Posts tagged London Borough High Point
Bushey Heath: Middlesex County Top & London Borough of Harrow High Point

Significance: Highest "peak" in Middlesex (Traditional CT), High Point of London Borough of Harrow
Member of: London Borough High Points
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Pavis Wood
Elevation (Bushey Heath): 155m, (Bushey Heath-Boundary): 153m
Date “climbed”: 13th May 2013 and 21st January 2023
Coordinates (Bushey Heath): 51° 37' 56'' N, 0° 20' 18'' W
Coordinates (Bushey Heath-Boundary): 51° 37' 52'' N, 0° 20' 10'' W
Nearest Station: Bushey (Overground, West Midland Trains): 4 km
On route of: On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 0.7 km to the south-east
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North and OS Explorer 172 Chiltern Hills East
Guidebooks: The UK's County Tops, Jonny Muir, Walking the County High Points of England, David Bathurst
Links:
- Wikipedia: Middlesex, Harrow, Bushey
- Peakbagger: Bushey Heath, Bushey Heath Boundary
- Hillbagger: Bushey Heath, Bushey Heath Boundary

My first visit to the Bushey Heath high point was in May 2013 in the early days of my County Top adventures. Knowing that this would be a boring destination I made a more interesting trip of it by cycling there along the Ebury Way from Rickmansworth. I found the point noted in Jonny Muir’s book, took a photo and considered it “bagged”. Or so I thought …

As it turned out, to fully tick the box of visiting the high point of both the Historic County of Middlesex and the London Borough of Harrow you need to also go a bit further to the North-West. The historic boundary of Hertfordshire and Middlesex is marked by a boundary stone on the A4140 opposite the Windmill Harvester. In 1965 this became the boundary of Hertfordshire and Harrow. In 1993 the Herts/Harrow boundary was moved to its current position running along Common Road / Magpie Hall Road.

So, nearly 10 years after my original visit to Bushey Heath, I returned to visit the old boundary stone to properly bag the high point.

Greater London Borough High Points formerly within Middlesex

Richard gowerUK County Tops, London, Middlesex, London Borough High Point, EnglandComment
London's Protected Views

Kenwood House to St Paul’s Cathedral Protected Sight Line

London’s Protected Views are 13 sightlines of either St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Palace that are protected in planning law. Essentially it means that new buildings can’t obstruct these views. I’ve visited all but one of them so far, many as a part of my Greater London High Points series. Here’s the details on each:

Alexandra Palace to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Alexandra Palace: 51°35′38″N 0°07′48″W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 9.2 km
Elevation Difference: -57m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Bounds Green (Piccadilly Line): 1 mile.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Alexandra Palace Station (Great Northern & Thameslink): 0.4 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Alexandra Palace and the Parkland Walk

Parliament Hill Summit to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Parliament Hill: 51°33′35″N 00°09′35″W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 6.6 km
Elevation Difference: -53m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Belsize Park (Northern Line): 0.9 miles
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 0.4 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Walking The Hampstead and Highgate London Borough High Points

Parliament Hill Summit to the Palace of Westminster

From: Parliament Hill: 51°33′35″N 00°09′35″W
To: The Palace of Westminster: 51°29′57″N 00°07′29″W
Distance: 7.1 km
Elevation Difference: -69m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Belsize Park (Northern Line): 0.9 miles
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 0.4 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee Lines): 0.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: Waterloo (South Western): 0.6 miles
On route of: Walking The Hampstead and Highgate London Borough High Points

Parliament Hill Prominent Oak to the Palace of Westminster

From: Parliament Hill Prominent Oak: 51°33'37.4"N 0°09'27.6"W
To: The Palace of Westminster: 51°29′57″N 00°07′29″W
Distance: 7.2 km
Elevation Difference: -64m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Belsize Park (Northern Line): 1.0 miles
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 0.5 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee Lines): 0.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: Waterloo (South Western): 0.6 miles
On route of: Walking The Hampstead and Highgate London Borough High Points

Kenwood House to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Kenwood House: 51°34'19.0"N 0°09'54.1"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 7.9 km
Elevation Difference: -81m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Highgate (Northern): 1.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 1.4 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Walking The Hampstead and Highgate London Borough High Points

Summit of Primrose Hill to the St Paul's Cathedral

From: Primrose Hill: 51°32'22.5"N 0°09'38.6"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 5.2 km
Elevation Difference: -25m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Chalk Farm (Northern): 0.5 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: South Hampstead (Overground): 1 mile
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles

Summit of Primrose Hill to the Palace of Westminster

From: Primrose Hill: 51°32'22.5"N 0°09'38.6"W
To: The Palace of Westminster: 51°29′57″N 00°07′29″W
Distance: 5.1 km
Elevation Difference: -41m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Chalk Farm (Northern): 0.5 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: South Hampstead (Overground): 1 mile
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee Lines): 0.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: Waterloo (South Western): 0.6 miles

Greenwich Park to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Greenwich Park, north east of the General Wolfe statue: 51°28'40.6"N 0°00'02.9"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 7.8 km
Elevation Difference: -6m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Canary Wharf (Jubilee): 2.7 miles. Connect via the DLR from Cutty Sark Station: 0.6 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Maze Hill (Thameslink, Southeastern): 0.6 miles.
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Cycling the Prime Meridian

Blackheath to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Point Hill Park, Blackheath, near the orientation board: 51°28'24.5"N 0°00'39.5"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 7.5 km
Elevation Difference: 0m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Canary Wharf (Jubilee): 2.9 miles. Connect via the DLR from Greenwich Station: 0.5 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Deptford Bridge (Overground): 0.6 miles.
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles

Westminster Pier to St Paul's Cathedral

From: Westminster Pier: 51°30'06.2"N 0°07'25.4"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 2.2 km
Elevation Difference: +23m
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee Lines): 0.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: Waterloo (South Western): 0.5 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Walking Central London’s Protected views (see below)

Richmond Park to St Paul's Cathedral

From: King Henry VIII's Mound in Richmond Park: 51°26'41.8"N 0°17'41.1"W
To: St Paul's Cathedral: 51°30′49″N 0°05′53″W
Distance: 15.6 km
Elevation Difference: -25m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Richmond (District Line): 1.5 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Richmond (Overground, South Western Railway): 1.5 miles.
Nearest Underground Station to target point: St Paul’s (Central Line): 0.1 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to target point: City Thameslink (Thameslink): 0.2 miles
On route of: Walking The Merton, Wandsworth and Richmond London Borough High Points
Links: BBC News Article 2006

