Disused railways in North West London

[4th Harrow Sco]

I am looking for help with walking or cycling routes suitable for Scouts in north west London that take in disused railway lines or stations. Any help will be much appreciated.
Many thanks
4th Harrow Scouts

 

[edwin_m]

Part of the Harrow-Stanmore branch is a footpath I think, and there is a walk published somewhere on the Internet which partly follows the old branch from Mill Hill East to Edgware. Not sure there actually are many other disused railways in NW London...

 

[John Webb]

Just outside NW London there is the "Alban Way" along the former branch from Hatfield to St Albans. There is also a former line available as a footpath from SW Watford to Rickmansworth - the "Ebury Way".

Part of the Harrow-Stanmore branch mentioned by Edwin_m can be walked, and is referred to as the Belmont Trail. Part of the Mill Hill East-Edgware line is also walkable, officially from the Copt Hall Leisure Centre eastwards to a footpath which extends from Sanders Lane. The section westwards from Mill Hill Broadway to Edgware is mostly overgrown, although part is apparently a nature reserve, run by the London Wildlife Trust, which can be opened for visitors.

Due to the development of London, there have been very few closures of railways in the area!

 

[theageofthetra]

Probably the most interesting one for them would be the Parkland Walk. Get to Highgate tube then they can look down at the disused high level station. If they head south they can see the twin tunnel portals and see old platforms down through Crouch Hill to Finsbury Park. If they go North then you have the great view from the viaduct at Muswell Hill on the way to Alexandra Palace. A great day out for them with plenty of disused railway infrastructure. Plenty of resources online.