please empty your brain below

Congratulations on another achievement unlocked.
I disagree about crossing the A1 being the worst mile of the Loop. Instead, it's crossing the A30 at Hatton Cross, where there's a similar problem but you're closer to the road, it's more built-up, and it reeks of aviation fuel.
A completed loop. Very well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What would have happened had you walked north to cross the A1. The map shows this to be a longer route only if you have to go all the way up to the roundabout. Did you check?

However, if you leave out Clump of Trees Wood (and Thistle Wood as well?) then this would make the walk a bit shorter, but more importantly avoid the repetition.
Barnet F.C. - as I understand it, it's Green Belt, this is what screwed up the redevelopment of the ground, hence the move of the club to somewhere near Edgware, and the closure of the pub.

As for the land which may have been required for sidings - as I understand things there were plans for a new road to by-pass the High Street, this is why the Meadway has that odd flat section halfway down the hill - this is the where the by-pass would have crossed at right angles, then follow the edge of King George's Fields and come out at Hadley Common.
What would have happened had you walked north to cross the A1. The map shows this to be a longer route only if you have to go all the way up to the roundabout. Did you check?

Well no Ken, I didn't. I was on a 10 mile walk, and didn't fancy walking another mile along a dual carriageway to check whether there wasn't a subway. I assumed that the London Walking Forum would have checked this when they devised the route.

I'm pretty certain there isn't a subway, but do feel free to come and check yourself and let me know.
I will almost certainly have the opportunity to pass by this way in five weeks time so will take you up on this suggestion then.
There isn't a subway at Sterling Corner roundabout, nor are there any pedestrian lights to help with crossing, but that's still what we did as we wanted to pop into the Harvester for refreshments so came out of Scratchwoods up there instead. Scary junction for pedestrians though, especially the southbound side where traffic is coming off the roundabout!

Scratchwoods used to be my childhood playground. Sometimes my brother would get off the 292 bus after a visit to Borehamwood Swimming pool, until a group of unfriendly teens bullied us one time and scared us away.

I've done this section twice now, the last time in 3 sections as the weather was so inclement on two of the attempts! Gave up at the Moat Mount subway and got the aforementioned bus back home again!
A trip up along Barnet Way on Streetview from the bus stop clearly shows no subways, you could attempt running across the road at the junction with Hyver Hill - but this is just before Stirling Corner anyway.

As has been mentioned, Stirling Corner is dangerous for pedestrians, it's also quite scary for drivers coming out of Barnet Lane and Barnet Road, often you are faced with a wall of cars - and have to risk pulling out into gaps in traffic that you'd consider too risky in normal conditions.
Looks like more sturdy barriers on the A1 now then. I did manage to cross directly where the loop meets it, but it looks like it's impossible now.
Epic.
Congratulations.
Well done. That section was my first one completed a month ago!

Yes, that slog along the A1 is painful. I guess the lazy way would be to take a Northbound bus to a stop off the dual carriageway, cross the road and take a southbound bus back to the other side, but it's probably against the spirit of the walk :-)

The haymeadows were gorgeous in July, an incredible number of butterflies
Bought the London Loop book years ago but only did one minor section near Uxbridge. Until yesterday, which offered perfect weather for walking and inspired by DG’s report I did the Elstree-Cockfosters section. And wonderful it was too. Yeah the A1 bit is unpleasant but music and headphones help alleviate.

Regarding the dogging at Scratchwood am pleased to report there was no such nonsense. But I have previously seen some odd goings-on on the Moat side. It was actually quite sinister.

Otherwise I can’t add much to what’s already been written but I will mention the Cock pub, which is a mere quarter mile from Cockfosters tube. At first glance I thought it looked like one of those more corporate style pubs, the sort geared up for weddings. My limited optimism evaporated when I saw all the badges turned 180 on the five handpumps. Somewhat pointlessly I asked the corporately-attired barperson if there was any cask beer. So I can’t recommend this place for those looking for that well-deserved post walk pint. But never mind, it’s still a great walk and the lack of beer didn’t detract my feeling of achievement.
Great commentary, as always. Probably now needs an update about the new alternative route leaving Elstree and B. The A1 fence barrier doesn't seem to start until south of the desire line. I walked to the underpass, but I might not have done.










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