- We will meet opposite the Hampstead Heath Overground station. For members who prefer the tube – Belsize Park is 6 mins away.
- We will then make our way to explore the Heath. Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient London heath, covering 320 hectares. This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate.
- We will be passing via the ponds and make our way to see the hollow tree via the Viaduct bridge (pictured). We will then make our way via Hampstead Heath Tumulus, which is a burial site of Boudicca, a British folk hero.
- We will carry on via the ponds to see the Kenwood House and Estate – a total area of 50 hectares (120 acres) which is maintained by English Heritage. Kenwood House is free to visit and art lovers can always come back to see the wonderful art collection, including original Rembrandt and Gainsborough. This is where we are going to have our lunch break, so please bring a packed lunch.
- We will then make our way towards Jack Straw's castle. Not that Jack Straw -:), this site is named after the rebel leader Jack Straw, who led the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 and who is said to have taken refuge on the site until he was caught and executed. It is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where Professor Van Helsing and Doctor Jack Seward stop to dine, and also in Harold Pinter's play No Man's Land.
- We will carry on to see the Burgh House, which is run by a charitable trust formed by local residents. Burgh House is free to visit and art lovers can always come back to see the world's largest archive and collection of Helen Allingham's work.
This is where the walk ends. Optional drinks at the local pub after the walk. Hampstead station is 5mins away. For members who prefer the Overground – Hampstead Heath is 10 mins away.
What to bring:
Packed lunch
Comfortable footwear
Water
Photo-taking gadgets and chargers
An umbrella just in case (it's London after all)
The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs.
The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event).
All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest).
'No Show' Policy: If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organisers on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.