Hampstead Heath: Sandy Heath and West Heath Loop

Sandy Heath and West Heath form the wilder western section of Hampstead Heath, managed by the City of London Corporation as part of the wider Heath estate. This 5.5km loop from the Jack Straw's Castle car park on North End Way covers terrain that is noticeably less busy than the Parliament Hill and Kenwood sections from Batch 1, making it a better choice for dogs who prefer quieter walks. Sandy Heath lives up to its name with sandy, well-drained paths through birch and oak scrub. West Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with acid grassland, heathland and ancient woodland in a mosaic that supports a wide range of invertebrates and ground-nesting birds in season. Dogs are off lead throughout both sections of the Heath. The Vale of Health pond at the southern end of the loop is a designated dog bathing area with easy bank access.