Walking in Barnet

Walking is a great way to get more exercise in to your day, helping to improve your health and well-being.

Taking part in a friendly health walk gives you:

  • the option of walking together with other people
  • meeting other people
  • exploring your local area. 

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    Health walks affected by COVID-19

    As of  Sunday 20 December the Health Walks programme has been suspended until further notice. Any reinstatement is subject to Government review.

    We appreciate this will be disappointing to some people, however we need to look out for you as walk leaders and walkers.

    We need to remain cautious and take all necessary measures during these unprecedented times.

    Health walks in Barnet parks

    We have 7 organised health walks every week in our parks and open spaces, led by qualified and experienced instructors.

    The walks are suitable for anyone over the age of 18 and are graded for their difficulty to help you find a walk that’s suitable for you.

    Pricing 

    • one organised health walk costs £2.80
    • block book 10 walks for £22.40 or £18 if you are aged 60 years and over (proof required e.g. drivers license or a document containing date of birth)
    • please pay on the day of your walk by cheque.

    Free health walk with a FAB card

    Get your first health walk for free and save a further 10 per cent on block bookings with a FAB Card. To register for your card visit the Better Leisure website 

    Health walks timetable

    Seven health walks are available each week and are graded for their difficulty to help you find a walk that’s suitable for you. 

    Health walks timetable
    Day of the week start time  finish time location difficulty grading 
    Monday 9.30am 10.30am Woodside Park, N20 (meet at the
    junction of Laurel View and Laurel Way
    at the gate to Whetstone Stray)    		 Leisurely
    Tuesday 9.30am 10.30am Hampstead Heath, NW11 (meet at
    North End Road, top entrance by café
    and disabled car park, Golders Hill)    		 Moderate
    Wednesday 9.30am 10.30am Friary Park, N12 (meet at gate in
    Torrington Park opposite Ashurst Way
    - Torrington Park)    		 Moderate
    Thursday 9.30am 10.30am Hampstead Heath, NW11 (Heath
    Extension meets opposite Hampstead Way)    		 Moderate
    Saturday 9.30am 10.30am Woodside Park, N12 (meet at the entrance
    to Dollis Valley Walk opposite Chanctonbury
    Way - Finchley Central – Southover)    		 Intermediate
    Sunday 9am 10am Orange Tree Public House/Totteridge,
    N20 (meet outside the Public House -
    Totteridge Lane)    		 Brisk
    Sunday 10.30am 11.30am Hampstead Heath, NW11 (meet at the
    top of the Heath Extension on Wildwood
    Road, 20 metres from Hampstead Way
    junction)    		 Brisk

    Before you start your health walk

    • no pre-booking required, just turn up and walk, remember to take your fee for the walk
    • dogs are not invited to the walks as other people may feel uncomfortable around animals
    • wear appropriate walking shoes that are comfortable such as trainers or sturdy boots
    • wear clothing that you can freely move in and dress accordingly for the weather

    At the health walk

    • your health walk instructor will safely lead the group around the park/open space observing all health and safety protocols.
    • all the health walk instructors are qualified and incredibly friendly and will be on hand to provide some useful warm up, cool down and stretching tips to keep you in tip top form.

    What some of our health walkers have to say

    Daphne, a Barnet resident who joined her local Health Walk eight years ago when her husband became unwell, found the walks therapeutic and say they helped her to feel supported during a difficult time, she said:

    “The mental benefits of the walks, have helped me cope with my husband's terminal illness, and consequently through bereavement. I enjoy the social camaraderie, and the walks keep me supple.

    “I enjoy seeing the changing environment with the seasons, the fitness aspects attached, and the valuable exchange of ideas which stimulate my hobbies.

    “The walks are accessible to most people, and the physical improvements I noticed, give me confidence to try other forms of exercise. This has helped me lose weight, and prevent depression.

    “I find the walks invigorating, connecting and social. They give me knowledge of my local area and lovely places to walk where I wouldn’t venture on my own.”
     

    Contact

    Greenspaces and Leisure Team

    2 Bristol Ave

    Colindale

    NW9 4EW

    Telephone: 020 8359 4600

    Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk

    Walking Groups

    Join a walking group if you want to walk regularly with other people.

    Ramblers provide led walks in London and the countryside nearby. There are many different groups, each with their own style and type of walk. You can join any group of your choice, and once you are a member, you can go on the walks of any group in the country. You are welcome to turn up on a walk and try it out before joining.  

    Local Ramblers’ Groups are:

    North London & South Herts (Barnet & North Finchley)

    Finchley & Hornsey (Finchley, Hendon & Mill Hill)

    Better Walks Barnet

    Walking for Health scheme that run two weekly walks from two leisure centres in Barnet. Anyone who is looking to increase their physical activity levels and become more active is welcome.

    More details on the Better Walks Barnet website.