The Serpentine to the Palace of Westminster

From: The centre of the bridge over the Serpentine: 51°30'22.0"N 0°10'21.6"W
To: The Palace of Westminster: 51°29′57″N 00°07′29″W
Distance: 3.4 km
Elevation Difference: -5m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Lancaster Gate (Central Line): 0.6 miles.
Nearest Rail Station to view point: Paddington (GWR, Heathrow Express): 09 miles.
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee Lines): 0.1 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: Waterloo (South Western): 0.6 miles
On route of: Walking Central London’s Protected views (see below)

The Queen's Walk at City Hall to the White Tower

From: The Queen's Walk at City Hall: 51°30'18.4"N 0°04'42.5"W
To: The White Tower, Tower of London: 51°30′29″N 00°04′34″W
Distance: 0.4 km
Elevation Difference: +10m
Nearest Underground Station to view point: Tower Hill (Circle, District Lines): 0.7 miles
Nearest Rail Station to view point: London Bridge (Southern, Thameslink, Southeastern): 0.5 miles
Nearest Underground Station to target point: Tower Hill (Circle, District Lines): 0.2 miles
Nearest Rail Station to target point: London Fenchurch Street (c2c): 0.2 miles
On route of: Walking Central London’s Protected views (see below)

All of London’s Protected Views

Walking Central London’s Protected Views

The three shortest sightlines in Central London can be visited on a scenic 10km walk. The sightlines included are:

  • The Queen's Walk at City Hall to the White Tower.

  • Westminster Pier to St Paul's Cathedral

  • The Serpentine to the Palace of Westminster

The 10km distance includes starting and ending at the closes London Underground Stations. Navigation is very simple as you’re mostly following the Thames Path and/or Jubilee Greenway and it passes many of the iconic London sights. I went on a chilly December day and didn’t hand around so it took me about 2 hours. It’s worth doing it more slowly in the Summer to appreciate more of the points of interest along the way.

Tower Hill on the Circle and District Line is the closest station to the start. From here you’ll pass the Tower of London and over Tower Bridge to get to the first sightline. From City Hall it’s only 400m to the White Tower and most of that is river. It’s a great view but practically impossible to obscure by buildings so it’s a strange one to include as a protected sightline.

From City Hall follow the Thames Path in an easterly direction for ~400m until you reach Westminster Bridge. Cross over the bridge towards the Palace of Westminster then take a right onto Victoria Embankment. You’ll find the sight-line to St Paul’s near the top of the steps down to the lower level. Here you can see the dome of St Paul’s between the roof of the Royal Festival Hall and the London Studio’s Tower.

From Westminster Pier, return to Westminster Bridge Road and take a right onto George Street. Follow this to the edge of St James’ Park. Either follow the Jubilee Greenway around the edge of the park or cut through the centre to get to Buckingham Palace. Cross The Mall and into Green Park, following the Jubilee Greenway parallel to Constitution Hill to Hyde Park Corner. Cross the island at Hyde Park Corner, still following The Jubilee Green Way and into the south-east corner of Hyde Park. Once in Hyde Park either follow the Jubilee Greenway, or the path closest to the southern edge of The Serpentine to West Carriage Drive. Turn right onto West Carriage Drive and onto the bridge over The Serpentine. The protected sightline to the Palace of Westminster is half way along the bright on the right hand side.

From the Serpentine Bridge continue north and take the first footpath on the right, following the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. This will take you to the northern edge of the park and the Bayswater Road. Lancaster Gate Underground Station, on the Central Line is on the opposite side of the road. On the Central Line change at Notting Hill Gate (heading west) or Bank (heading east) to pick up the Circle Line to return to the start.

 

Start: Tower Hill Underground Station: London, EC3N 4DJ
Finish: Lancaster Gate Underground Station: Bayswater Rd, London W2 2UE
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation change: +84m / -71m. Net +13m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path, Jubilee Greenway, Jubilee Walkway, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4, CS 3, 6 7,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots on Queen’s Walk
Maps:
- London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
- London North Map | The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 173
Links: Tower of London, The White Tower, Tower Bridge, Queen’s Walk, City Hall, Westminster Pier, Palace of Westminster, St James’ Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, The Serpentine

More London posts

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, London, Middlesex, EnglandComment
Heston The Vale: Hounslow Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Hounslow
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Richmond Park
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 35m
Date “climbed”: 20th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 29' 11'' N, 0° 23' 3'' W
Nearest Station: Hounslow West (Piccadilly Line): 1.7 miles
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 2.7 km to the south-west
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Wikipedia (Hounslow), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

For my Greater London High Point adventure I saved the closest, if not the best, for last. As the nearest to where I live I held this one back for a quick trip on a rainy day. That never really happened so I bagged it on the way back from Westerham Heights.

Not much to see here: it’s a quiet residential road parallel to the M4 and close to the service road to Heston Services. The high point appears to be near the junction with Meadow Way. It’s so flat though, it could be anywhere.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Westerham Heights: Bromley Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Bromley, Highest peak in Greater London (all 32 Boroughs)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Betsom’s Hill
Historic County: Kent (of which Betsom’s Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 245m
Date “climbed”: 20th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 17' 22'' N, 0° 3' 30'' E
Nearest Station: Oxted (Southern, Thameslink): 7.7 km
On route of: None. North Downs Way is 0.8 km to the south-east
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Wikipedia (Bromley), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Westerham Heights has been the highest natural point of Greater London since April 1st 1994. Prior to that the high point was on the northeastern slope of Botley Hill. A boundary change moved this point to Surrey where Leith Hill is higher.

Although I had already done Westerham Heights back in 2012, I had no memory of it at all. I had bagged it with a few friends while doing nearby Betsom’s Hill. My friend Mark’s log on Hillbagging even said I’d been there. I still couldn’t be sure though so I made a return trip on the way back to the M25 from Sydenham Hill.

The high point is on the main road opposite Westerham House. You can park in the lane next to the house but be careful crossing the road as it’s very busy. I overshot the turning and packed in the next lane. This is also where the 246 bus stops. For London’s highest point, it’s another disappointingly dull one and there’s no view.

