MillenniuM Maze, Hanwell

Looking over Maze 2000, from the viewpoint.

In the south of Brent Lodge Park is a maze that is made from 2000 Yews, set out over a large area. The hedges are between 4-5 feet tall, allowing adults to peer over, but not enough to give a true sense of direction.

Passing through the open gate, Keilyn and I noticed an observation deck, with an access ramp, that allowed us to look out over the maze, thereby planning our route to the centre.

Looking at the maze from the observation deck.

With a plan in mind, Keilyn and I headed into the maze, turning left then right, following our feet. But we kept hitting a multitude of dead ends, which forced us to retrace our steps and attempt a different path. 

Some thorny bushes were growing out of the hedges, while nettles had taken over one of the myriad dead ends, while the rest of the paths and hedges were clear.

Keilyn at the central observation deck.

It wasn't long, though, before we reached the centre and clambered up the steps of the central observation deck, from where we could plan our escape. 

Walking with Keilyn: Brent Lodge Park to Hanwell... and beyond

Keilyn outside Northwood Hills station.

Saturday July 27, 2024.

Today, Keilyn and I were headed to an area of London that we had not been to before. 

So, our journey began with a taxi to Watford underground station, where we boarded a Metropolitan line train and travelled the four stops to Northwood Hills. Once we had exited the station we stopped at the 'Whistle Stop' café, where we purchased a hot sausage bap, for Keilyn, and a bacon roll for myself, before heading on to Joel Street, where we waited for our bus.

While we waited I took a photo of Keilyn with the mural, that is painted along the bridge. Immediately after the photo was taken our bus, the 282 to Ealing Hospital, arrived. We stepped aboard, touched in with our Oyster Cards and then headed upstairs to sit at the front of the bus, so that we could see whatever sights there were.

Our view from the 282.

The bus made its way through Eastcote, Northolt and Greenford before we rang the bell for our stop, Golf Links Estate (Stop J). From here we walked along a Public Footpath, with West Middlesex Golf Club, to our right, and Ealing Hanwellians Cricket Club, to our left. 

The River Brent.

The path continued until we reached St Mary's Church, where we turned right, continuing through Brent Lodge Park, until we reached our destination of Hanwell Zoo.

Keilyn in Maze 2000.

As we had made good time and the weather wasn't too hot, we decided that we would visit the MillenniuM Maze first. This maze was created for the millennium and is made up of 2000 Yews, with a covered observation platform at its centre, with another observation platform at its entrance.

Without any hesitation Keilyn headed in, with me bringing up the rear. Left, right, right again, Dead end. Back track. Left, right, left, left. Dead end. Back track. Third time lucky. 

Keilyn at the centre of the MillenniuM Maze.

Having reached the centre we looked out over the maze, before Keilyn took off, hurrying to find her own way out, waving her hat above her head so that I could see where she was. I, on the other hand, decided to use the gate and simply walked out of the maze, much to Keilyn's chagrin.

Ready to enter Hanwell Zoo.

Once we were reunited, we made our way to Hanwell Zoo.