WALK AND TALK PROJECT
Welcome to ‘the Walk and Talk Project’
Bringing Our Community Together, One Step at a Time
Discover. Connect. Thrive.
In the vibrant, multi-ethnic heart of North London, Axis Educational Trust is proud to introduce the Walk and Talk Project – an initiative designed to foster health, social connections, and a stronger community spirit among families in Barnet and Enfield Boroughs from any background including ethnic minorities.
Why Walk and Talk?
Our work with over 750 families has highlighted a crucial need for activities that promote physical well-being, reduce social isolation, and encourage community engagement. The Walk and Talk Project seeks to address these needs head-on, inviting parents and children to explore their community, share experiences, and support each other through regular, guided walking activities.
Let’s walk the talk – together! Children over 6 years old welcome with their parents.
Project Aims:
Health: Encourage regular exercise, contributing to physical well-being and mental health improvement.
Social: Reduce feelings of isolation by connecting families with similar backgrounds, creating a network of support and friendship.
Community: Introduce participants to the rich diversity and resources of Barnet and Enfield wards, enhancing their connection to the area and its people.
What to Expect?
Fortnightly Walks: Scheduled on weekends during school terms, with two walks per week in school holidays to maximise family participation.
Routes: Explore Colindale, Hendon, West Hendon, Burnt Oak, Mill Hill, North Finchley, East Barnet, Southgate, Hadley, Trent Park, Each walk offers a new perspective of our diverse community and heritage.
Support: Tea, coffee, refreshments, and walking maps provided. Our volunteers, recognisable in hi-vis jackets, will ensure a safe and engaging experience for all.
Community Building: Our walks are moving ‘talking circles’ where participants can share stories, access information on healthy living, and discover support services.
Walk 1: Barnet and Hadley Walk
Meeting point
High Barnet Bus Stop R
Date
Sunday, 24 March 2024
Time
2 pm – 3:30 pm
This walk through High Barnet and Hadley is filled with history; it has more than 10 heritage points of interest. Including how “Chipping Barnet” got its name, to the Battle of Barnet in Hadley Green. This walk really gives a sense of the boroughs past. It is mainly an urban trail.
Walk 2: Hendon to Mill Hill Walk
Meeting point
Hendon Town Hall
Date
Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time
2 pm – 3:30 pm
A gentle stroll through the heart of Barnet; experience a mix of unique urban heritage and leafy green spaces. This walk is mostly paved, with some park walking which could become muddy during wet weather. This is not a circular walk.
Walk 3: Totteridge Walk
Meeting point
Orange Tree Public House
Date
Saturday, 6th April 2024
Time
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
A beautiful countryside walk through Totteridge Common, a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of suburban London. Most of this walk is on unpaved ground, which is at times uneven, through Totteridge Common woodland and fields. This is a circular walk. This route is unsuitable for people with buggies or wheelchair users.
Walk 4: East Finchley to New Southgate Walk
Meeting point
Islington and St. Pancras Cemetery
Date
Sunday, 7th April 2024
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
This walk starts in East Finchley and finishes New Southgate, passing through St Pancras and Islington Cemetery, Coppetts Wood, and eventually arriving in Friern Park and the building which was previously
Colney Hatch Asylum. This is not a circular walk. The route is unsuitable for people with buggies or wheelchair users from point five onwards.
- East Finchley to New Southgate map (PDF 1,260KB)
- East Finchley to New Southgate audio transcript (PDF 507KB)
- East Finchley to New Southgate additional information (PDF 309KB)
- Download the East Finchley to New Southgate route to your Google Maps
- Listen to the East Finchley to New Southgate Walk on Spotify
Walk 5: Mill Hill Walk
Meeting point
St.Joseph’s Gate
Date
Saturday, 13th April 2024
Time
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
This walk takes you through interesting sites of Mill Hill and includes the original Mill Hill Village along The Ridgeway, where some notable large houses and quaint cottages survive. It is mainly an urban trail, however there are some grassy slopes and steps.
Walk 6: East Finchley to Finchley Church End Walk
Meeting point
East Finchley Tube Station
Date
Sunday, 14th April 2024
Time
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
This linear walk is from East Finchley and ends at St. Mary’s-at-Finchley Church, in Finchley Church End. Can you find the key stone? See if you can spot Spike Milligan sitting on a bench! This is mainly a paved, urban trail.