My favourite (and only so far) fact about Westerham Heights is that the top of The Shard is now the highest point in Greater London (thanks to Kevin Hyam for sharing this with me). The Observation Deck at the Shard is at 244m, just 1m lower than Westerham Heights. The total height of The Shard, is 309.6m.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Sydenham Hill: Lewisham and Southwark Boroughs High Point

Significance: Highest peak in the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Sanderstead Plantation
Historic County: Border of Surrey and Kent
Elevation: 112m
Date “climbed”: 20th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 25' 57'' N, 0° 4' 20'' W
Nearest Station: Sydenham Hill (Southeastern): 0.8 km
On route of: Green Chain Walk
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Wikipedia (Lewisham), Wikipedia (Southwark), Peakbagger, Hillbagging


After Westow Hill, the Lambeth high point, it’s just 1.5 km up the Lewisham/Southwark border to get to the high point of both boroughs. Several Hillbagging logs count the Green Chain Walk sign at the junction of Sydenham Hill and Crescent Road as the high point. We also found a white engraved stone on the opposite side of Sydenham Hill (road) that may also be a clue. Most of the writing had eroded away but we could make out the word “point” near the base.

There's some argument over the name of this hill. One origin story has Sydenham taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon word Cippas, to mean 'drunkard's settlement' — somewhat aptly given the number of excellent pubs round the corner in Crystal Palace. Alternatively, if less evocatively, it may derive from the medieval term 'syp', meaning sheep. Others think it simply comes from a personal name, such as Cippa. Source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names).

Walk from Sydenham Hill Station to Sydenham Hill Summit

If you’re arriving by train to Sydenham Hill station, the best way to walk to the high point is via Sydenham Hill Wood and the old railway trackbed. This is the old route of the Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway. When you reach Crescent Wood tunnel take the right hand path to Crescent Road. Take a right on the road and follow it south to the high point at the junction with Sydenham Hill.

Start: Sydenham Hill Station, London SE21 7ND
Finish: Sydenham Hill High Point, 51° 25' 57'' N, 0° 4' 20'' W
Distance: 575m (0.4 miles)
Elevation change: +44m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Links: Sydenham Hill Wood, Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, England Comment
Westow Hill: Lambeth Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Lambeth
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Sydenham Hill
Historic County: Surrey and Kent
Elevation: 110m
Date “climbed”: 20th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 25' 12'' N, 0° 4' 43'' W
Nearest Station: Crystal Palace (Southern, Overground): 0.5 km
On route of: N/A. Green Chain Walk is 0.4 km to the east
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Wikipedia (Lambeth), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The Westow Hill roundabout sits at the tri-point of the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Croydon and Bromley. It’s also on the border of the Historic Counties of Surrey and Kent. The Hillbagging logs claim different spots on the roundabout as the high point so I did a full circuit to make sure.

Just round the corner at the junction of Crystal Palace Road and Farquhar Road you’ll find another tri-point. This one is the intersection of Southwark, Lewisham and Lambeth.

It’s a 1.5 km walk north up Crystal Palace Parade then Sydenham Hill (road) to get to the next high point, Sydenham Hill. This follows the Southwark/Lewisham border to the high point of both.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Sanderstead Plantation: Croydon Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Croydon
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Botley Hill
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 175m
Date “climbed”: 20th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 20' 23'' N, 0° 4' 24'' W
Nearest Station: Sanderstead (Southern, Thameslink): 2.3 km
On route of: N/A. London Loop is 1 mile to the north-east
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Wikipedia (Croydon), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Although Sanderstead Plantation is only the second highest peak in London, it beats Westerham Heights for enjoyment. This is a proper hill with a walk through the woods to get there. It also has a handy sign at the top to tell you that you’ve made it. There’s a short footpath to the top from Church Way where there’s also free on-street parking.

The Selsdon Park Trig Pillar (TP5873 - Selsdon Park) is only 500m away to the east. It’s on private ground though and recent logs suggest it’s inaccessible and hard to see from the path. I gave it a miss and decided to drive to Pollard’s Hill. The Trig Pillar (TP5488 - Pollards Hill) there is in a public park with views over the beautiful Croydon skyline.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Shooter’s Hill: Greenwich Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Greenwich
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Sanderstead Plantation
Historic County: Kent (of which Betsom’s Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 132m
Date “climbed”: 4th December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 28' 13'' N, 0° 4' 10'' E
Nearest Station: Welling or Falconwood (southeastern rail): 2.7 km
On route of: Green Chain Walk
Map: Greenwich & Gravesend Map | East End, Docklands, Bromley, Sidcup & Thurrock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 162
Links: Wikipedia (Greenwich), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Like Langdon Shaw, this was another London High Point on the far side of London from where I live. I could easily have bagged it on the same trip but I decided to wait for Charlton, another south-east London parkrun, to visit it on the way.

This is a more pleasing visit than many of the other London High Points as it at least feels like a summit. The high point is by the bench between the two trees in the centre of the Eaglesfield Park. Although there’s no view to the centre of London, you get a great sight of the skyline from the top of nearby Occupation Lane. For the best view return at sunset.

The hill’s name probably harks back to medieval times, when its rich woodlands were a favoured site for archery practice. The hill has maintained its shooty links over the centuries. The former dockyards and munitions factories of Woolwich abut the area. Its most famous landmark, Severndroog Castle, is named after a military engagement off the coast of India. The main road was long the haunt of armed highwaymen. Anti-aircraft guns on its summit protected south east London during the second world war, and it would have served as a last line of defence for the capital if the Germans had attempted a land invasion. More recently, a bank of rapier missiles were stationed on the hill during the 2012 Olympics. Shooters Hill might just be the most appropriately named hill in London. Source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names).

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Central London Five Summits

London skyline from Primrose Hill, near the high point of the City of Westminster.

Two weeks after completing the North London Seven Summits, I was back in the capital to tick off the central London peaks. As with the previous collection this was a pretty arbitrary grouping. It could have also included High Holborn, the high point of the City of London, but I had already bagged that one on an earlier trip.

The advantage of this group is that they can all be easily accessed by London Underground, or central London Overground stations. The disadvantage is that they’re all exceedingly dull summits. Even boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea that sound like they should be pleasant manage to have their high points in their most under-whelming corners.

