A Highgate Walk Route & what to see
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Highgate begun as a location at which tolls were collected on behalf of the Bishop of London whose hunting park covered much of the area. This small settlement developed in the 1500s due to its healthy position and views of the city. One of the newcomers founded Highgate School, which stills exists. In 1813 Archway Road was constructed as a less steep route, giving the village a by-pass. Although the railway was built in 1867 Highgate escaped the tide of suburbia, helped by the preservation of Hampstead Heath and the Kenwood Estate plus the fact that the bishops retained control of land in the area.

The walk I have led around Highgate is that devised by Andrew Duncan and published in ‘Village London’. I haven’t been able to add anything to this as it includes all the significant features of the village (3½ miles). However I have extended it by including part of Capital Ring Walk 11 to or from East Finchley Station (Northern line). This 2 mile walk along sections 9-13 goes through Cherry Tree Wood, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood. It is particularly attractive in the autumn but a good all year round walk as it is mainly surfaced paths. Remember though that Highgate is a hilly area! Details of the Capital Ring can be found are on the tfl website. Walk 11 is 5½ miles from Hendon Central Station to Highgate. Note: the easiest way to join the Capital Ring walk to the Village walk is to go through Highgate Station.

The Gatehouse at the south end of North Road is a Wetherspoons pub. Refreshments are also available at the Jacksons Lane Community Centre, housed in a former church building, at the station end of Jacksons Lane. This is also a venue for dance, comedy, music & circus performances as well as classes & courses. Contact the box office or join the free mailing list on 020 8341 4421. Lauderdale House also has a cafe open 10 to dusk Tuesday - Sunday. The house itself holds exhibitions & events plus workshops & classes. Open Tue - Fri & Sun 11-4 and some Sat afternoons. Tel 020 8348 8716

Highgate Cemetery is open as follows (charge) except when there is a funeral
East Cemetery - from 10am Mon - Fri & 11am Sat & Sun to 4pm Nov - Mch & 5pm Apl - Oct
West Cemetery - guided tours only telephone for times 020 8340 1834 [website]

Another way to extend the Village walk is by going to Kenwood which is in the care of English Heritage. An excellent map of Hampstead Heath (ISBN: 0-852-03075-4) has been produced by the Corporation of London who also manage Highgate Wood where an information centre is available Tel 020 8444 6129.

Resources
London Villages by John Wittich
Time Out London Walks Vol 2 (Coleridge walk)

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