
Sections 5 & 6: Golders Green to Marylebone
The Ultimate London Walk. All the gang who started a few days ago are still walking, with folk joining us for different stretches.
A good paced walk heading out of Golders Green, through Hampstead Garden Suburb and onto Hampstead Heath. Charlie our guide sweeps you along with his passion for London.
Wonderful woodland and sandy paths, then down the hidden back alleys of Hampstead Village, ending up for lunch in South End Green. I thought I knew this part of town pretty well but was surprised and delighted to see and explore as if for the first time.
Vouty mattar –
A wonderful walks with our guide Charle taking us through hidden green spaces , woodland paths and brooks while sharing fascinating insights into the local community and neighbourhood .
Justin Whitmarsh –
Charlie’s walks are always great. He gives “off the beaten path” a whole new meaning.