Harrow Road

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Saint Johns Wood Park
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 45m
Date “climbed”: 3rd December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 31' 49'' N, 0° 13' 43'' W
Nearest Station: Kensal Green (Overground and Bakerloo Line): 0.3 km
On route of: N/A. Grand Union Canal Towpath is 1.8 km to the south
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Kensington and Chelsea), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Harrow Road and College Park come as a pair as they are only a few minutes walk apart on Harrow Road. The high point of Kensington and Chelsea, called “Harrow Road”, can be easily identified by the engraved 1865 boundary markings on 691a and 691c.

College Park

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Saint Johns Wood Park
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 45m
Date “climbed”: 3rd December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 31' 51'' N, 0° 13' 51'' W
Nearest Station: Kensal Green (Overground and Bakerloo Line): 0.5 km
On route of: N/A. Grand Union Canal Towpath is 1.6 km to the south
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Hammersmith and Fulham), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

From the Harrow Road Kensington and Chelsea high point continue north-west along Harrow Road until you reach Travis Perkins opposite the bus stop at the end of Victor Road. Congratulations, you’re at the high point of Hammersmith and Fulham. After a well deserved celebration, return to Kensal Green Station to visit the next boring summit.

Saint John's Wood Park

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of City of Westminster
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Primrose Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 52m
Date “climbed”: 3rd December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 32' 22'' N, 0° 10' 26'' W
Nearest Station: South Hampstead (Overground): 0.5 km
On route of: N/A. The Regents Canal / Jubilee Greenway is 1.1 km to the south
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (City of Westminster), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of the City of Westminster is no more interesting than the previous two. The upside is that if you can continue the walk to Primrose Hill (a proper summit) and pass some very nice houses along the way. The City of Westminster High point is at the south corner of Boundary Road and St Johns Wood Road.

Seven Sisters Road

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Hackney
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Highgate Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 39m
Date “climbed”: 3rd December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 34' 8'' N, 0° 5' 54'' W
Nearest Station: Manor House (Piccadilly Line): 0.2 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 0.4 km to the north-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Hackney), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Although Manor House is the closest Tube to this high point I got off at Finsbury Park to fully take in the vibrant splendor that is the Seven Sisters Road. Had I been bagging these high points earlier I could have done this one a few years ago as it’s just off the Finsbury parkrun course.

Hillbagging comments that there’s an alternative top 300m NE on Woodberry Grove, near Manor House Station. I didn’t visit that one. The excitement of the Seven Sisters Road was enough for me.

Swanfield Street

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = High Holborn
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 18m
Date “climbed”: 3rd December 2021
Coordinates: 51° 31' 31'' N, 0° 4' 23'' W
Nearest Station: Old Street (Great Northern Rail, Northern Line): 1.1 km
On route of: N/A. The Regents Canal / Jubilee Greenway is 1.6 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Tower Hamlets), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

For the grand finale of the Central London high point trip I visited gentrified Shoreditch for the summit of Tower Hamlets. The bandstand on the route from Old Street Station is worth a visit. It’s higher than Swanfield Street but doesn’t count as it’s man-made. Look out for the mural on Rhoda Street next to the grassy mount that is the high point.

The Friends of Arnold Circus website tells of the fascinating history of Swanfield Street and the surrounding area. The street was at the heart of the weaving area. In the 18th century the area became a slum as cheaper imports impacted the industry and the slums were eventually replaced by the Victorian Boundary Estate. Thanks to Andy Sutcliffe for sharing this.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Langdon Shaw: Bexley Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Bexley
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Shooters Hill
Historic County: Kent (of which Betsom’s Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 83 to 93m (10-meter closed contour)
Date “climbed”: 20th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 25' 18'' N, 0° 5' 44'' E
Nearest Station: Sidcup (southeastern rail): 1.7 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 1 km to the east
Map: Greenwich & Gravesend Map | East End, Docklands, Bromley, Sidcup & Thurrock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 162
Links: Wikipedia (Bexley), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

This was another dull drive-by and a long way from home so I needed another reason get out that way. Luckily there was a new parkrun at Sutcliffe that started in September 2021. I bagged Bexley as a very short diversion on the way.

The high point is in the grounds of the house in the corner of Langdon Shaw called Shalamar, on the corner of a small road called The Vista. This can also be visited on a small diversion from The London Loop between Foots Cray and Scadbury Park or a 2km walk from Sidcup Station.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
North London Seven Summits

City skyline from Hainhault Country Park on ascent to Cabin Hill

The North London Seven Summits sounds like it should be a recognized challenge. It’s not. It’s just a collection of the Greater London Borough High Points that I decided to visit by car on a grey November afternoon. Although none are particularly inspiring, there’s a few interesting places along the way.

There’s some obvious missing boroughs when you look at the map. Hillingdon, Harrow, Harringey and Waltham Forest are not in this collection as I had already completed them before. They’re also on more interesting routes like the London Loop, Capital Ring and Greenwich Meridian Trail. Click on the links on the borough names above for details on those.

Wakemans Hill Avenue

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Brent (alternative)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Highwood Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 92m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 35' 10'' N, 0° 15' 31'' W
Nearest Station: Kingsbury (Jubilee Line): 1.6 km
On route of: N/A. Capital Ring is 1.5 km to the south-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Brent), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Having already visited Subury Hill, the other high point in Brent, I was keen bag the other. The coordinates took me to the corner of Wakemans Hill Avenue and Mount View. The Wikipedia article on the Kingsbury district of Brent says that the hill “peaks at an elevation of 302 feet (92 m) near the crossing of Buck Lane and Wakemans Hill Avenue”, but the road definitely seems to peak at Mount View Road. Other road signs like Summit Avenue, Sunny View and Hill View Gardens confirm that you’re on a high point. Not much to see here so I took a quick photo and moved on to Barnet.

Highwood Hill

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Barnet
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Bushey Heath Boundary
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 146m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 37' 58'' N, 0° 14' 26'' W
Nearest Station: Edgware (Northern Line): 4.2 km
On route of: Dollis Valley Greenwalk. London Loop is 0.2 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Barnet), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of Barnet is in private property in Mote End Farm Livery Stables. Having read the reports of people being denied access to the summit, I decided to get as far as I could via public access. The closest accessible spot is the stile by the main gates to the farm at the end of the lane off Nan Clark’s Lane.

