Stanmore to Hatch End

The Walk: From Stanmore Underground Station, the walk climbs to the Wood Farm Viewpoint, then proceeds through several Open Spaces and Nature Reserves before descending to Hatch End Overground Station. (This walk is based on walk number 9 described in the book 'Hillwalking London' by Caroline Buckland, Safe Haven Books, 2023.)

Map

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: This walk follows the high ground overlooking North West London, including three great viewpoints (Wood Farm, Bentley Priory and Old Redding).

The walk traverses several open spaces: Stanmore Country Park, Wood Farm, Stanmore Common Local Nature Reserve, Bentley Priory Local Nature Reserve, and Harrow Weald Common, the latter including Grim's Dyke ancient earthwork and Grim's Dyke House, the home of lyricist W S Gilbert (now the Grim's Dyke Hotel.) Unfortunately, he drowned in the lake trying to rescue a guest.

There is an optional excursion to visit Bentley Priory, which was HQ RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, and is now made over to a museum dedicated to the Few, and 'the Many' who supported them from this control centre. There is also an impressive garden terrace with more views over London. The Priory lies within a private estate with controlled entry gates, and has limited opening times, check the museum website. Note you cannot access the house from the main walk through the eponymous nature reserve, so the visit will add a round trip excursion of about 1.5 miles.

Bentley Priory

Distance: 7 miles (plus 1.5 mile excursion to visit Bentley Priory)

Logistics: The start at Stanmore Underground Station can be reached on the Jubiliee Line. The finish is at Hatch End Station on the London Overground. There are also several buses running along the Uxbridge Road.

Stanmore station

You could reduce the walk to Bentley Priory by catching the 142 bus from Priory Drive to the next stop for Bentley Priory (this bus could also be used to bail out early from the walk).

There are free car parks at Wood Farm, Stanmore Common and Old Redding Viewpoint: check lock up times, which are earlier in the winter months.

Old Redding Viewpoint Car Park

Challenges: Expect mud in winter and after heavy rain.

Mud

I found it difficult to follow the route described in the guide book at two places: the ascent through Stanmore Country Park to the Wood Farm Viewpoint, and the area around the Grim's Dyke Hotel. I have edited my track on the Google map to remove my various aimless wanderings. I have shown the route through the hotel grounds: I believe there is a path around the grounds to the South.

To get the best from the views, you will need a clear day and, preferably, a pair of binoculars.

Zoom view of Wembley Arch from Wood Farm Viewpoint

Refreshments: There are the usual eateries and shops in Stanmore, a short way down the road from the station. There is a cafe in the Bentley Priory museum when it is open. The strangely named 'Case is Altered' pub next to the Old Redding Viewpoint seems to be permanently closed.

The Grim's Dyke hotel offers the usual range of catering, (bar, afternoon tea, lunch, dinner etc).