Healthy walks exploring Barnet’s historical heritage

Councillor Caroline Stock, Mayor of Barnet – and the borough’s wellbeing champion – launched the first of six healthy heritage walks which are being promoted by the council to encourage exercise and an interest in historic points of interest.

Despite the rain, around 60 enthusiastic walkers joined the Mayor on the first walk from Hendon to Mill Hill, led by members of the Ramblers.

The second walk, across Totteridge valley to Mill Hill Ridgeway, is to be launched in the autumn.

Councillor Stock said she was delighted with the turn-out for the first walk (27.7.2019) which is part of a concerted drive by the council to promote healthy exercise and encourage an interest in Barnet’s heritage of historic buildings and locations.

The inauguration of the Hendon to Mill Hill walk — a 3.7 mile route that takes in Sunny Hill Park, Ashley Lane past Hendon golf course and Hendon cemetery and Sanders Lane – was supported by the Hendon MP, Matthew Offord, the borough’s director of public health Dr Tamara Djuretic, and Vicar of St Mary’s Church, the Rev. Dr Julie Gittoes.

Councillor Stock says she has been promised the support of pupils from Totteridge Academy for the Totteridge walk – a 4.3-mile circular route starting of the Orange Tree public house and returning to Totteridge war memorial.

“Barnet has such a rich heritage of country walks and the council is committed to doing all it can to develop and protect them.

“We have just extended the Dollis Valley walk from Southover through the Darlands and we are thinking of holding a charity fund raising event along the Dollis Valley trail next spring.”

Dates have yet to be announced for the launch of the four other walks.

Guides and audio descriptions of the walks are available from www.barnet.gov.uk/heritagewalks