south bank group logo

South Bank Group

We offer walks in London and Home Counties, accessible by public transport.

Email

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

This long distance trail stretches 34 miles from Cockfosters in the far north of London all the way to Carshalton in the south. It traverses the capital, connecting footpaths, waterways, woods and other green spaces – some well-known, some entirely surprising. And the best bit? 75% of the route is off-road! Which, when you’re walking across a capital city, is quite something. 

Cockfosters, located in zone 5 at the north end of the Piccadilly Line, marks the start of our new North-South London trail. In less than 10 minutes’ walk from the station, we find ourselves in woodland and from here on, there are very few occasions when we see a road. The route heads steadily southwards, taking in some undiscovered green spaces before reaching its summit at Alexandra Palace. From here, we can take in the marvellous views as we continue steadily downhill, through Highgate Woods to the station at Highgate.

Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Easy
Distance:
12.9km / 8.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
linear

Train: Cockfosters Piccadilly Line . Return form Highgate Northern Line

Lunch: Bring a picnic, community cafe in Broomfield park for drinks

Toilet: at Cockfosters Station and along the way

 

Features

  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
TQ 28170 96356
Nearest postcode:
EN4 0DR
what3words:
among.labels.dish
Start time:
10:30 am

Cockfosters Station meet at ticket office

Finishing point

Grid reference:
TQ 28535 88162
Nearest postcode:
N6 5UA
what3words:
united.engage.hello
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm

Highgate Station

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking