6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours for a short visit
Time
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Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3A hilly stretch of north London countryside where open grassland, small woods and far-reaching views sit alongside a surprisingly rich mix of wildlife habitats.
Moat Mount offers a substantial change of scene within London: hilltop views, wildflower-rich grassland and pockets of woodland, including ancient Barnet Gate Wood. Its nature value is better evidenced than its visitor facilities, so plan around the paths and check access details before going.
Big-sky · Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapMill Hill, London
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The experience
Explore the open slopes and woodland edges, taking care to stay on public paths: parts of the wider site are private. For a longer outing, a sourced circular walk links Moat Mount with nearby fields and woods.
Things to do
Take in the hilltop views
The site is described as hilly, with extensive or magnificent views from the top. Stay on public paths and choose a clear day for the outlook.
Look for spring woodland flowers
The conservation account records bluebell and wood anemone in Barnet Gate Wood, and bluebell and other woodland-associated plants at Nut Wood. Do not pick flowers.
Notice the contrast between woods and grassland
Compare the small woods with the wider grassland. The site’s conservation record notes unimproved London clay grassland and a diverse range of wildflowers.
Follow a longer countryside loop
A published 4.7 km loop links woods, Moat Mount, farmland and Totteridge Fields Nature Reserve. The route source warns of rougher sections, wet conditions and road sections.
1–1.5 hours according to the route source
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour; suggested, not an official route duration
A short hill-and-habitat wander
- 01
Enter only by a public access point and follow signed public paths.
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Walk a manageable section of the open ground, pausing where the views open out.
- 03
Look for woodland edges and seasonal flowers; turn back by the same route if unsure of connections.
Half day · About 1–1.5 hours for the sourced 4.7 km loop
Link Moat Mount with the surrounding green spaces
- 01
Use the AllTrails Barnet Gate route as a route-planning reference; confirm its current map and access before setting out.
- 02
Follow the loop through woods, Moat Mount Open Space and farmland towards Hendon Park Wood, returning via Totteridge Fields Nature Reserve.
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Allow for rough or wet sections and road walking; wear suitable footwear.
Verified history
The supplied sources establish Moat Mount as a Local Nature Reserve within a wider landscape of open space and conservation sites. The local conservation record identifies Barnet Gate Wood as ancient woodland and describes the area’s habitats and plant life. No further historical narrative is supported by the supplied research.
Hidden details
Wild service-trees in Barnet Gate Wood — The conservation record notes a few wild service-trees among the oak and hornbeam canopy. Look carefully; the source does not provide a precise visitor location.
A varied grassland flora — The conservation record lists plants including cowslip, pepper saxifrage, devil’s-bit scabious, sneezewort and pignut in the site’s grassland. Their visibility depends on season and conditions.
Hazel coppice and ancient-woodland plants — Target Wood is described as having coppiced hazel; Nut Wood has woodland ground flora including yellow archangel, wood speedwell and bluebell.
When to go
March · April · May · June · July · A clear morning or afternoon for views; spring is a good time to look for woodland flowers.
The supplied conservation evidence records spring flowers including bluebell and wood anemone, alongside a range of grassland flowers. The route source notes rougher conditions when wet.
Some linked route sections may be rough or muddy in wet weather. The supplied route description advises suitable footwear and care near roads.
Worth pairing with
Totteridge Fields Nature Reserve
Included in the published 4.7 km walking loop linking the area’s woods and open land. Treat it as a route pairing rather than a separately researched visitor recommendation.
Hendon Park Wood
Named as part of the same published circular walk. Current access and route conditions should be checked before setting out.
What to look for
- 01
In spring, look for bluebells and wood anemone in woodland
- 02
in the grassland, the supplied conservation account records cowslip, pignut, pepper saxifrage and devil’s-bit scabious. Barnet Gate Wood has oak and hornbeam canopy, hazel coppice and wild service-trees.
The story
Local nature conservation; ancient woodland
Best time to go
Spring to early summer for woodland flowers and grassland blooms; late summer may bring flowers such as devil’s-bit scabious. Exact peak weeks vary.
Choose a clear spring or early-summer day for flowers and views. After rain, expect rougher or muddy sections on some linked paths.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for a short visit; allow longer for a linked walk
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Free public access is reported for part of the wider site; some areas, including Mote End Farm, are private. Use public paths and check current local signs. The main car park is reported closed, so check access and parking before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The main Moat Mount car park is reported permanently closed. Other parking arrangements are not verified; check before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Google-sourced place information says dogs are allowed, but restrictions and current rules are unverified. Check signs and local guidance.
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Accessibility
Some paths are described as firm, while field sections can be grassy or muddy and may not suit wheelchairs or pushchairs. Check conditions and route details before visiting.
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Cost
Free public access is reported for part of the site; check current access information.
Check before visiting
Water
Pond; Dollis Brook is associated with the wider area. These are landscape features, not evidence of permission for water activities.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Moat Mount Open Space
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