Although it’s possible to park on Nan Clark’s Lane, it’s narrow with few spots that won’t annoy the neighbours. I parked round the corner at Crown Close and walked the 600m to the gate following the Dollis Valley Greenwalk Link.

Look out for the blue plaque on the corner of Highwood Hill Road and Nan Clark’s Lane marking the “site of Hendon Park residence of William Wilberforce from 1826 to 1831”. See the blog by Adam Yamey for more on this.

Bournwell Hill-West Slope

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Enfield
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods) NHN = Bournwell Hill - West Slope
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 119m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 39' 50'' N, 0° 11' 7'' W
Nearest Station: Hadley Wood (Great Northern, Thameslink): 1 km
On route of: N/A. London Loop and Pymmes Brook Trail are 0.7 km to the south-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Enfield), Wikipedia (Monken Hadley Common), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of Enfield can be found at the white gates marking the entrance to Monken Hadley Common on Camlet Way. Look out for the “Enfield welcomes you” sign on the north side of Camlet Way. You can’t park on the roads around the Common so I stopped a the side of the road once the double yellow lines had run out further up Camlet Way. Hillbagging logs say that there’s a lamp-post with a “congratulatory and explanatory notice taped to lamp post by www.londons-peaks.com” although I didn’t see it on the day I was there. Looks like the website has gone too as I got an “account has expired” error when I tried to check it.

Wanstead Flats

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Newham
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Beckton Alps
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 15m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 33' 22'' N, 0° 1' 20'' E
Nearest Station: Wanstead Park (Overground): 0.6 km
On route of: N/A. Greenwich Meridian Trail is 0.3 km to the north-west
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Newham), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

I would have already bagged this one a few years ago if I had known that this high point is close to the start of Wanstead Flats parkrun. Not close enough to count though so I had to do a return trip.

Closest parking is at the Centre Road Car Park although you may find some on-street parking closer. The lowest high point of all Greater London Boroughs is by a group of trees at the edge of the common next to Sydney Road.

Note that Beckton Alp is often recognised as the high point of Newham. However, that’s an artificial hill rather than the natural high point on Wanstead Flats. Based on the description I think I’ll give it a miss unless I happen to be passing by it.

Cabin Hill

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Redbridge
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Havering Atte Bower Church
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 90m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 37' 25'' N, 0° 8' 10'' E
Nearest Station: Grange Hill (Central Line): 4.2 km
On route of: Three Forests Way. The London Loop is 0.1 km to the south-east

Walk Start & Finish: Hainault Forest Country Park Car Park, Fox Burrow Road, Chigwell, IG7 4QL
Walk Distance: 3.3 km (2.0 miles)
Walk Elevation change: +/- 64m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
OS Trig Pillar: TP2802 - Dog Kennel Hill
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Redbridge), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Cabin Hill is the outlier of this group as it includes a short but pleasant walk, not just a quick drive-by. From the Hainault Forest Country Park car park take the footpath that heads up the hill to the south-east behind the cafe. After 200m from the cafe take a left onto a footpath up through the woods, emerging at the golf course. Here you’ll meet the Dog Kennel Hill Trig Pillar. From the pillar return to the edge of the woods and follow the boundary path north until you meet the London Loop at the northern edge of the country park. The actual summit wasn’t obvious, so I visited several contenders: the clearing where the coordinates take you, the big tree, the gate to the park and a post in the woods. There’s not too much to see here but you’ll get some great views of the London skyline as you descent back to the car park.

Marks Gate

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Cabin Hill
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 43m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 35' 16'' N, 0° 8' 29'' E
Nearest Station: Chadwell Health (TFL Rail, Greater Anglia): 4.3 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 3.8 km to the north
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Barking and Dagenham), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

This wins the prize for the most uninspiring of the day’s uninspiring summits. The high point of Barking and Dagenham is on a sad mound between the A1112 and Kingston Hill Avenue. Nothing to see here, so park on Kingston Hill Avenue, bag the summit and move on quickly.

Atte Bower Farm

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Havering
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Langdon Hill- Southwest Slope
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 105m
Date “climbed”: 19th November 2021
Coordinates: 51° 36' 59'' N, 0° 11' 18'' E
Nearest Station: Harold Wood (TFL Rail, Greater Anglia): 5 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 0.4 km to the north
Map: Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map | Hertford & Harlow | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 174
Links: Wikipedia (Havering), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Alternative = Havering Atte Bower Church

Parent Peak: Haddington Hill (Wendover Woods). NHN = Shooters Hill
Coordinates: 51° 36' 57'' N, 0° 10' 58'' E
Links: Peakbagger, Hillbagging

After the underwhelm of Marks Gate, the high point of Havering was at least in a more pleasant location. The official high point is in the grounds of Atte Bower Farm. I got as far as the entrance to the farm to take a photo of the water tower but didn’t enter the property. A better alternative is to visit the Church of St. John The Evangelist in Havering-Atte-Bower village. This was previously the twin high-point but, according to to Hillbagging, was de-twinned in October 2020.

Look out for the plaque at the eastern entrance to the church that refers to Havering Palace: “A royal palace once stood near here for about six hundred years from the time of Edward the Confessor until the end of the civil war.”

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, London, Middlesex, Essex, Trig Pillar, EnglandComment
Clock house: Sutton Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Sutton
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Sanderstead Plantation
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 147m
Date “climbed”: 11th September 2021
Coordinates: 51° 19' 25'' N, 0° 9' 39'' W
Nearest Station: Woodmansterne (Southern Rail): 1 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 0.6 km to the north-east
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Wikipedia (Sutton), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Sutton’s High Point is another contender for least interesting Greater London Borough High Point. It’s in the southern corner of the Clock House Recreation Ground field. No marking, not much to see here.

