Middlesex disappeared off the map in 1965 when it was divvied up to form all or part of eight London boroughs. Gone but not forgotten through the work of its loyal supporters like Russell Grant, county signs still abound.The actual top of Middlesex (502ft) was a bit hard to locate. It should be by a covered reservoir but its likely location has disappeared under a new gated development where I doubt that county toppers would be welcomed. So I made do with the boundary sign.
This trip was not a good topping experience. I had hoped to combine the top with a walk in nearby Stanmore common but gave up due to height barriers! I also tried to park at nearby Bentley Priory to no avail. So I restricted myself to parking the van about 750ft away and walking up the road and taking a picture, watched by some bemused people at the bus stop.
Noddy wasn’t feeling too well that day as he was suffering from canine vestibular syndrome (it’s a bit like vertigo). We did go for a walk at nearby Aldenham Country Park, however he was moving so slowly we were overtaken by just about everyone including a woman who was about to give birth! As you can see from the photo he couldn’t be bothered to get out of the van.I am not familiar with any of the 9 alternative tops in Middlesex spawned by the creation of the GLC, but one, Horsenden Hill (279ft), in Ealing does feature in several walking books and does appear to have a summit and views, requisites for a good topping experience.
So it was with a feeling of general disgruntlement I headed home. I won’t be going back there until 2015 when leg 15 of the London loop passes through the area, and it won’t be too soon.
Click here for details of Bentley Priory circular walk.
Click here for details of Horsenden Hill circular walk.
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