Click here for a zoomable map and the Strava Route

• Distance – 3.7 miles
• Surface –Tarmac paths
• Terrain – Hilly
• Surroundings – Park
• Traffic Free – Yes

Hampstead Heath is one of North London’s largest and most varied parks mixing grasslands, ancient woodlands and a big (ish) hill with great views of London.

It’s located only four miles from Central London, so this loop could be included in a longer run. The Heath also contains a running track, swimming lido and bathing ponds so there’s a great opportunity to mix up your training.

The Route

From the Parliament Hill Athletics track, set off in an anticlockwise direction and follow the footpaths around the edge of the Heath. Head past the bathing ponds toward Kenwood House and keep heading around.

There are numerous footpaths across the Heath so there are plenty of ways to go. Instead of heading back to the track, you could do some hill repeats up Parliament Hill.

Opening Times

The Heath has no opening and closing times. It’s not recommended to run on the Heath when it’s dark for safety reasons.

Getting There – Public Transport

Hampstead Heath is highly accessible by public transport.

Overground (train)

• Hampstead Heath Rail – on the edge of the Heath
• Gospel Oak – 100m to the Heath

Northern Line Tube Line

• Hampstead – 0.6 miles
• Golders Green – 0.7 miles to Golders Hill Park and the Heath Extension,

Parking

Car parking around the Heath are limited and there will be charges. The car parks are located here.

• East Heath – NW3 1BN
• Kenwood – NW3 7JR
• Jack Straw’s – NW3 7ES

Running Track

There are changing rooms and showers available at the running track. There will be a charge.

If you’re looking for a track session, several athletics clubs – Serpentine, Highgate Harriers and London Heathside use the tracks on various days.

The track is open every day from 7.45am-dusk and car parking is available at the Lido.

Bathing Ponds and Lido

There are Men’s and Ladies ponds on the Highgate side of the Heath and a Mixed pond further towards the Hampstead side of the Heath. A single adult ticket is £2.

The ponds are open all year round but opening and closing times do vary throughout the year. On a warm English summer day, the ponds do get very busy.

The opening times and charges can be found here.

The Parliament Hill Lido is a 60m unheated open-air swimming pool. A morning or evening swim is £4 and a day ticket is £7. The opening times and charges can be found here. Limited car parking is available.

Food and Drink

There are a few places to get coffee and a bite to eat on the Heath

• Parliament Hill Café
• Brew House Café (in Kenwood House)
• Lido Café

The local area around the Heath is surrounded by numerous cafes, particularly in Hampstead, so a pre or post boost is easily found.

Strava

Click here for the Strava route which you can print or export.

Alternatively search “Where to Run in London” in the Strava app, go to “Routes”, pick the route and “Use”

More Information

If you want to know more about the Heath, during my research I found a great and lovingly made site, strangely enough, called Hampstead Heath. Check it out here.