After some minor transport gremlins (after earlier delays [I have to presume], all the tubes were 'semi-fast' or 'fast', ie non stopping at Northwick Park, so we had to go out to Harrow, and back from there for one stop), the 8 of us started about 10 minutes late.

There was some refracted light around and a smidgen of moon and star light was breaking through the very thin to non existent layer of clouds, so head torches were not really needed (not that that stopped all of us from using them). The paths were good and mud-free, the couple of meadows we had to walk through were not too soggy, and Harrow was remarkably quiet.

We took a break at The Castle pub and therefore arrived a little bit late for our pre-booked table at The Indian Gastro Kitchen, where a (crocked and unable to walk) 9th walker was waiting. About 2 hours later we left, all quite satisfied with the fare and the service. Tube back to town at about 23.00 hours...

dry and almost cloud free

8

A good walk poster always checks whether any major event could interfere with the transport to and from the walk, i.e.: track works, diversions, sport events. I didn't.

Thus the tubes were chokka to Wembley Park, as Ingerland were playing Brazil.

We survived it.

6 walkers under blue skies with some passing clouds .

The once mud-prone path along the hospital has had an engineered gravel path installed since I last walked this, and there was little else to cause dirty shoes or troosers.

Some construction works in Harrow School necessitated a minor diversion (which looks permanent), and on we went, up the Hill. There were glorious views from the 'ridge', back to London and to Wembley Stadium, then - on the other side - out West.

We voted for a quick refuelling stop at The Castle, then went back up onto the 'ridge'.

Sunset was mid-way through its proceedings as we descended for a last time, and there were just enough clouds for it to be a nice one. 2 then followed the route to the station, while 4 diverted to the Kingsfield Arms, for its 'Indian Gastro Kitchen'. And how nice it was!

Departure was then timed in such a way that we got a Chiltern train direct to Marylebone, rather than a Met Line train stopping at Wembley Park and picking up hordes of football hooligans there (oh no, it was a woman's game, so of course there were no hooligans anyway...).

6 gathered at the appointed time and place before setting off towards the spires on the hill in the dusk on a blustery autumnal evening . We made our way up the hill and through the atmospheric hanging cemetery then decided to quench our thirst at the charming castle pub in old Harrow. On finishing our circuit, we popped into the gastro Indian pub near the route for a delicious meal before heading back to London. The Northwick Park start works well and is much easier/quicker to get to from central London.

Eight assembled in the gloaming at South Kenton station (some more punctual than others) before setting off for the spires on the hill. We bumped into another who had opted for the alternate start at Northwick Park (probably a wiser choice and noted for future posting), making for 9 on a dry mild evening . Up the hill and around the impressive school buildings we went; then it was down the hill through the hanging cemetery in the dark and around the charming old buildings of Old Harrow before settling into a veritable feast at a Gastro Indian Pub slightly off route....A fun evening out -- good walk, good food and good company... Apologies to the one we left behind on the platform in Harrow...had not realized you had not boarded the train....Also, for those still wondering -- Lord Byron did indeed attend Harrow (apparently an undistinguished student).....

Six gathered at the exit of South Kenton Station for formalities, including one visitor to London interested in seeing the hallowed grounds of the Harrow school. We set off quickly conscious of the fading light...All concluded that the "hill" in Harrow is of a modest nature -- but does make a dramatic location for the historic school buildings and church. As we approached the first buildings, we were treated to a group of students in their tails practicing some singing...The buildings looked stunning in the low light...particularly atmospheric were the church and hanging cemetery (in the dark)...we stopped at the inviting Castle for a bevie before continuing along the route...towards the end we diverted off piste to a pub (not far from the station) specializing in very tasty Indian fare, where we met 2 late starters who did a modified version of the walk...All enjoyed a fun evening meal during which we agreed the walk was a very enjoyable exploration of an interesting area...not quite sure what time we left....so, 8 in total under clear skies with some moon and stars .

Interesting to see that after crossing the A404 the GPS route takes a zig-zag route across Harrow School's sports pitches, rather than the direct line of the public footpath shown on the OS Map. There's been a well-publicised 14-year dispute about the school's application to move this right of way and "South-East Walker" issue #98 (June 2017, distributed with the Ramblers magazine) reported that an inspector had sided with objectors and ruled against the school. Unless this decision has been reversed on appeal (which would be disappointing) you'd be entitled to walk straight across the sports field.

Indeed. I have decided to use the also signposted and waymarked route as shown, which is less mud prone and does not go straight through the sports fields. The main dispute was/is over another nearby footpath which the school have built a tennis court on (see the photos on the walk's webpage). This is off the route of this walk.

5 started the walk, 1 other (on transfer from the daywalk) was delayed, so 6 in very overcast weather. Near the end of the loop through Harrow, 5 of us descended back down to The Castle pub for dinner, so we finished the walk in darkness.

1 of the group had grown up in Harrow. On the hill. He was able to give us some interesting local 'colour': history, memories, anecdotes...