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Potter Street Hill: Hillingdon Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Hillingdon
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Bushey Heath
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 134m
Date “climbed”: 5th June 2021
Coordinates: 51° 36' 47'' N, 0° 24' 15'' W
Nearest Station: Northwood (Metropolitan Line): 1.9 km
On route of: N/A. The London Loop is 0.6 km to the north-west
Coal Duty Post: 51
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (Hillingdon), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of Hillingdon is marked by a well-maintained Coal Duty Post. It’s a 0.6 km diversion from the London Loop via Oxhey Woods. Alternatively it’s an east drive-by, accessible from either the south end of Woodside Walk or the North End of Potter Street Hill

Richard gowerTrek, Coal Duty Post, London Borough High Point, London, Middlesex, EnglandComment
Walking The London Loop: Stanmore Common to South Oxhey
View to West London and the Wembley arch from Bentley Priory Open space

View to West London and the Wembley arch from Bentley Priory Open space

Start: Stanmore Common Car Park, HA7 3HQ
Finish: Oxhey Woods Car Park, Oxhey Drive South, Watford, HA6 3EX
Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
Elevation change: + 103m / - 120m. Net -17m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Bentley Priory Circular Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
London Coal Duty Posts: 50, plus 49 and 51 are just off the route
OS Trig Pillar: TP6393 - The Kiln
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Case is Altered, Old Redding, Harrow, HA3 6SE
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Guidebook: The London Loop: Recreational Path Guide
Links: Cycling The London Loop, London Loop - Transport for London, London Loop - Wikipedia, London Loop - Long Distance Walkers Association
- Stanmore Common, Bentley Priory Museum, Harrow Weald Common, Grim’s Dyke, South Oxhey, Oxhey Woods

The latest of our short walks along the London Loop took us from Stanmore Common to South Oxhey. As with any trip on the London Loop, Colin Saunders’ book is the definitive guide so I’ll leave it to that book to provide the route description.

Of particular interest to us (well me, the wife comes for the walk) were the additional things to bag along the way:

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Next sections of the London Loop:

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, Coal Duty Post, Trig Pillar, London, EnglandComment
Walking The Hampstead and Highgate London Borough High Points
Protected view of St Pauls from Kenwood House

Protected view of St Pauls from Kenwood House

Start & Finish: Hampstead Heath Station, London, NW3 2QD
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 144m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): River Fleet Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several on the junction of Highgate Road and Swain’s Lane and also on Highgate Hill
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North
Links: Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Heath Station, Highgate Cemetery, Highgate, Kenwood House, London’s Protected Views

For our latest Greater London Boroughs High Points walk we ticked off Islington, Haringey and Camden. All three can be reached by a 9km circular walk through Hampstead Heath and the edge of Highgate Cemetery. Whether you’re starting from Hampstead Heath Station or East Heath Car Park, you’re near the southern edge of the circuit. Taking an anti-clockwise route, you’ll soon reach Parliament Hill.

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Parliament Hill

Significance: N/A
Member of: Protected View of St Pauls and the Palace of Westminster
Parent Peak: Hampstead Heath. NHN = Hampstead Heath.
Elevation: 98m
Date “climbed”: 30th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 33' 35'' N, 0° 9' 35'' W
On route of: Belsize Walk
Nearest Station: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 0.6 km
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North
Links: Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Protected Views

The star of many London skyline scenes in TV and movies, Parliament Hill is a Protected View of St Paul’s Cathedral. Any filming done here must have been done very early in the morning as it’s usual packed with people.

The famous kite-flying hill on Hampstead Heath was known in ancient times as Traitors' Hill, perhaps due to an execution site. It took on its present name in the mid-17th century, when Parliamentarian forces occupied the hill during the English Civil War. You can see the modern Houses of Parliament from its summit. Rumours that the hill has a connection with the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament are intriguing (especially given the former name of Traitors' Hill), but unsubstantiated. source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names.

From the viewpoint, continue walking east, exiting the park at Highgate Road.

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Highgate Hill

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Islington
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Highgate
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 100m
Date “climbed”: 30th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 34' 9'' N, 0° 8' 32'' W
Nearest Station: Archway (Northern Line): 0.6 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 1 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North
Links: Wikipedia (Highgate), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

From Highgate road, continue in an anti-clockwise direction, following Swain’s Lane, Chester Road, Raydon Street and north along Dartmouth Park Hill. The stone that marks the highest point in Islington is on the western side of the north end of Dartmouth Park Hill opposite St Joseph’s Parish Church. Look out for the OS Benchmark symbol on the side. This is also the tri-point of the boroughs of Islington, Camden and Haringey.

The 'gate' in the name Highgate refers to a long-lost access route into the Bishop of London's deer hunting grounds on top of the hill. There is an alternative theory, elegantly described on Hidden Highgate, which puts the 'high' part of the name as a corruption of the Saxon word haeg, meaning hawthorn. So Highgate could refer to a gap in a hawthorn boundary. source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names.

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Highgate

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Haringey
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Hampstead Heath
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 129m
Date “climbed”: 30th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 34' 17'' N, 0° 9' 0'' W
Nearest Station: Highgate (Northern Line): 0.8 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 1 km to the north-east
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North
Links: Wikipedia (Highgate), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

From the Islington high point follow Highgate Hill in a north-westerly direction for 600m to reach the high point of Haringey. It’s in the middle of the junction of Highgate Hill, Hampstead Lane and the B519. There’s several cafes and pubs along the way for a half-way point rest.

From the Haringey high point, follow Hampstead Lane west then take the first left onto The Grove and first right onto Fitzroy Park. After ~900m take a right at the junction, and take a footpath back into Hampstead Heath at the end of the road. Continue through the Heath in a north-westerly direction up to the Kenwood House Protected Viewpoint.

Continue west past the front side of Kenwood House to the car park on Hampstead Lane. We took a minor excursion from the park to bag the Hampstead Lane summit (116m elevation) at the Haringey/Camden/Barnet Tripoint. There’s little to see here and nothing to mark the summit so it’s only one for the London peaks completists.

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Hampstead Heath

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Camden
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Highwood Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 134m
Date “climbed”: 30th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 33' 53'' N, 0° 10' 41'' W
Nearest Station: Hampstead Heath (Overground): 1.7 km
On route of: N/A. Belsize Walk is 1.1 km to the south-east
Map: OS Explorer 173 London North
Links: Wikipedia (Hampstead Heath), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Hampstead Heath was the highest point of the old County of London Administrative County. This was abolished in 1965 and replaced by Greater London

From the Kenwood House Car Park follow the Hampstead Heath boundary path south. Exit the park onto Spaniards Road on the first exit south of the Columbus Drive estate. Continue south along the eastern side of Spaniard’s drive and you’ll soon walk over the high point of Camden. There’s nothing to mark it, but the nearby Hampstead Heath sign (pictured here) is a good proxy.

