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.

The Hobbayne, Hanwell

Lily Pads.

Having already walked through Brent Lodge Park, I followed the Capital Ring, along the River Brent, and passed beneath the Wharncliffe Viaduct. This incredible piece of engineering must have looked incredible, when it was first completed, but now, with the tree cover, it is hard to see its full beauty.

This monolith of engineering skill was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his father, Marc. It was built using arches formed by hollow piers of engineering brick. It stands at an elevation of 20 metres (65.6 feet).

Wharncliffe Viaduct.

It opened in 1837 and is named after Lord Wharncliffe, who was the man that took the Great Western Railway Bill through Parliament. It is now Grade I listed.

The River Brent, flowing beneath this architectural marvel, is home to water voles, kingfishers and herons, amongst many others.