Running Routes Archway: 4 Loops From the Station

Archway is a brilliant place to run if you like hills and green space, and a slightly confusing one if you are new. The big junction, the gyratory traffic and the steep roads in every direction can make it hard to know where to go when you step out of the front door at 6.30am with 30 minutes before the kids wake up. I have trained clients around N19 and N6 for over 10 years, so here are my favourite running routes Archway has to offer, all starting from Archway station, with honest notes on hills, surfaces and how far they go.

Running routes Archway: local tips before you set off

• Everything goes uphill eventually. Highgate Hill, Archway Road, Hornsey Lane and Dartmouth Park Hill all climb. Plan your run so the hardest climb comes while your legs are fresh, or use it as a deliberate hill session.
• Measure your own loop. I give distances where they come from an official source. For the rest, I give a rough time at an easy jog, because your exact distance depends on which streets you take. A free mapping or running app will tell you precisely.
• Daylight matters. The Parkland Walk and the woods are not lit. On dark mornings and evenings, stick to the road routes.
• Warm up on the flat. Five minutes of brisk walking and a few leg swings before you hit the first hill saves a lot of tight calves. The NHS has a simple warm-up routine you can follow.

Route 1: the Parkland Walk out-and-back (longer, mostly traffic-free)

Distance: just over 6km on the path itself, plus the run to and from the start.

Surface: coarse, unmade path with stones and roots; muddy in places after rain.

Hills: a steady uphill to reach the Highgate end, then gentle on the path.

From Archway station, head up Archway Road towards Highgate. The Parkland Walk South starts at Holmesdale Road, near Highgate station. According to the Friends of the Parkland Walk, the southern section is just over 3km long, running to Finsbury Park. Run to the end and back, or turn round at Crouch Hill for a shorter version.

This is my favourite route for a weekend long run. Be considerate: it is a shared path with walkers, dogs and families, and the Friends ask runners to give way and not chase personal bests there. Before you go solo, read my honest guide to whether Parkland Walk is safe.

Route 2: the Waterlow Park hill loop (short and punchy)

Time: roughly 20 to 30 minutes at an easy jog, depending on laps.

Surface: pavement, then park paths.

Hills: a long climb up Highgate Hill, then rolling paths in the park.

From Archway station, run up Highgate Hill. It is steep, so take it slowly or walk the steepest part. Enter Waterlow Park from Highgate Hill and run a lap or two of the paths around the lawns and ponds. The park is on a slope, so every lap has a short climb. Lauderdale House, on the edge of the park, has a cafe if you want to bribe yourself. Lauderdale House’s Waterlow Park page has visiting information.

Run back down Highgate Hill gently. Downhill running is harder on the knees than people expect, so shorten your stride. If you want to add strength work at the top, my Waterlow Park outdoor workout uses the benches and slopes.

Route 3: three parks loop (flat-ish, good for beginners)

Time: roughly 25 to 35 minutes at an easy jog.

Surface: pavement and park paths.

Hills: gentle, with one or two short climbs towards Hornsey Rise.

Head south down Holloway Road to Whittington Park, which has a free outdoor gym if you fancy a few pull-ups or step-ups. Run a lap of the park, then cut back north-east towards Hornsey Rise and Elthorne Park on Hazellville Road, which has floodlit outdoor gym equipment. Finish with a lap of Archway Park in the Hillrise area, home of the famous giant slide, before heading back to the station.

This route is ideal if you are new to running or following the NHS Couch to 5K plan, because you are never far from home and you can walk between parks if you need to. My guide to parks in Archway has more on each one.

Route 4: the Highgate Wood link (hills and trees)

Time: roughly 35 to 50 minutes.

Surface: pavement up Archway Road, then a mix of tarmac and unmade woodland paths.

Hills: a long, steady climb on the way out, downhill home.

Run up Archway Road past Highgate station to Highgate Wood. The City of London describes it as about 70 acres of ancient woodland, with some tarmac paths and some rough tracks that get muddy. Cycling is not allowed, which makes it pleasant for running. Run a lap of the wood and head home. Check the Highgate Wood visitor page for closing times, which get earlier through autumn and winter.

Running safely as a busy parent

• Tell someone your route if you are going out early or alone.
• Wear something bright on the roads, especially around the Archway junction.
• Start with 2 or 3 short runs a week rather than one big one.
• If something hurts in a sharp or worsening way, stop and walk home. Do not run through pain.

Where a bootcamp class fits

Running is great for your heart and your head, but runners who only run tend to pick up niggles in the hips, knees and calves. Strength work protects you. My SYP Bootcamp classes in Archway build the leg, hip and core strength that makes those hills feel easier. If your hips feel tight after a run, my SYP Unlock hip and back mobility class is designed for that.

FAQs

Where can I run near Archway station without traffic?

The Parkland Walk is the main traffic-free option, and Waterlow Park and Highgate Wood give you car-free laps once you get there. In the dark, stick to lit roads.

Is Archway good for hill training?

Very. Highgate Hill and Archway Road give you long climbs within minutes of the station. Try 4 to 6 easy runs up a 1-minute section, walking back down to recover.

Is there a parkrun near Archway?

There are several parkruns within reach in North London. Check the parkrun website for the nearest events and their start points.

What should I wear for these routes?

Trainers with good grip, especially for the Parkland Walk and the woods in autumn and winter, and something bright for the roads.

Book your first class

Want to run stronger and with fewer aches? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in Archway N19, max 10 people, £15 a class, indoors in a church hall, with every move scaled to your level. Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send the timetable. If a running niggle keeps coming back, see how my injury-safe personal training in Archway works.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.