Brook to Brook by Bike

A foggy start didn’t stop four adventurous GoodGym Barnet cyclists heading out to explore some of the best traffic-free routes in the borough.

Subham, Peter Jack and Paul met in Mill Hill on a misty morning, with the promise of sunshine later in the day, and set off along the beautiful Dollis Valley Greenwalk.

Within minutes the traffic noise faded and we were gliding along quiet paths and green corridors, the sort of places that make you wonder why more people don’t cycle around Barnet.

After following the valley north we climbed gently towards Hadley Wood, arriving at the lovely Jack’s Lake, tucked away beside Hadley Golf Course. This peaceful fishing lake is the source of the Pymmes Brook, and it made the perfect stop to admire the view before continuing the journey.

From there we followed the route of the brook, weaving along long stretches of car-free paths with the occasional quiet lane, enjoying the feeling of travelling through green spaces that most people never realise are there.

As if perfectly timed, the sun finally broke through the clouds, warming the day as we made our way back towards Stephens House & Gardens, where the ride finished with some well-earned refreshments in the sunshine.

Rides like this show just how good cycling can be in Barnet — peaceful routes, hidden nature spots and a great way to get active with good company.

🚴 We’re hoping to make these relaxed social rides a regular thing, perfect for anyone looking to get into cycling, build confidence, and explore the area in a sustainable way.

If you fancy joining a future ride, keep an eye on GoodGym Barnet or get in touch.

Moonlight Mission at FUEL Lands On Tuesday evening our GoodGym Barnet crew gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema before heading off on a short 1.5 km run to FUEL Lands, where Finchley Charities are developing a community allotment. A bright moon lit the start of the run, before disappearing behind thick grey cloud, leaving a rather dramatic sky above us as we arrived to meet Bridget and Sheela from Finchley Charities. The task was to reposition several raised beds so they ran parallel with the path, making them accessible for people using wheelchairs or with restricted mobility. This wasn’t just a simple shuffle — it meant emptying the beds, removing the wooden frames, repositioning them, and refilling them with woodchip and soil. With only three GoodGymers on the task, expectations were modest. Maybe one bed if things went well. But the GoodGym work ethic kicked in. Working in the dark, we dismantled, moved and rebuilt the beds, eventually completing three fully reassembled raised beds, ready for planting. Not bad for a small crew and a head-torch shift. Even in the low light you could see the potential of the site. The allotment is shaping up to be a wonderful community space where people can get involved in gardening and spend time outdoors. The project is run by Finchley Charities, an extraordinary local organisation that has been supporting people in the Finchley area for over 600 years. Mission accomplished, we jogged back to the Phoenix Cinema where popcorn and refreshments awaited. Fancy getting involved? We’ll be back helping again soon join us for a run, a workout, and the chance to support a brilliant local project.

A few people, came online to do Yoga.

yoga talk Yoga can contribute to muscle development while nurturing physical and mental wellness. In yoga studios and classes, practices like vinyasa yoga incorporate strength-focused poses that engage muscles and encourage growth. While yoga’s primary goal isn’t solely muscle-building, it does enhance overall body strength and tone.

Fairway to Go! February’s Fantastic Finds

February saw another brilliant Anytime Plogging Community Mission, with GoodGym members heading out across their local areas to keep streets, parks and beaches a little cleaner.

A big thank you to everyone who sent in photos and reports it’s always inspiring to see what’s being tackled out there.

Peter was out and about but seemed to uncover parts of a van along the way, which understandably slowed progress a little! Jacqui and Sally combined their litter pick with a theatre trip .. multitasking at its finest — collecting an eclectic haul including bottles, papers and some rather curious odds and ends. Paul uncovered what felt like the lost driving range of North London a stash of golf balls rescued from the undergrowth. And I did my own litter pick on Chesil Beach with my niece, gathering an eclectic mix of widely travelled rubbish packaging from Japan, Poland and beyond. A reminder that litter doesn’t just travel down our streets… it travels across the world.

From riverbanks to beaches, from golf balls to van debris, every bag filled makes a difference.

If you haven’t joined in yet, why not give it a go for March? Bring a friend, grab a picker, and head out for a short plog near you — anytime that suits you.

Thanks again to everyone who took part community spirit in action.