Wooenf two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Route was generally pleasant, taking in some parks, tree lined back streets and the path along the new river path - meant it's possible to find a fairly peaceful green space that has a feel of countryside. The path along the river was generally relaxing, although in parts I could see it get muddy in winter. The path along the river was only really suitable for walking due to many gates that would make it difficult for anything other than a pedestrian to get by. Some parts of river path though it was not possible to relax because I had to be on the constant lookout for dogs' mess that was on and around the pathway - hence only 3 stars, but otherwise it would have been great.

Pleasant route. Several kissing gates. Some grass path that may become muddy in wet conditions. Mostly along the New River Path but it's not possible to walk along the New River the whole way and it's not always clear where the path goes when it has to divert - so a map is essential.

I walked this on a chilly afternoon and overcast November afternoon, after it had rained moderately in the past week.

From Enfield Town, this route first crosses Enfield Town Park (I didn't walk straight across it, too muddy), before it then follows the New River Path for most of its length. There are various diversions through residential streets, with some difficult to cross due to traffic. Crossing the North Circular wasn't pleasant, but it was safe due to signed crossings. At Wood Green the route goes through a few parks, before crossing Wood Green Common and heading towards Wood Green station.

A lovely route, but it was fairly muddy along the New River Path. Bring wellies/hiking shoes!.

Excellent decision to use the New River Path to navigate from Enfield Town to Wood Green, especially since it passes (almost) my favourite North London pub.

Using the New River Path makes navigation easier than many Slow Ways as it is generally well signposted. The section between Green Dragon Lane and Enfield is also excellent and largely away from traffic.

While I would definitely walk the route again, I would personally leave the New River Path at Bounds Green Road and head directly for Wood Green Tube as it feels counter-intuitive to loop through Avenue Gardens and Wood Green column, even though the road route is only slightly shorter.

Walked Wood Green to Enfield.
I was surprised how soon the path went into green spaces, so close to Wood Green. It quickly joins up with the New River Path, which it follows to Enfield.

After some local parks I came to the first section of riverside path. The ‘river’ is really a canal which flows gently downhill at a stately pace between Hertfordshire and London. Some sections have path and some don’t. By and large the signposting is good.
The path is typically accessed by kissing gate and there are sometimes steps up or down to the waterside.
Mostly the riverside path is good and well used. Once or twice it was less good and felt a bit unloved (litter) - especially this was the case at Palmers Green. But it is a fantastic low traffic way to walk through this part of London.
Having said that - the North Circular can’t be avoided. There’s a safe pedestrian crossing, not a bridge.
There is also a section of rat run road at the Enfield end (Bush Hill), but the pavement is good at least.
The diversion along footpaths to Enfield Town park is I think well worth the extra (especially when the alternative is A road). There is a good cafe and toilets.

Well worth its place in the Slow Ways network!.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.