West Walk

This winter walk begins at Hayes and Harlington Station, before heading down to Cranford Country Park, where you’ll meander along the River Crane amidst serene riverside habitats.

The route largely follows sections of the London Loop, leading you along peacefully flowing rivers dotted with waterfowl, and though woodlands alive with birdsong. There’s an option to explore Huckerby’s Meadows before heading on to the enchanting trails through Donkey Wood and Brazil Mill Wood. The walk concludes on the heathland Hounslow Heath, with the alternative option of heading on to Crane Park Island nature reserve instead of the heath.

Start point: Hayes and Harlington Station, UB3 4BX

End point: Hounslow Heath (Staines Road entrance), TW4 5DS

Length/time: 3.75 hours, 7 miles approx

Accessibility: Parts of the walk may not be accessible navigating narrow pathways. Route includes a mixture of uneven paths, steps but does include boardwalks in some areas. Wellies or walking boots essential for some parts.

Wildlife to see: Familiarise yourself with our wildlife spotter sheet for this route

Walk Route

Walking Route: Cranford Country Park to Hounslow Heath along the River Crane

Section 1: Hayes and Harlington Station to Cranford Country Park

Follow the London Loop:

Begin at Hayes and Harlington Station.
Join Section 10 of the London Loop and follow the path to Cranford Country Park.

Section 2: Cranford Country Park to Waye Avenue Open Space

Start at Cranford Country Park:

Begin in the car park of Cranford Country Park.
Head down the drive, turning right at the bridge to follow the river along Section 10 of the London Loop.
Stay left into the woodland for 5 minutes until you reach a bridge over the river (do not cross).
Keep right in the woodland and follow the path to a fork.
Turn right at the fork and cross a small bridge over Frogs Ditch.

Onto Cranford Lane and Berkeley Meadows:

Exit onto Cranford Lane and turn right.
Walk along the road (no pavement, take care) and take the first left into Berkeley Meadows.
Rejoin Section 10 of the London Loop here.

To Waye Avenue Open Space:

Walk along the edge of Berkeley Meadows for 5 minutes to reach Bath Road.
Turn left and walk for 5 minutes to a pedestrian traffic light crossing.
Turn right, cross Bath Road, and head onto Waye Avenue.
Follow Waye Avenue for several minutes, keeping right when the road splits.
Turn right onto the path leading to Waye Avenue Open Space.

Explore Huckerby’s Meadows (Optional):

In Waye Avenue Open Space, take a detour across the grass to a bridge leading into Huckerby’s Meadows.
Explore the nature reserve before returning to Waye Avenue Open Space.

Continue Along the London Loop:

Follow the river path to Earthhart Way near the other entrance to Huckerby’s Meadows.

Section 3: Earthhart Way to A312 Causeway

Option to End at Hatton Cross:

Turn right on Earthhart Way for a 15-minute walk to Hatton Cross Station.

To Donkey Wood and A312 Causeway:

Continue on the London Loop Section 9 along the river through Donkey Wood where there is a new boardwalk with great views of the river and wildlife.
Exit onto A312 Causeway.
Turn right, cross the bridge, and take the sharp right turn down steps to the path curving along the river under the bridge.

Section 4: A312 Causeway to Crane Park Island or Hounslow Heath

Follow the River Crane:

Continue on the London Loop Section 9, following the river path for 1 km and cross a small bridge over the Duke of Northumberland’s River.
Reach Staines Road and turn right, crossing Baber Bridge.

Through Brazil Mill Wood:

Turn sharp left at the Texaco Baber Bridge Service Station onto the path marked Brazil Mill Wood where you track left.
Follow the path and boardwalk through Brazil Mill Wood for about 1 km, continuing on the London Loop Section 9.

Choose Your Route:
Option A – To Hounslow Heath:

Exit the London Loop and head toward Staines Road (TW4 5DS) across Hounslow Heath.
Arrive at the intersection of Staines Road and Barrack Road near bus stops Barrack Road (Stop P) or Hounslow Heath/The Hussar (Stop Z1).

Option B – To Crane Park Island: