Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) Circular
London
Brent Reservoir, universally known as the Welsh Harp after a former pub on its bank, was built by William Hoof between 1834 and 1835 to supply water to the Regent's Canal and covers 68.6 hectares straddling the boroughs of Brent and Barnet near Wembley Stadium, its reedbeds meaning dogs stay on a lead or close by near the water's edge. It is the only Site of Special Scientific Interest in either borough, with reedbeds and open water that have recorded 253 bird species, including great crested grebes, gadwall, shoveler and common terns. This circular route of around 5km follows paths around the reservoir through Neasden Recreation Ground and the Welsh Harp Open Space, crossing Cool Oak Lane, with sailing and canoe clubs visible out on the water throughout.
This is a dog friendly walk through the parkland sections around the reservoir, with flat, easy paths and open grassland at Neasden Recreation Ground and Welsh Harp Open Space where dogs can stretch their legs. Because the site is protected for its birdlife, dogs are best kept on lead or under close control near the reedbeds and the water's edge, where nesting and wintering waterfowl are easily disturbed. There is no livestock and no shortage of water in view, though the reservoir itself is not somewhere to encourage a dog to swim given the sailing and canoeing traffic. There is no cafe confirmed on site, and parking is on nearby streets around Cool Oak Lane and Birchen Grove rather than in a dedicated car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- No cafe confirmed on site.
- Parking
- On-street parking near Cool Oak Lane or Birchen Grove; no dedicated large car park.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) Circular dog friendly?
Yes, the Welsh Harp circular walk is a good option for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating. The 5km route takes in flat, easy paths through Neasden Recreation Ground and Welsh Harp Open Space, where there's open grassland for dogs to enjoy. Just bear in mind that the reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so some care is needed around the water's edge.
Can dogs be off lead at Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) Circular?
Dogs can have more freedom in the parkland sections, particularly on the open grassland at Neasden Recreation Ground and Welsh Harp Open Space. However, near the reedbeds and the water's edge, dogs should be kept on lead or under close control to avoid disturbing the nesting and wintering waterfowl — the site has recorded 253 bird species and carries SSSI protection. The reservoir itself isn't a great place for a swim either, given the sailing and canoe club traffic out on the water.
What should I know before visiting Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) Circular with my dog?
There's no dedicated car park, so you'll need to use on-street parking near Cool Oak Lane or Birchen Grove. There's no café confirmed on site, so it's worth bringing your own refreshments for you and your dog. The route is flat and manageable, but given the site's protected status, keeping your dog under close control near the water will help preserve the wildlife that makes this place special.
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