Re-enter the Heath at the next entrance and follow the paths back down to the mixed bathing ponds and back to the start.

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, London, England Comment
Walking The Merton, Wandsworth and Richmond London Borough High Points
Big Alp, Wandsworth Borough High Point, Putney Heath

Big Alp, Wandsworth Borough High Point, Putney Heath

Start: Wimbledon Station, The Broadway, London, SW19 7NL
Finish: The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1EZ
Distance: 13.3 km (8.3 miles)
Elevation change: +126m /- 142m. Net -16m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Capital Ring
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several on Wimbledon and Richmond High Streets plus Pen Ponds Cafe near Spankers Hill in Richmond Park
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Guidebook: Capital Ring (National Trail Guides) by Colin Saunders
Links: Wimbledon, Wimbledon Station, Wimbledon Common & Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common Windmill, Richmond Park, Richmond, Richmond Station, London’s Protected Views

For our latest Greater London Boroughs High Points walk we ticked off Merton, Wandsworth and Richmond-upon Thames. All three can be reached via a 13km stretch of the Capital Ring with a few minor diversions. As a point-to-point route it’s very accessible as it starts and ends at 2 London Overground stations with a ~25 minute connection between them.

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Lauriston Road

Significance: (alternative) Highest point in London Borough of Merton
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Big Alp, Putney Heath
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 55m
Date “climbed”: 29th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 25' 22'' N, 0° 13' 24'' W
Nearest Station: Wimbledon (South Western Railway, Thameslink): 1.4 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 2 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Merton), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The first of 2 alternative high points for Merton can be found on the way to Wimbledon Common from Wimbledon Station. The unmarked high point is on the north side of Lauriston Road just north of the junction with Wilberforce Way.

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Wimbledon Common

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Merton
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Big Alp, Putney Heath
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 55m
Date “climbed”: 29th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 25' 58'' N, 0° 13' 27'' W
Nearest Station: Wimbledon (South Western Railway, Thameslink): 2 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 0.7 km to the north
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Merton), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The Wimbledon Common high point of Merton is ~1 km north of Lauriston Road. You can access it either by the pavement alongside Parkside road or via the parallel footpath on the edge of the common. Look out for the Parkside Road sign opposite the entrance to Calonne Road

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Big Alp, Putney Heath

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Wandsworth
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Westow Hill
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 60m
Date “climbed”: 29th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 26' 27'' N, 0° 14' 1'' W
Nearest Station: Southfields (District Line): 2.3 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 0.4 km to the south
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Wandsworth), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Big Alp on Putney Heath is just over 1 km north west of the Wimbledon Common high point. After the underwhelming summits of Merton this at least feels like a real hill. From Big Alp descend through the woods in a south-westerly direction to pick up the Capital Ring at the southern end of Queensmere lake. From here follow the Capital Ring in a westerly direction into Richmond Park.

When you enter Richmond Park at Robin Hood Gate you’re only ~300m from the tri-point of the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth on the Beverley Brook. I hadn’t researched it at the time otherwise I would have taken to the small diversion to see it.

Further into Richmond Park at Pen Ponds cafe you can make a minor diversion to the summit of Spankers Hill. There’s nothing of interest there, just go to ponder how it got that name.

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Richmond Park

Significance: Highest point in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Member of: Protected View of St Paul’s
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Big Alp, Putney Heath
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 56m
Date “climbed”: 29th May 2021
Coordinates: 51° 26' 42'' N, 0° 17' 38'' W
Nearest Station: Richmond (Overground, South Western Railway, District Line): 2.4 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 0.2 km to the west
OS Trig Pillar: TP5674 - Richmond Park
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Richmond-upon Thames), Peakbagger, Hillbagging, London’s Protected Views

After Pen Ponds leave the Capital Ring and take a short cut west through Sidmouth Wood. After leaving the wood continue across Queen’s Road to find the Richmond high point.

Although not the highest point on this trip, the Richmond-upon-Thames high point is the most interesting. There’s an OS Trig Pillar to mark the summit and it’s one of the Protected Views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

From the Trig Pillar continue following the boundary of the park for ~1km, then exit at Cambrian Gate. Head north-west along Cambrian Road, Marlborough Road and Church Road to reach the end at Richmond Station.

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, Railway, Underground, London, EnglandComment
Walking The Capital Ring: Harrow on the Hill to Horsenden Hill

Including the London Borough High Points of Brent and Ealing

View to Wembley and the city from Sudbury Hill

View to Wembley and the city from Sudbury Hill

Start: Harrow on the Hill Station, Station Approach, Harrow, HA1 1BB
Finish: Perivale Station, Horsenden Lane North, Perivale, Greenford, UB6 8AE
Distance: 7.9 km (4.9 miles)
Elevation change: +96m /- 146m. Net -50m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Capital Ring, Grand Union Canal Paddington Arm
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several on Harrow on the Hill High Street and around Sudbury Hill stations
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Guidebook: Capital Ring (National Trail Guides) by Colin Saunders
Links: Harrow on The Hill, St Mary’s Church Harrow on the Hill, Sudbury Hill, Horsenden Hill

This route mostly follows the Capital Ring with a couple of short diversions to bag the high points of the London Boroughs of Brent and Ealing.

The map and route details above describe a route from Harrow on the Hill to Perivale Stations. A return trip by public transport would take you to from Perivale to Northolt by train then a bus to Harrow on the Hill. We had 2 cars for the trip so we were able to park one car at by St Mary’s Church, Harrow on the Hill and another at Horsenden Farm, both free at the time we went. This reduced the trip distance by about 1 km.

From Harrow on the Hill Station, walk south along Station Approach, taking a left onto Lowland’s Road (A404) and then cut south across The Grove Open Space. At the south end of the park you’ll follow the Capital Ring Link up to Lord Byron’s view in the grounds of St Mary’s Church. This is the top of Harrow Hill at 124m. It’s not the high point of Harrow, though as that’s Bushey Heath to the north. The name is thought to come from the Old English for 'heathen temple'. Its remains may well stand beneath St Mary's church, whose spire can be seen for miles around (source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names).

