The trail follows the trackbed of the former Edgware, Highgate and London Railway, which closed to passengers in 1954.
The tunnel at Highgate station is a protected hibernation site for several species of bats, including Daubenton's and Natterer's bats.
A large, iconic sculpture of a 'Spriggan'—a mythical forest guardian—is carved into the wall of an old railway bridge abutment.
The reserve is home to the rare bee orchid and purple hairstreak butterfly.
Much of the site was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1990 to prevent residential development on the disused railway land.
Parkland Walk is a linear nature reserve spanning 4.5 miles along the former Great Northern Railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. It serves as London's longest linear nature reserve, providing a wooded corridor for diverse wildlife including muntjac deer, hedgehogs, and over 300 species of wild flowers. The route remains a public right of way, preserving remnants of the old railway infrastructure like abandoned bridge abutments and platform edges. It is divided into two distinct sections separated by the Highgate station tunnel, which is currently closed to the public to protect bat colonies. The path is unpaved in parts, providing a woodland atmosphere despite its location within the built-up urban environment of North London.
The Spriggan sculpture carved into the brickwork near the Highgate section.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the trail surface can become muddy and uneven after rainfall.
Carry a flashlight if visiting late in the day, as many sections lack artificial lighting.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no retail facilities directly on the path.
Attempting to enter the sealed-off railway tunnels, which are restricted for ecological preservation.
The Highgate tunnel section is permanently closed to public access to protect wildlife.
Keep dogs on a lead in sensitive conservation areas and stay on marked paths to protect ground-nesting habitats.
