🚶🚶🚶 Finchley's Festive Strolls

Finchley scenery — Enjoy the fresh air | Image from All Trails

After the flurry of Christmas festivities, there's nothing quite like a brisk walk to work off some of those treats.

Here are 5 walks close to Finchley for you to check out this Boxing Day:

1. A River Runs Through It: Tracing North London’s Moselle River

Start: Queen's Wood, Muswell Hill Road

End: Tottenham Marshes

Distance: 11.7 km

Discover North London's own winding Moselle River. This hidden gem starts on the slopes of Highgate and Muswell Hill and meanders through Hornsey and Wood Green. Details here.

2. The Parkland Walk: Nature's Linear Gallery

Start: Alexandra Palace Station

End: Finsbury Park Station

Distance: 4 km

The Parkland Walk is London’s longest linear nature reserve, a 4km stretch that was once a bustling railway line. This route is a green artery through Crouch End and Highgate, and a chance to see the Spriggan, an eerie sculpture that has become a local curiosity. Details here.

3. Darland's Lake Loop: A Nature Enthusiast's Dream

Start and End: Engel Park Bus Station

Distance: 7.6 km

This moderately challenging loop takes you around the picturesque Darland's Lake and through areas rich in natural beauty. It's a fantastic way to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. Details here.

4. Finchley Farmlands Circular: Rustic Charm Awaits

Start and End: The Ridgeway

Distance: 5 km

For those looking for a shorter stroll, the Finchley Farmlands Circular is ideal. Wander through fields, and over Folly Brook. This route offers a glimpse into Finchley's pastoral past. Details here.

5. Finchley to Broadway: Urban Meets Green

Start: Finchley Central

End: Broadway

Distance: 16.05 km

This trail offers a mix of urban and natural settings, leading you through Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, and Regent's Park, before culminating at Broadway. It's a longer walk, perfect for those looking to step up their Boxing Day adventure. Details here.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, Finchley offers a wealth of options to stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp winter air.

So, lace up your walking boots and step out the door.🚶🚶🚶

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Events

Monday 25 December

From Tuesday 26 December

Quiz Boxing | 178b Royal College Street, NW1 0SP | £25 per player for a 60-minute game | Discover the brand-new TV-style quiz game: Quiz Boxing, located in the heart of Camden Town. Better than on TV as YOU are the one playing. Assemble your quiz squad of 4 to 12 players, enter the phenomenal TV-style arena and let the quiz games commence. For everyone 12 years old and above.

From Thursday 27 December to 7 Jan
There's A Monster In Your Christmas Show | Wed, Dec. 27 | 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. | artsdepot, N12 | From £12 | A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Age 2+.

Sunday 31 December

New Year's Eve At The Bohemia | Sun, Dec. 31 | 19:30 | The Bohemia, N12 9QH | £10 on the door | Live music from Black Kat Boppers from 8:30 p.m., They are a hot boppin, groovin' 4-piece group playing rocking roots music with a guitar and double bass.Then DJ Bioux playing party tunes from 10:30 p.m. till late. Last entry 11:30 p.m.

Monday 8 Jan

Mindfulness Course | Mon, Jan. 8 | 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Age UK Barnet, NW4 3SP | £80 for the 8-week course | Mindfulness-based living course for the over 55s. The first session is a catch-up and introductory class. Then weekly until 26 Feb. Run by Helen Nicolaou. | Contact helen.nicolauo@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07384466840 for more info.

Local Lowdown

The crocheted snowmen of Finchley — Your friendly Finchley snowmen... | Image from Talya Trakman

Festivities

Frosty friends. Keep an eye out for the charming knitted snowmen popping up across Finchley's postboxes. These creations, courtesy of the Women's Institute, have popped up to put a smile on our faces. Keep an eye out for more.

Property

Skyline Shift. That building site opposite Tesco? That used to be CPI printers? 38-44 Ballards Lane will be a 9-storey building with retail, 2 floors of office space and 22 residential units. Planning approved Sep 2021. Completion date – August 2025. More info.

Transport

Choo-choo. Mill Hill Broadway Station is the busiest train station in Barnet with 1.6 million entries and exits in 3 months. Second and third are New Barnet and Hendon, with Cricklewood and Oakleigh Park also making the top five. London's Liverpool Street is the busiest in the country, thanks to the shiny new Elizabeth Line.

Health

Health Check: Feeling over 40 and fabulous? Keep it that way, Barnet's free Community Health Screening is back for the new year. Check your blood pressure, weight, height, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and get personalised wellness advice. Book a 20-minute life tune-up in Jan or Feb. Book here.

Medicine

Heart-saving tech. UCL and Royal Free Hospital researchers have developed a game-changing ECGI vest. It maps the heart's electrical activity, predicting sudden cardiac death risk efficiently and cost-effectively. Just a 5-minute vest fitting could save lives. A big leap for heart care.

Home Alone in Finchley?

It’s the season of holiday movies and Home Alone is a perennial favourite. It’s on at the Vue Cinema on Boxing Day and streaming on Ch4 today.

While it’s slightly upscale from Finchley, the McCallister’s mansion is a real-world house on Lincoln Avenue in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, one of the US’s most expensive neighbourhoods.

You know the plot: eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left home alone while his family go on a luxury trip to Paris. He defends his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.

All fun and games, but the real question is – how on earth did Kevin’s parents afford a luxury trip to Paris and a huge home?

Fans have been debating this for years – what do they do? Are they 1%ers?

The New York Times asked the Federal Reserve for answers.

The movie isn’t about the money. It’s about family. But how on earth did an eight-year-old become so violently vindictive?

I’ll leave that question with you. Happy holidays!

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Editors' Note - From Sasha

Coffees and seasonal treats at Redemption Roasters

Muddy Christmas eve morning stomp on the Heath, followed by great coffee and treat at Redemption Roasters on South End Green.

Redemption Roasters work in prisons across the UK to reduce reoffending through coffee. They provide professional coffee industry training, both inside and outside of prison with direct pathways to long-term employment.

Phenomenal impact – checkout the impact mural / infographic created by designer Catalina Larkins.

And I got to walk and talk with a lovely friend. What is this slow-down period about if not friends, coffee, community.

Happy holidays, Finchley.

Also, let us know about local events, local news, or email us with any projects or ideas you'd like us to write about.