Cockfosters to Enfield Lock: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
Trail Landmarks
Trent Park - one of the few remaining forests associated with Enfield Chase - a substantial area of woodland for the breeding and hunting of wild animals since the 14th C. In the 20th C Philip Sassoon rebuilt the house associated with the estate and is responsible for the transferring of memorials namely Dukes Pyramid, the Pineapple and the Sassoon Obelisk. Well mowed grass meadows, easy compressed stoney paths and sheltered woodland walkways bring a very relaxed mood to the start of this stage amongst the surrounding open countryside. Eventually emerging from Ferny Hill with the great Obelisk behind and crossing the main road, the path now heads on to Salmon's Brook.
Salmon's Brook and Brooke Wood - a lovely tranquil riverside path neighbouring open green fields still continue the nature reserve feel to this stage. Entering peaceful Brooke Wood, the path eventually leads onto the Ridgeway from which adjacent to the former Royal Chase Hotel, panoramic view of Central London and the Shard rise up on the horizon.
Hilly Fields and Turkey Brook - taking the tarmac lane past Rectory Farm and neighbouring horse fields, and then turning right onto Strayfield road, the entrance to Hilly Fields and the delightful Turkey Brook await. Awkward trail-separating signage could easily lead the walker astray here at the entrance. The sheltered paths here are again delightful, bringing with them much seasonal atmosphere, the ponds and widening stream creating a causeway like path along the Brook. The feel now becomes that of a country park which of course is the home of 17th C Forty Hall. Stately in manner, the house now sports a very good cafe and function rooms. A small diversion finds the house and then returning to the riverside path at Maidens Bridge, where it is believed Sir Walter Raleigh laid down his cloak for Queen Elizabeth to pass, a short walk alongside playing fields ends the Brook path at the A10.
Enfield Wash and Albany Park - urban sections of walking now materialise, never too far away from the stream, onto Turkey Street and into Enfield Wash. Named as it was formerly prone to flooding, it is a bustling high street with shops and restaurants to suit. Before arriving at Enfield Lock and the close of this stage of the trail, the path leads through the rejuvenated Albany Park. Well laid paths, managed planting and timber and steel footbridges bring a new welcome amenity to this increasingly large outdoor space.
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