Walk 7: NLGS, Brent Reservoir, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
Meeting point
North London Grammar School, 110 Colindeep Lane, NW9 6HB
Date
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Time
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
This Walking Circle, starting at the North London Grammar School, once the Old Metropolitan Police Training Centre. Follow the path along the storied A5 towards Brent Reservoir, where serenity meets tradition. Visit the ornate Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, a bastion of spiritual devotion, before finding solace amidst the lush greenery of Rushgrove Gardens.
Walk 8: Golders Green and Hampstead Garden Suburb Walk
Meeting point
Golders Green Station
Date
Sunday, 28 April 2024
Time
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This circular walk from Golders Green Tube Station, guides you through the rich heritage of Golders Green and Hampstead Garden Suburb. There are 20 points of heritage to note. Retrace the footsteps of young wizard, Harry Potter in Hampstead Garden Suburb and hear about where Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton performed their early gigs!
Walk 9: Southgate School, Trent Park, Water Garden, Oakwood Station
Starting point
Southgate School Car Park, Sussex Way, EN4 0BL
Date
Saturday , 4 May 2024
Time
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Embark on a leisurely stroll through Trent Park, starting at Southgate School, where education meets community spirit. Wander into the serene oasis of Trent Park, where the whispering leaves and tranquil waters of the Water Garden offer a moment of serenity amidst the urban bustle. Pause for rejuvenation at the park’s café, indulging in a delightful cup of tea or coffee, before continuing the journey. Exiting from Oakwood Station, the route circles back to Southgate School, completing a two-hour adventure through nature’s embrace and the heart of Enfield’s charm.
Walk 10: Ashmole Academy,Brunswick Park, Oak Hill Park, Southgate
Starting point
Car Park, Cecil Rd, N14 5RJ
Date
Saturday, 18 May 2024
Time
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Embark on a two-hour walk starting at Ashmole Academy, passing through Brunswick Park and Oakhill Park. Take a coffee break in Southgate before heading back to Ashmole Academy
Walk 11: Southgate School, Oakwood Station, Trent Park
Starting point
Southgate School Car Park, Sussex Way, EN4 0BL
Date
Saturday , 8 June 2024
Time
10:-0 am - 12:00 pm
Embark on a two-hour walk starting at Southgate School, having a circular in Trent Park entering from Oakwood Road. Take a coffee break at Animal Centre Café in Trent Park before heading back to Southgate School exiting the park from Cockfosters Road.
Walk 12: Ashmole Academy, Southgate, Wynchgate, Grovelands Park
Starting point
Car Park, Cecil Rd, N14 5RJ
Date
Saturday, 15 June 2024
Time
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Embark on a two-hour walk starting at Ashmole Academy, having a circular in Grovelands Park entering from Church Hill. Take a coffee break at Grovelands Cafe before heading back to Ashmole Academy exiting the park from Bourne Hill.
Get ready for your walk
Plan your route
Work out how you will travel to and from the start and end points of the walks. Visit TFL journey planner
Wear appropriate footwear
Wear walking shoes or trainers that are comfortable these will provide good support and help prevent blisters.
Be comfortable
Wear clothing that you can freely move in and dress accordingly for the weather. If it’s sunny weather, remember sun cream.
Stay hydrated
Bring water to drink, especially on hot days and bring some healthy snacks.
Keep safe on your walk
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch your footing.
- Stay on public footpaths.
- If you are listening to the audio at the highlighted points, we advise you to keep one ear uncovered while listening and remove headphones while crossing roads.
The benefits of walking
Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. A brisk 10 minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Regular walking is proven to reduce your risk of some chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer.
Walking can also improve your mood and reduce your risk of depression. For older people, walking more often is great for increasing general mobility and muscle strength in your lower body which reduces risk of having a fall.
Get Involved:
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore your community, or simply enjoy the outdoors with your family, the Walk and Talk Project invites you to join us in creating a space of mutual support and wellness.
Together, We Can Make a Difference:
By participating in the Walk and Talk Project, you’re not just taking steps for your health; you’re becoming part of a larger movement towards a connected, vibrant, and healthy community. Join us in making every step count.
Registration Form
Contact Us:
For more information or to volunteer, please contact sports@axiseducationaltrust.org