CLIMBING THE HILLS OF LONDON

ABOUT THE WALKS -

I stumbled upon a list of the hills of London, over 100m high. There are 21 of them, so I decided to “climb” them all. Not that they are hard or remote, just another facet of walking in London. Almost the “Munroe's” of the city! I had basically climbed them all on my other walks in the capital, but this would be a purposeful enterprise in its own right. And, decided to walk them over the winter period with short daylight hours. I hadn’t taken into consideration the weather, for it proved to be a prolonged wet and cold three months. The paths were horrendously wet and muddy, but I walk in all seasons and weathers, so not a problem; except when stiles and fences
collapse!

I started with the highest hill - Westerham Hill (245m. 804ft) on the North Downs Way, from Biggin Hill. Proved a nice walk but saw nothing because of freezing fog, so no summit view. I went back a few days later but it was no better. For the next 2 1/2 months I went out at least once a week and climbed them all. Most I could do in a cluster of 2 or 3 on one walk. Not all hills had a view being obscured by trees. Croydon Hill was different, although surrounded by trees, a wooden plaque hung from a trees, and proclaimed the summit - 175m. Surprisingly there are two Woodcock Hills! Often I spent more time travelling than walking! There was only one hiil with a classic mountain crossing, Harrow on Hill. My final walk was to Muswell Hill and a short distance beyond was the Alexandra Palace, where
there is an unparalleled view of the London skyline and a worthy end.

To complete my London “hill climbing”, I walked from Hampstead Heath to the Thames at Westminster, climbing two lesser but important hills/viewpoints - Parliament Hill and Primrose Hill. Apart from the enjoyment of climbing these hills was the fact I was seeing other areas of London that I wouldn’t have walked through. Now I shall be back in the summer and appreciate the hills again with views, solid paths and sunny weather.

Enjoy the “climbs” and discovering .........

PS. I recently was walkig all the parks and commons in London and discovered, Hilly Fields Park, close to Crofton Park. The summit has a rare triangulation point - 53m. The 360 degree views are stunning!

THE WALKS -

Westerham Hill - 804 ft (Highest Hill) - 10 miles 
Shooters: Hill = 132i: /433Tt - 8 miles.
Orange Tree Hil - 103m/344 ft - 7 miles miles.
The Hills of Barnet & Enfield - Bournwell Hill - 115m, & Ferny Hill - 102m. 13 miles .

Purley - Sanderstead plantation - 575 ft & Big Wood - 492 ft- - 10 miles.
The Hills of Crystal Palace - Beaulieu Heights - 110m, Sydenham Hill - 112 m., & Forest Hill - 106m. - 7 miles .
Harrow on the Hill 404ft./124m - 3 miles .
Rickmansworth to Stanmore - Part One - Woodcock Hill -103m, & Pinner Hill- 126m. - 7 miles .
Part Two - Harrow Weald Common - 144m. & Stanmore Common -146m - 7 miles .

Barnet - Three Hills - Highwood Hill 145m, - Woodcock Hill 149m., & Aridey Hil - 147m  - 8 or 10 miles. 
Hampstead to Muswell Hill - Hampstead Heath 137m., Highgate Hill 135m., & Muswell Hill - 105m. - 6 miles ..
Hampstead to Thames via Parliament & Primrose Hills - 13 miles

London has 21 "hills" over 100m. This new guide by John Merrill, climbs them all on short walks. Not only climbing the hill but discovering new places and history within London. Some very satisfying walks with views to the London skyline. Also includes the popular hills of Parliament Hill and Primrose Hill. Peak baggers walks in our capital city.
All are reached by using public transport.

A5. Wire bound. 100 pages. Signed by author. 

A great guide and an unusual slant on London. Good walking with a purpose.

Succesful walkers added to the Walkers Roll of Honour page.