Moat Mount Open Space

Downs, Moorland in Middlesex

England

Moat Mount Open Space

Edgware: Meadfield Viewed looking northwards. — Edgware: Meadfield Credit: Nigel Cox

Moat Mount Open Space, located in Middlesex, England, is a stunning natural landscape encompassing downs, moorland, and woodlands. Spanning approximately 100 hectares, this open space offers a diverse range of habitats and recreational opportunities for visitors.

The site's prominent feature is the ancient Moat Mount Hill Fort, which dates back to the Iron Age. This historical fortification provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich past and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The open space is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including heather, gorse, and rare orchids, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Walking trails and footpaths crisscross the open space, allowing visitors to explore the rolling hills and expansive moorland. These paths are suitable for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes, offering something for everyone. Additionally, the woodlands within the open space provide a peaceful retreat for picnics or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Moat Mount Open Space is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, cycling, and birdwatching. The vast open spaces provide ample opportunities for these activities, while the diverse terrain adds an element of excitement and adventure.

Visitors to Moat Mount Open Space can also take advantage of the various facilities available, including parking, picnic areas, and toilet facilities. The site is well-maintained and easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists.

Overall, Moat Mount Open Space in Middlesex offers a picturesque and diverse landscape, rich in history and natural beauty. With its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities, it is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to connect with nature.

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Moat Mount Open Space Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.634479/-0.24533835 or Grid Reference TQ2194. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Edgware: Meadfield

Viewed looking northwards.

Nigel Cox

Edgwarebury: Farmland

The very northern edge of built-up London here, where the houses end and the countryside begins. This view was taken looking north westwards from the end of Warrens Shawe Lane. There is a large stream flowing in the bottom of the valley which the Ordnance Survey, for some reason, ignores on both the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 scale maps.

Nigel Cox

On the London Loop near Brent Lodge Farm

Mark Percy

Evening Light, London N14

Liked the colour of the clouds and the vapour trails.

Christine Matthews

Totteridge Fields

The nature reserve covers over 30 fields to the north of Totteridge Common, stretching between Hendon Wood Lane in the west and Grange Avenue in the east. It lies along the valley of the Dollis Brook, which flows from west to east through the site, with fields rising gently on either side. Totteridge Fields once produced hay for London’s horse-traffic. In the early 1990s local people successfully opposed plans for a cemetery covering three fields. This led to the site coming under the management of the London Wildlife Trust from 1993. Traditional hay-cutting methods are still used, with volunteers mowing alternative areas each year to help conserve the richly diverse plant and invertebrate population. This work is supplemented by conservation grazing with traditional breeds of cattle, first introduced in 2014.

Mark Percy

Footpath and driveway to Mote End Farm

This leads off Nan Clark's Lane here and beyond Mote End Farm it reaches the London Loop.

Marathon

The entrance to Mote End

This is at Mote End Farm. The driveway through the gate leads to Pond Cottage, The Studio and the Coach House. This old horse trough with its flowers made a splash of colour on a rather dull day.

Marathon

Footpath to Rowley Lane

This leads from Barnet Road at Barnet Gate, past Windmill Cottage and through an area of woodland to reach Rowley Lane. This is just past the village hall.

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Nan Clark's Lane

Nan Clark's Lane got its name from Nan Clark who worked in the local tavern (the pub is now called The Rising Sun). She was well-liked and had many admirers, but she also had a very jealous husband. One day her husband barged into the pub drunk and started yelling and screaming at Nan as there were whispers going round that she had been having an affair. Nan Clark’s husband dragged Nan out of the tavern, down what is now called Nan Clark’s lane, pulling her hair when she tried to struggle. Nan Clark was then murdered by being drowned in a nearby lake. The lake is seen at Link For more about the story see Link

and Link

Marathon

A pond with a sinister story

The nearby Nan Clark's Lane got its name from Nan Clark who worked in the local tavern (the pub is now called The Rising Sun). She was well-liked and had many admirers, but she also had a very jealous husband. One day her husband barged into the pub drunk and started yelling and screaming at Nan Clark as there were whispers going round that Nan had been having an affair. Nan Clark’s husband dragged Nan out of the tavern, down what is now called Nan Clark’s lane, pulling her hair when she tried to struggle. Nan Clark was then murdered by being drowned in this nearby lake. For more about the story see Link

and Link

Marathon

At the entrance to Mote End

This is at Mote End Farm, next to the driveway which leads to Pond Cottage, The Studio and the Coach House. This old horse trough with its flowers made a splash of colour on a rather dull day. See also Link

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London Loop ahead

This is just past Mote End Farm and the London Loop is joined beyond the gate. Moat Mount and Barnet Gate Wood can be seen in the distance.

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The London Loop at Moat Mount

The London Loop is seen here at Moat Mount with Barnet Gate Wood on the horizon. The path is also followed by the Dollis Valley Greenwalk. The Dollis Brook is a tributary of the River Brent and the infant Dollis Brook is crossed ahead at the foot of the valley which is at the end of the field on the left.

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The London Loop at Moat Mount

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Windmill Cottage, Arkley

Arkley Windmill can just be glimpsed behind. It dates from 1826 and more about it can be seen at Link

and at Link

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The London Loop alongside the A1

This is bit of a low point on the London Loop as there is no way of crossing the A1 (Barnet Way) between Scratch Wood Open Space and Moat Mount without following this path alongside the busy A1. Eventually a subway is reached when you have to tramp back up the other side.

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