Ten miles out of central London lies this beautiful stretch of grassland, woodland, marsh and open water.
Stretching across 170 hectares, there’s loads going on around the reservoir, and plenty of bird life to spot. We see exactly one billion swans and their little grey cygnets on this route (stats may vary) and stop off at one of the bird hides planted around the area.
The route begins at the Northeastern corner of the space at the traffic lights and bridge on Cool Oak Lane. This is because we walked from Brent Cross Tube (on the Northern Line). However, it’s pretty damn grotty, so if you have an aversion to ring roads and shopping centres I’d go from Hendon Railway station which is just North of where we begin. Otherwise you could do this route in reverse from Wembley Park tube, bus it or drive. The Welsh Harp car park is located off Birchen Grove.
From the traffic lights and bridge, we head firstly across the Northern Marsh, including a quick stop at the bird hide and a loop through the recreation grounds, encircling the allotments. You’ll have to forgive a little mucking around on the cameraperson’s part. I saw a dried up worm on the path and had to put him somewhere safe. There isn’t really much explanation for this.
At any rate, we head back onto the road and down Cool Oak Lane to rejoin our starting point, crossing the road again to the Eastern marsh, and following the line of the reservoir.
You’ll see why this is an area of special scientific interest, aside from the bird life, butterflies, dragonflies and other fauna hidden, the grassland is impressive and completely peaceful on a hot, if cloudy summer’s day.
The route concludes at the Welsh Harp car park, beyond which is the environmental education centre and Birchen Grove garden centre but I’ve left a few minutes on there to take you up the hill to Wembley Park station, if you’re on foot.
If you want to extend your adventure, you’re just a stones throw away from the vast Fryent Country Park, which covers a swathe of beautiful Middlesex countryside, intersected by the Capital Ring Footpath.
The Welsh Harp is so named after a local pub which was sadly demolished in the 1970s. Similarly, a railway station from St. Pancras also existed here for a short time, but was demolished in 1903. My final fun fact is that this was the site of the tabloid-titled “Sunbathing Riots of 1930”. Naughty sunbathing was a real attraction here in the 1920s. Harangued locals chilled out by exposing their bits to the rays by the water until June 1930, when a riot arose amongst offended visitors. 200 people in clothes versus 250 flapping in the wind. It’s just improper, isn’t it.
These days most recreation is confined to the sailing club variety.
AMENITIES
At the Welsh Harp car park site you’ll find the sailing club, garden centre and Environmental Education Centre.
There’s otherwise not much on offer in the way of loos and cafes, but let’s face it, you’re a stones throw away from Brent Cross shopping centre (East) and Blackbird Hill (to the West) which has a variety of shops and cafes for those desperate times.
From Wembley Park Tube: The 182 and 297 buses will drop you at Blackbird Hill. It MIGHT be faster if you do the 21 minute walk though!
Hendon Railway Station: 17 minutes walk
Brent Cross Railway Station: An unpleasant 40 minute walk or 34 minute bus ride on the 83 or 183