As the Middlesex Greenway enters Woodside Park, it re-enters the suburban landscape, but down these mean streets a man must go….
‘Mean’? No, this is the Middlesex of Edwardian Villas and trimmed gardens, and of faded Edwardian villas divided into tiny flats, and of real people. At first though, Woodside Park, and this road almost resembles Croxley Green, which is praise indeed. It runs down to the Dollis Brook, where we escape again into greenness along the brook briefly and across it: look for the first, green footbridge.
The light has gone. There are no pretty photographs here (I have just added though a picture of the lake in the hidden park found in northern Edgware).
Back on the streets, the Middlesex Greenway does not escape the conurbation again until the end of the walk. I was back to road walking for several miles, but along a surprising variety of roads from the well-heeled suburb to, well, the intensely practical. The districts go by – North Finchley, Friern Barnet, New Southgate. The route has a few welcome brief skips though green space; Friary Park and what I think is called Bethune Park, to New Southgate.
These suburban roads were not as difficult to follow as I thought they might be. I was glad of my route planning beforehand though (watch for stations, past Arnos Grove station and first left after the Arnos Arms).
However, I am did not turn left past the Arnos Arms: I am heading home after very much enjoying a good supper at the Arnos Arms. Tomorrow is another day.
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Follow my track on the Middlesex Greenway
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