“Terrible teeth and purple prickles,” he said. This is how the Gruffalo is described. Now you can explore The Gruffalo Trail at Horsenden Hill. It opened in the summer of 2016. The trail brings Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling children’s book to life. The Gruffalo Trail tells the story of a mouse. The cunning mouse walks through a deep, dark wood. He meets dangerous creatures. They all want to eat him. But he scares them off with the idea of the imaginary Gruffalo.
The Gruffalo Trail features five wooden sculptures. A 7ft Redwood sculpture of the Gruffalo stands proudly. Four smaller Sweet Chestnut sculptures represent Mouse, Fox, Snake, and Owl. They are hidden along the adventure trail. Children can explore and discover them. They can also learn about the animals’ habitats and diets.
Horsenden Hill is a hidden gem. It is located in West London. Many non-locals do not visit it. But it offers amazing views of London on a clear day. You can see lovely woods and the Grand Union Canal. The hill is one of the highest points in West London. It stands 85m above sea level.
The Gruffalo Trail takes you in a big circle. It leads to fields with cows in the summer. So watch out for cow pats. If you have a buggy, it is not recommended. There is no exact path. It is more of a muddy path. Some sections have steps down the hill. Next to the steps is a gravel or muddy path. Wear wellies or trainers that can get messy.
The cool thing about The Gruffalo Trail is that it is back to nature. There is no fixed pathway. The Gruffalo characters are tucked away in the trees and hedges. You have to hunt some of them down. The fox is particularly elusive. The snake is the easiest to find. You can’t really miss him. He’s not tucked away off the path. The little ones must keep their eyes peeled. They must hunt the animals down. There is a map of the trail by the car park. But there are no signs dotted around the field. So you have to actually hunt them down. Or just follow the group in front of you. Otherwise, it could be an all-day thing.
Each character has a board next to it. The boards explain what the animal likes to eat. They tell you about its habitat. They also give you other random facts about the animal.
To get to Horsenden Hill, use the postcode UB6 7QL. The nearest tube stations are Perivale and Sudbury Town. Buses 92, 95, 384 and 487 also stop nearby. By car, leave the A40 at the Perivale exit. You will find a car park off Horsenden Lane North. There is also a free car park at Horsenden Farm. If the farm entrance gates are closed, park on Bilton Road or Jubilee Road. It is a 5-10 minute walk from these roads.
The Gruffalo Trail at Horsenden Hill is a great way to enjoy a walk. Look out for the characters. After completing the trail, stop at the amazing climbing tree. Or wander around the meadows. Enjoy the beautiful views towards the city. The trail itself should only take about 20 minutes.
Remember to bring a map. It makes it more exciting for the kids. Follow the signs to find Mouse, Snake, Fox, Owl, and the Gruffalo. Read and act out the signs at each sculpture. Have a picnic along the way.
Whether you follow the trail the right way or the challenging way, have fun. Enjoy the adventure and the beautiful surroundings. And don’t forget to watch out for the Gruffalo.