6k Run East Barnet: Scenic Loop Through Arnos Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.8km out-and-back route is a hidden gem for London runners seeking a flat, fast, and traffic-free experience. Starting in East Barnet near Oak Hill, the course follows the Pymmes Brook Trail on a 100% paved tarmac surface, making it an ideal choice for a tempo run or a steady recovery session regardless of the weather. With only 10m of vertical gain, it is remarkably flat for North London. The highlight is the loop around the historic Arnos Park, where the wide-open greenspace provides a scenic mid-run boost before you head back along the peaceful waters of the brook.

The Pymmes Brook Trail is part of a larger green corridor that follows one of the Lea River's main tributaries, offering a vital slice of nature through the urban landscape of Enfield and Barnet. As you run through Arnos Park, look out for the iconic Arnos Park Viaduct; this impressive brick structure, consisting of 34 arches, was built in the 1930s to carry the Piccadilly Line extension. The area was once part of the massive Arnos Grove estate, and today, local runners value this stretch for its wildlife—keep an eye out for kingfishers and grey herons that frequent the brook as you clock your miles.