Ruislip Woods — Attraction in London

On a very hot sunny day, my Sister and I wanted a walk so needed somewhere suitable. Short walk to the H13 bus stop and we were off to Northwood (St Vincent's Nursing Home) the end of the route. Arriving there, we decided to visit parts that we had not been to before so headed north. Under the tree canopy it was refreshingly cool with a pleasant breeze. After a few weeks of highish temperatures and little or no rain, the ground underfoot was hard and dusty. From our starting point, we branched off to the right and started down a slope. Lots of stones on the paths meant that care was needed at times. After a few hundred yards (metres 😀) we came to a fence on the left hand side and carried straight on. Further on we noticed the tracks of the Ruislip Lido Narrow Guage Railway inside the fence, so we were walking along the top part of Ruislip Lido but deep into the woods. At a junction of paths, Haste Hill Station could be seen to the left. We went right and came to skirt Haste Hill Public Golf Course following the path round to the left. Warmer here as there were fewer trees but still pleasant. Couple of fallen trees across the path meant ducking under the first and my Sister semi-limboing under the second. Not for me so I snuck around via the edge of the golf course and back to meet her. Further on, a gate on the left indicated the way in to Poor's Field, with a warning that in the Summer free roaming cattle were used as a way to keep the grass and vegetation under control. Not today, thank you. Another junction and the right fork meant that we were heading north. After a while, we reached the rather exclusive estate in Northwood. Rather large houses well in excess of £ 1 million. Our path ended at Linksway, and we turned left, still in the woods at the back of the only slightly smaller but still very pricy houses in The Broadwalk. A notice had indicated earlier that horses were not allowed but judging by the amount and size of animal droppings on the path, the local dogs must be huge 😉. This path, if followed all the way, would bring you out onto Ducks Hill Road but we went about half way before turning left and heading back towards Ruislip. This long straight path went down at first then up a very long upslope. Underfoot, it was very stony and much care had to be taken. Eventually we got to the crest and started down again. After a while, we branched off to the right, passing some family groups trying to sneak into Ruislip Lido the back way, and came out onto Ducks Hill Road. On the Woods side, there is no footpath roadside and it is necessary to cross the road with speeding traffic to get to a rather poor footpath on the other side to head towards Ruislip. Our trip was about 2.4 miles and took 90 minutes with plenty of stops. Main path could be negotiated by push chairs and wheelchairs if care is taken. Anyone with mobility issues should stick to those main paths. Naturally after any rainfall, the paths become slippery and quite tricky needing lots of care. Great place to dog walk. Other visits are now...

Ruislip Woods is a large area of ancient woodland located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, England. Here are some key points about Ruislip Woods:

Area and Designation: Ruislip Woods covers approximately 726 acres and is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), which is a status given to protect its unique natural features and biodiversity.

History: The woodland has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. It was originally part of the larger forested area of the old county of Middlesex.

Habitats and Biodiversity: The woods contain a variety of habitats, including ancient oak, hornbeam, and birch trees, as well as areas of heathland and grassland. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Notably, it is home to species such as the woodpecker, sparrowhawk, and various types of fungi and wildflowers.

Recreational Use: Ruislip Woods is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, and picnicking. There are several marked trails and paths that visitors can explore, including the Hillingdon Trail and the London Loop.

Management and Conservation: The area is managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon in collaboration with local conservation groups. Efforts are made to preserve the natural environment, promote biodiversity, and maintain the health of the woodland ecosystem.

Points of Interest: Within Ruislip Woods, visitors can find features such as Ruislip Lido, a reservoir with a sandy beach and a miniature railway. The Lido is a central attraction, offering additional recreational opportunities like swimming and boating.

Cultural Significance: The woods have cultural and historical significance, having been mentioned in historical records and serving as a resource for local communities over centuries. They continue to be a valuable green space for residents and visitors in the densely populated area of Greater London.

Ruislip Woods offers a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, making it an important and cherished part of London's...

Lovely ancient woodland with main paths and all sorts of options to meander through the trees. It's passable with a robust pushchair if it has been dry. Gets very muddy when it has been wet, despite some stretches having boardwalks, so bring your wellies if it has been raining.

If you pick the right route you can have tea / coffee / a meal / an ice-cream at the Lido San Remo restaurant. If you don't find that then the cafe at King's College playing fields makes a great selection of bacon sandwiches / fried breakfasts!

Jack's riding stables will take you along the bridleway on a leading rein if you fancy a ride.

Remember, places like these are where dog-walkers go all year round, rain or shine, so expect to see dogs running off the lead all through the woods. On the whole, people are good about clearing up their dog's poo. The play area around the Lido is an area where dogs should be on a lead if you're not...