Whitings Hill Open Space

Whitings Hill Open Space is a large public open space in Chipping Barnet, in the London Borough of Barnet, on the northern edge of the capital. It is a grassy hill with open views and a patch of woodland right next to it, which makes it an easy place to swap the city streets for a short country-style walk.

What kind of place is Whitings Hill?

The site is mostly open grassland. Across the slopes you will find clusters of young trees, planted as part of the Watling Chase Community Forest scheme, along with a handful of older, mature trees that give the hill some shape and shade. A small stream, a tributary of Dollis Brook, crosses the land.

The hill sits between Quinta Drive and Mays Lane. Local walking guides recommend climbing to the top, where the elevation opens up views over the surrounding area.

What is next to it?

On the south-west side the open space adjoins Whitings Wood, a seven-hectare site. The Woodland Trust planted it in 1996 on former grassland, and the trees are mostly oak, ash and field maple. Because the wood is young, it shows how a new woodland grows from open pasture, and it complements the grassy hill beside it.

The Barnet Society has also planted trees on the hill, so the area is shaped by local volunteers as well as by larger schemes.

How do I get in?

There are several pedestrian entrances. You can reach the open space from Shelford Road, Quinta Drive, Brett Road and Hackforth Close, all in the surrounding residential streets of Barnet. Coordinates are roughly 51.644 N, 0.221 W.

Is it good for a walk?

Yes. The Barnet Society lists Whitings Hill Open Space and Whitings Wood as Walk no. 1 in its set of five local countryside walks, which shows how well suited the area is to a relaxed outing on foot. A route can combine the grassland, the stream and the neighbouring wood without leaving Barnet.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Whitings Hill Open Space? In Chipping Barnet, in the London Borough of Barnet, north London.

What will I see there? Open grass, young trees from the Watling Chase Community Forest scheme, some mature trees, a small stream that feeds Dollis Brook, and views from the hill.

What is Whitings Wood? A seven-hectare woodland on the south-west side of the open space, planted by the Woodland Trust in 1996, mainly with oak, ash and field maple.

Which streets lead to the entrances? Shelford Road, Quinta Drive, Brett Road and Hackforth Close.

Is it worth walking to the top? Local walking guidance recommends it, thanks to the views from the hill.