The Parkland Walk – Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace

London’s longest local nature reserve along a disused Victorian railway line

Route Overview

The Parkland Walk is London's longest Local Nature Reserve, tracing the green route of the former railway line that once linked Finsbury Park to Edgware via Highgate. Beginning at Finsbury Park Station, you step onto a peaceful, car-free tree-lined corridor dappled with sunlight. Walk under historic Victorian brick arches, spot the famous Spriggan sculpture emerging from the brickwork at Crouch End, skirt past the ancient Highgate Wood and Queen's Wood, and climb the wooded crest of Muswell Hill to emerge at Alexandra Palace ('Ally Pally') for breathtaking panoramic vistas stretching across the entire London basin.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take the Victoria Line or Piccadilly Line directly to Finsbury Park Station. Exit towards Station Place and walk 2 minutes into Finsbury Park to join the Parkland Walk footbridge. (Station: Finsbury Park Station (Piccadilly & Victoria Lines, National Rail), duration: 15 - 20 mins from Central London (Direct Victoria Line)).

By Bus: Take TfL Bus routes 4, 19, 29, 106, or 253 to Finsbury Park Interchange. (30 mins from Camden or Kings Cross)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Alexandra Palace East Car Park (N22 7AY). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 35 mins from Central London (6 miles via A1 / Archway Road / Muswell Hill). Drive north via A1 / Holloway Road towards Finsbury Park. Street parking is restricted; public transport via Victoria Line is strongly recommended.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the The Parkland Walk – Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace trail:

• ☕ The Victoria Stakes: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ The Grove Cafe Alexandra Palace: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to The Parkland Walk – Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace from London?

Take the Victoria Line or Piccadilly Line directly to Finsbury Park Station. Exit towards Station Place and walk 2 minutes into Finsbury Park to join the Parkland Walk footbridge. (Station: Finsbury Park Station (Piccadilly & Victoria Lines, National Rail), duration: 15 - 20 mins from Central London (Direct Victoria Line)).

Where is the closest car park for The Parkland Walk – Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace?

Nearest car park is Alexandra Palace East Car Park (N22 7AY). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 35 mins from Central London (6 miles via A1 / Archway Road / Muswell Hill). Drive north via A1 / Holloway Road towards Finsbury Park. Street parking is restricted; public transport via Victoria Line is strongly recommended.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

The Parkland Walk – Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace covers 6.5 km (4 miles) with an estimated duration of 1.75 - 2 hours, graded as Easy. Starts at Finsbury Park Underground / Rail Station and finishes at Alexandra Palace (or Highgate / Muswell Hill).