A walking route from Hampstead Heath down to the Regent's Canal, through Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to Camden Lock. The route, distance, highlights and stops.
From the Heath to the Canal: A North London Walking Route
This route links North London's two great outdoor experiences, the wild high ground of Hampstead Heath and the urban waterway of the Regent's Canal, in one downhill walk. It descends from the Heath through Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to Camden Lock, taking in the best skyline view in London on the way.
Route Overview
- Distance: Roughly 5-6km, Heath to Camden Lock.
- Time: 1.5-2 hours walking; 3-4 hours with stops.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mostly downhill, with the Primrose Hill climb the only ascent.
- Direction: Heath (high) to canal (low), a satisfying downhill flow.
Start: Hampstead Heath / Parliament Hill
Begin on the Heath, ideally at Parliament Hill for the opening skyline view. From here the walk works generally south and east, downhill toward the canal.
1. Down Through the Heath to Gospel Oak
Descend the Heath's southern slopes toward Gospel Oak / South End Green, passing the Lido and the southern ponds. Leave the Heath at its south-eastern corner.
2. Through Belsize Park
Walk down through Belsize Park, Victorian villa streets, Belsize Village and its cafés (a good coffee stop), and England's Lane. A pleasant, leafy residential stretch that bridges the Heath and Primrose Hill.
3. Up and Over Primrose Hill
The route's only climb, and worth it: Primrose Hill. The summit gives the best free skyline view in London, the City, the Shard, St Paul's, the BT Tower. Pause at the top, then descend the south side toward the canal. Regent's Park Road at the bottom has cafés and shops for a stop.
4. The Regent's Canal to Camden Lock
Join the Regent's Canal at the foot of Primrose Hill and walk east along the towpath, past the back of London Zoo (the aviary is visible), to Camden Lock. The canal arrives through the back of the market, the best way to enter Camden.
End: Camden Lock
Finish at Camden Market, street food by the canal, the Stables Market, and the Northern line home (Camden Town). A complete contrast to the morning's Heath: from wild high ground to loud waterside market in one downhill walk.
Highlights Along the Way
- Parliament Hill, the skyline view to open the walk.
- Belsize Park, leafy villa streets and village cafés.
- Primrose Hill, the best free skyline view in London.
- The Regent's Canal, the waterside approach to Camden.
- Camden Lock, markets and street food to finish.
Practical Notes
- Mostly downhill, the only real climb is Primrose Hill, and the view rewards it.
- Footwear, the Heath section is muddy; the rest is pavement and towpath.
- Refreshment stops, Belsize Village (coffee), Primrose Hill village (Regent's Park Road), Camden (food).
- Shorten it, end at Primrose Hill if you don't want Camden's crowds; the village there is a calm finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk from Hampstead Heath to Camden?
Yes, a 5-6km downhill route via Belsize Park and Primrose Hill, joining the Regent's Canal to Camden Lock. It links the Heath's wild high ground with the canal in one walk.
How long does the Heath to Camden walk take?
About 1.5-2 hours walking, or 3-4 hours with stops at Primrose Hill, Belsize Village and Camden.
What's the best view on the walk?
Primrose Hill's summit, the best free skyline view in London, taking in the City, the Shard, St Paul's and the BT Tower.
