Walkers and cyclists are being encouraged to take part in the preparation of plans to strengthen and complete a 17-mile long loop of footpaths and cycleways circling the London Borough of Barnet.

Residents in and around High Barnet can already take advantage of the northern section of the route which is along the established Dollis Valley Green Walk and the London Loop.

Much of the Dollis Valley Walk, where it leads south to Whetstone, is along surfaced paths, but the route west towards Moat Mount passes through fields and countryside.

Frances Wilson, footpaths officer for the Barnet Society – seen above, left, with passing walker Caroline Eglinton – hopes more residents will take advantage of the green walk.

“While clearly there is much work to be done to improve footpaths and walkways to complete the Barnet Loop, High Barnet is lucky because much of the route here is well established.

“We can already enjoy what for much of the way is a formal footpath through Barnet Playing Fields and which goes on towards Whetstone.

“This has a Tarmac surface, which is ideal for cyclists and for children with scooters.

“Then, when the path heads west towards the Moat Mount Open Space it becomes a much more informal walk beside Dollis Brook, across fields and alongside hedgerows, with wonderful views across the Dollis Valley and Totteridge fields.”

Barnet Council is inviting residents to give their views on the proposed circular route of the Barnet loop and how best to connect a network of paths which can be used for walking, cycling, running and wheeling.

Suggestions are also wanted on how to improve each of the eight local sections of the route.

Residents can have their say until Friday 30 August via a council website:

https://www.engage.barnet.gov.uk/hub-page/barnet-loop-engagement-hub.

The aim of the loop is to connect the urban areas of Hendon, Colindale and

Edgware with Barnet, Totteridge and Whetstone via existing paths.

This will link green spaces, town centres, schools, community amenities and residential areas within the borough and help promote active travel.

By dividing the Barnet Loop into eight segments, the council hopes it will be able to engage effectively with residents and phase in how to deliver the loop when funding becomes available.

Design of the loop will start later this year and, after consultation, is due for completion in 2025-6.

Because the borough is experiencing a period of significant growth and regeneration with additional housing, there are high levels of car use which brings congestion, risks the safety of road users and impacts on air quality and health.

According to the latest estimate by Transport for London there are almost half a million journeys per day in Barnet which could be made by walking, cycling and wheeling if there was a comprehensive and accessible network across the borough.

Frances Wilson said the Barnet Society had given its full support to plans to establish the Barnet Loop and was keen to suggest possible improvements along the Dollis Valley Green Walk, especially where it headed west towards Moat Mount.

Many of the footpath signs were missing and she feared walkers not used to the area might get confused or even lost.

For example – see above -- there were so signs where a footpath running from Mays Lane towards Totteridge crossed the Dollis Valley Green Walk.

“In the past, there were many more signs, both for the Dollis Valley Walk and the London Loop, and although some still exist, many are missing or have been vandalised.

“These footpaths – and especially going south to Whetstone -- were unbelievably busy during the covid pandemic when people were so determined to get out and exercise in the fresh air, so we know how important they are.”

There is a surface to the footpath where it connects to Alan Drive, Mayhill Road and Leeside but Ms Wilson says repairs are needed and action should be taken to fill in dangerous potholes.

“This section of footpath, where it connects to streets off Mays Lane, is very well used, especially by pupils on their way to and from Totteridge Academy and by cyclists who join the path at Barnet Lane or who ride to and from Whetstone and Finchley.

“Nearer to Whetstone there are markings on the path to separate cyclists and pedestrians and perhaps there could be a similar separation in the section passing the Dollis Valley estate – perhaps another improvement that could be made when the path is repaired.”