Cockfosters to Turkey Street

A group of eleven met in the pleasant Rose and Crown pub for lunch on February 4th, nine having completed the approximate 6 mile morning walk, eight completing the afternoon.

Those who reached the end of the long Piccaddily Line journey early were able to enjoy the architecture, garden and good facilities at Cockfosters station. The walk then very quickly finds the fields and woods which soon form part of the large acreage of the Trent Country Park.

Crossing a road leads to more open fields of Enfield Chase. The original path goes some distance along the side of a brook, and used to be a walk which was potentially very muddy with only occasional views.

Now a long and winding new sandy coloured path crosses the brook a couple of times, and the views are currently quite extensive. Return in 20 years or so and a new forest has been planted which will change the landscape again.

A difficult road crossing and a country lane takes walkers towards Hilly Fields Park. Before lunch, a downhill path finds Turkey Brook, a pleasant stream which accompanies us for the rest of the days walking.

After lunch, the walk is in the Grounds of Forty Hall, an Estate now managed by Enfield Council. Our group had time to discover the history of the Estate and to visit Forty Hall itself. The interesting museum was open, and the formal gardens are also well worth the visit albeit better in the spring or summer.

Turkey brook disappears into some not very attractive scrubland to reach Turkey Street station, as does the accompanying tarmac path.

Tony. Thanks to Christine M and Christine R for photos.