4.4
(370)
3,297
hikers
417
hikes
Hiking around Monken Hadley Common offers a network of trails primarily through forested areas and parkland in the London Borough of Barnet. The terrain typically features gentle elevation changes, characteristic of common land and managed green spaces. These routes provide access to natural environments within an urban fringe setting.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
4.60km
01:14
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
4.51km
01:11
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
48
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
5.75km
01:35
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great place to pop in for a pint at the end of the walk (not too expensive either). Lots of indoor space and big beer garden out back.
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Jack's Lake is the lowest of three lakes originally created in the 1880s as estate lakes for Squire Charles Jack, who owned nearby Beech Hill House.
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Crosses the thameslink line to King's Cross
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Pub and restaurant with a decent beer garden. A good place to stop at the end of section 16 or 17 of the London LOOP (depending which way you come from).
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The ghost of Geoffrey De Mandeville, Earl of Sussex and Hertfordshire and Constable of the Tower of London has been haunting the Moat since the 12th Century. He was arrested for treason and hid his treasure down a very deep well which he guards. Many have tried to find the well but so far none have succedded
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The moat’s main use was probably defensive. One use of the lodge would have been to detain individuals who had broken the harsh forest laws. The moat would also have helped to drain the site, been used for rubbish disposal and possibly for keeping fish.
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Poor quality excavations in the late 1880s and again in 1923 suggested that the lodge was quite substantial, with rubble masonry walls and glazed floor tiles in some rooms. The name Camlet remains a mystery. It first appears in local records in 1440 AD. The moat was originally crossed by a wooden drawbridge, the base frame of which was lifted in 1923 and recorded in 1949. A small piece found recently was dendro-chronologically dated to c.1357.
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There are over 430 hiking trails around Monken Hadley Common, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The majority of these, about 285, are considered easy routes, making the area very accessible.
Hikes around Monken Hadley Common primarily feature forested areas, open common land, and parkland. The terrain generally has gentle elevation changes, characteristic of managed green spaces within an urban fringe setting. You'll find a mix of natural paths and maintained trails.
Yes, Monken Hadley Common is well-suited for beginners and families. A significant portion of the trails, over 280, are rated as easy. Routes like the Trent Country Park — Yellow Walking Route (2.9 miles) or the Trent Country Park and The Water Garden — Red Walking Route (2.8 miles) are excellent choices for a relaxed outing.
Yes, Monken Hadley Common is a popular spot for dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but it's always advisable to keep them under control, especially around wildlife or other visitors. Please be mindful of local signage regarding lead requirements in certain areas.
Many of the trails in and around Monken Hadley Common are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Trent Park Café – The Duke's Pyramid Obelisk loop from Oak Hill Wood Nature Reserve, which offers a longer, scenic loop.
Monken Hadley Common offers pleasant hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery and shade, autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and winter offers crisp, quiet walks. The gentle terrain makes it accessible even in colder months, though paths can be muddy after rain.
Parking is available in various locations around Monken Hadley Common and nearby Trent Park. There are often designated car parks or on-street parking options in the surrounding residential areas. It's recommended to check local signage for any restrictions or charges.
Monken Hadley Common is home to typical woodland and parkland wildlife. You might spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small mammals. The diverse habitats, including mature trees and open spaces, support a range of local fauna.
While Monken Hadley Common doesn't feature dramatic mountain viewpoints, the trails offer pleasant vistas across open common land and through mature woodlands. Notable landmarks often include historical boundary markers, ancient trees, and features within adjacent areas like Trent Park, such as the Duke's Pyramid Obelisk, which can be seen on routes like the Trent Park Obelisk – The Duke's Pyramid Obelisk loop.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 350 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the accessibility of the trails for a refreshing escape into nature within an urban setting.
Yes, there are several pubs and cafes in the villages and towns surrounding Monken Hadley Common, such as Monken Hadley village itself or nearby Barnet. These establishments offer a welcoming spot to relax and refuel after your hike.
Monken Hadley Common is reasonably accessible by public transport. Hadley Wood railway station is nearby, offering connections to central London. Additionally, local bus services operate in the surrounding areas, with stops within walking distance of various entry points to the common.


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