Parkland Walk

Parkland Walk is a linear nature reserve and rail trail in North London stretching roughly 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. The trail follows a disused railway line and runs mostly through wooded cuttings and beneath bridges, with more open sections in the northern part.

The trail traces the route of the Edgware, Highgate and London Railway, which carried passengers until 1954 and freight until 1964. After closure, the line was transformed into a public green corridor for walkers and cyclists during the 1980s.

The green spriggan sculpture by Marilyn Collins emerges from beneath an arch, marking where art meets the wooded corridor. Local runners, dog walkers and birders visit this former railway line regularly, enjoying its quiet passage through residential neighborhoods away from traffic noise.

Several access points along the route allow for shorter sections, including Crouch Hill near Ella Road and Blythwood Road. Finsbury Park station and the W7 bus route provide public transport links near the southern endpoints.

This reserve contains the only area of acidic grassland in London, supporting rare plant species and insects within the city. The special soil conditions resulted from the composition of the original railway ballast, allowing unusual flora to thrive.

Location: London Borough of Islington

GPS coordinates: 51.57420,-0.12450

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26