TQ1587 : St Mary, Church Hill, Harrow on the Hill - Corbel

Harrow on the Hill

124m Elevation
71m Prominence
England Country
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TQ1587 : St Mary, Church Hill, Harrow on the Hill - Corbel

John Salmon Photo source

Overview

Harrow on the Hill

Harrow on the Hill, perched at a modest elevation of 80 meters, offers a delightful escape from the urban sprawl of London. Known for its rich history and scenic views, this hill has attracted visitors for centuries. Whether you fancy a peaceful stroll or a light hike, you’ll find this destination brimming with charm.

Geology

Harrow on the Hill is primarily composed of chalk and flint, which are remnants from the age of dinosaurs! It’s the perfect example of the fascinating geology that lies beneath our feet, shaped by glacial activity and erosion over millennia. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting rock formations while walking the paths.

Routes

Two popular routes to consider:

  1. Harrow On The Hill Circular Walk: This 3.5 km route is a family-friendly loop that introduces you to the area’s lovely scenery and ensures you don’t get lost in conversation with your hiking companions—although that may be a challenge!
  2. College Hill Approach: A mere 1 km trek up from the base, suitable for all levels. Perfect for those who need an excuse to break in those new walking shoes.

Summit Features

At the summit, you’ll find a historic church, lovely parkland, and a trig point—ideal for capturing that Instagram shot! The area is well-kept, making it pleasant to linger a while.

Terrain Type

Expect grassy paths with a touch of pavement. The inclines are mild, meaning you can focus more on the stunning views than worrying about your heart rate.

Views

The views? Absolutely top-notch! On a clear day, you can spot iconic London landmarks like Wembley Stadium and the majestic Shard in the skyline. The best times to take it all in are during spring and autumn, when the foliage adds a dash of color to your panorama.

Hazards

Do watch your step near the edges; some areas are steep! But fear not, there are plenty of safe paths to enjoy.

Access

Getting to Harrow on the Hill is a breeze:

  • Nearest Parking: Free spots available at St. Mary's Church or local streets—just be mindful of residents!
  • Public Transport: Accessible via Harrow on the Hill station on the Metropolitan Line and various bus routes.
  • Nearest Town: The vibrant town of Harrow lies close by with all the essentials.

Facilities

You’ll find plenty of cafes and pubs in the town centre, alongside public toilets for your convenience. Local parks provide lovely spots for a picnic break.

History

The name ‘Harrow’ simply translates to ‘hill’—fitting, don’t you think? The site holds significant historical value with the renowned Harrow School and the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, both of which add to the hill's allure.

Whether you’re seeking a day out with family or a leisurely solo wander, Harrow on the Hill is a gem that won't disappoint.

Conclusion

So grab your walking shoes and a sense of adventure; Harrow on the Hill awaits your exploration. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Harrow on the Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ruislip Lido: lake circuit and Park Wood

3.1 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Osterley Park: Nine Acre and the lakes

2.5 km ~1h Easy

View route

Cassiobury Park: tree avenues, bandstand and Park Hub

3.7 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Paddington Little Venice Canalside Walk

4 km ~50m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Harrow On The Hill Circular Walk

A scenic loop that takes you around the hill with views of the local area and historic sites.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

College Hill Approach

A straightforward route leading up from the base, perfect for families and casual walkers.

1 km ~0.5 hours Easy
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

124m

407 ft

Prominence

71m

Coordinates

51.5743, -0.3375

TQ153874

OS Map

176

Explorer: 173

At the Summit

The summit features a historic church, a picturesque public park, and a prominent trig point that offers a perfect photo op.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy paths with some paved routes and mild inclines.

Primarily composed of chalk and flint, Harrow on the Hill features striking geological formations that reveal a history of glacial activity and erosion.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views over London, including landmarks like Wembley Stadium and the Shard in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Harrow' is derived from the Old English 'haere,' meaning 'hill,' and reflects its topographic prominence.

Historical Significance

Harrow on the Hill is home to historic sites including Harrow School, founded in 1572, and St. Mary's Church which dates back to the 14th century.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Free parking available at St. Mary's Church (TQ157875) or along residential streets.

Public Transport

Easily accessible via Harrow on the Hill station (Metropolitan Line) or several local bus routes.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes, pubs, and public toilets can be found in the nearby town centre. Local parks provide ample picnic spots.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Care should be taken near the edges of the hill, as steep drops are present in some areas.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Harrow on the Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Harrow on the Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Harrow on the Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Harrow on the Hill search or of course create your own walk for Harrow on the Hill

Can I organise a walk to Harrow on the Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Harrow on the Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Harrow on the Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Harrow on the Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: TQ153874

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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