When exiting St Mary’s Church, walk south down Church Hill to High Street. You’ll now be on the Capital Ring which you’ll follow for most of the trip. When the Capital Ring leaves Sudbury Hill road at South Hill Avenue, keep walking down Sudbury Hill. At the intersection of Sudbury Hill, Greenford Road, Harrow Road and Sudbury Court Drive, take a left onto Sudbury Court Drive. Take the first right onto Sudbury Court Road then the footpath into Sudbury Hill Park. You can’t miss the tree that marks the (alternative) highest point in Brent.

Take a moment to rest on the benches that are strangely turned away from the view before retracing your steps to the intersection. Continue south-west along Greenford Road, rejoining the Capital Ring at Sudbury Hill Harrow Station. Continue along the Capital Ring to the bridge over the Grand Union Canal, bagging the Trig Pillar at Horsenden Hill along the way. The car park at Horsenden Farm, next to the Grand Union, was our end point for the trip. If you’re finishing at Perivale station, cross over the Grand Union and keep walking down Horsenden Lane South for ~600m.

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The tree at the top of Sudbury Hill

The tree at the top of Sudbury Hill

Sudbury Hill

Significance: (alternative) Highest peak in London Borough of Brent
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Wakeman’s Hill Avenue (the other high point in Brent)
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 91m
Date “climbed”: 24th April 2021
Coordinates: 51° 33' 45'' N, 0° 19' 29'' W
Nearest Station: Sudbury Hill Harrow (Chiltern Railways): 1.9 km
On route of: N/A. The Capital Ring is 1.1 km to the south-west
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Brent), Wikipedia (Sudbury Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

This may be 1 metre lower than the official high point of Brent but it’s likely the most interesting. The higher point is in the middle of a residential street and looks tedious. I’ll confirm that soon when I get round to visiting it. At last this one feels like a summit and has some views of the city.

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Horsenden Hill

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Ealing
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Sudbury Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 85m
Date “climbed”: 24th April 2021
Coordinates: 51° 32' 46'' N, 0° 19' 34'' W
Nearest Station: Sudbury Town (Piccadilly Line): 1.6 km
On route of: The Capital Ring is 0.1 km to the north
OS Trig Pillar: TP4023 - Horsenden Hill
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Ealing), Wikipedia (Horsenden Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Signs of an Iron Age settlement from 2500 BC have been found on and around the hill. Its present name can be traced back to Saxon times and probably refers to a hill fort controlled by a chap called Horsa (source: How London’s Hills Got Their Names).

Unlike Sudbury there’s no disputes about this being the highest point in Ealing.

Richard gowerTrek, London Borough High Point, Trig Pillar, Canal, Railway, London, EnglandComment
Telegraph Hill: Kingston-upon-Thames Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak in London Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Clock House
Historic County: Surrey (of which Leith Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 90m
Date “climbed”: 27th March 2021
Coordinates: 51° 19' 49'' N, 0° 19' 39'' W
Nearest Station: Chessington South (South Western Railway): 3.4 km
On route of: N/A. Chessington Countryside Walk is 2.2 km to the north-east
OS Trig Pillar: TP5774 - Rushett Common (Missing)
Coal Duty Post: 115
Map: OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
Links: Wikipedia (Kingston-upon-Thames), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

After the under-whelm of visiting High Holborn, this went one step further by both lacking in elevation and being inaccessible. The summit of Telegraph Hill is in private property so you can only get within a few hundred metres of it. You can either pull in by the blue gates on the A423 for a nice view of discarded waste on the shabby driveway or access it via the woods off The Avenue. The latter option gets you slightly closer and at least gives you a walk there from The Star pub on the main road. Look out for the Coal Duty Post in the pub car park.

Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, Coal Duty Post, London Borough High Point, London, Surrey, EnglandComment
High Holborn: City of London High Point

Significance: Highest peak in the City Of London
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Primrose Hill
Historic County: Middlesex (of which Bushey Heath is the County Top)
Elevation: 22m
Date “climbed”: 13th March 2021
Coordinates: 51°31'05.3"N 0°06'49.5"W
Nearest Station: Chancery Lane (Central Line): 0.2 km
On route of: City of London Boundary Walk, Jubilee Walkway
Map: OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
Links: Wikipedia (City of London), Wikipedia (High Holborn), Peakbagger, Hillbagging, Jubilee Walkway

No great adventure, or even a micro-adventure, for this one. The Wife had an appointment in Central London, so needing something to fill 30 mins after I dropped her off, I headed over to the City to bag this one. It’s one of the lowest London Borough High Points both in terms of elevation and (probably) excitement.

The best way to bag High Holborn is on the route of the City of London Boundary Walk where you can also visit the 14 dragons that guard the city.

Note that The City of London is actually a Ceremonial County not a London Borough. See The English County Tops for details.

Richard gowerLondon Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Pole Hill: Waltham Forest Borough High Point

Significance: Highest peak on the Greater London Borough of Waltham Forest
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Haddington Hill. NHN = Highgate Hill
Historic County: Essex (of which Chrishall Common is the County Top)
Elevation: 91m
Date climbed: 21st October 2018 (on Tough 10 run) and July 14th 2020 (on Prime Meridian cycle)
Coordinates: 51° 38' 11'' N, 0° 0' 5'' W
Nearest Station: Chingford (Overground): 1 km
On route of: Greenwich Meridian Trail
OS Trig Pillar: TP5486 - Pole Hill
Map: OS Explorer Map (174) Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map
Links: Wikipedia (Waltham Forest), Wikipedia (Pole Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging, Epping Forest, Greenwich Meridian Monuments

The first time I found the summit of Pole Hill it was by accident. I was running the Tough 10 Epping Forest Race and spotted the Trig Pillar at the top of a steep climb. As I wasn't up for a PB I took a 30 second diversion to get a photo of my at the Trig. I was intrigued by the other monument next to it and made a mental note to check it out another time.

My return to the Pole Hill monument was on my Prime Meridian cycle trip. The monument is one of several obelisks and other markers that signify the line of 0 degrees longitude. As far as I know Pole Hill is the only place where there's a Meridian marker, a Trig Pillar and a County/Borough High Point.

Richard gowerRun, Cycle, London Borough High Point, Trig Pillar, London, EnglandComment