Behind the scenes: Creating Harrow's Heritage Walk Maps

When I was asked to create hand-painted maps for Harrow Council’s Diamond Jubilee Heritage Walks, I knew it would be something a little different from my usual watercolour workshops and illustrations — and I couldn’t resist the challenge!

The brief was to design two illustrated maps: one for the Bentley Priory walk and one for the Pinner Heritage walk, each highlighting cultural landmarks, history, and nature in a way that felt inviting, accessible, and full of character.

Bentley Priory Nature Reserve - Heritage Walk Map

Step 1: Walking the Walks

Before putting brush to paper, I headed out to explore the routes myself. There’s nothing quite like walking the paths, noticing where the signs are (or aren’t!), and spotting the little details that give each place its personality. From deer grazing in the Bentley Priory parkland to the quirky red telephone box library in Pinner, and on to the historic Grims Dyke Hotel, these became the moments I knew I wanted to capture.

The Grims Dyke Hotel

Pinner Telephone Box Library

Step 2: Sketching Landmarks

I worked up sketches of the key landmarks — from churches and historic houses to memorials, pubs, and ponds. Some got the full watercolour treatment, while others received just a lighter sketch. This balance made the map feel right. The idea was to make it clear and functional, but also fun to explore.

Step 3: Building the Maps

Each road, path, and green space was drawn by hand and then brought into Photoshop. Here, I combined everything into one large map. This was definitely the trickiest part — maps need to be useful, but I also had to bend the geography a little so that important landmarks didn’t sit on top of each other. Think of it as a map with artistic licence! Bentley Priory nature reserve was a particular challenge, a wide area with no definitive map of all the many paths and trees. How was I ever going to do this?

I added bus routes, parking, and hand-lettered all the road names. It was definitely a labour of love.

Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches

To tie everything together, I created little map symbols, route lines, and numbers that connect to the Points of Interest on the back of the leaflet. A few trees, quirky houses, a fox, long-horned cows, ducks, and teepees were conjured up. Then it was all about colour balancing, tidying up edges, and ensuring the final maps worked both in print and online.

The Result

The finished maps were printed for the walks (and are available in community centres and libraries), but you can also download the PDF versions from my blog here. They’re designed to be folded up, popped in your pocket, and taken with you on your walk.

I’ve loved every part of this project — from painting foxes and hares to reimagining Harrow’s history in watercolour. If you’re local, I’d encourage you to give one of the walks a go. And if you do, let me know if the maps helped guide you along the way!

Pinner Heritage Walk

Why Hand-Painted Maps?

Hand-painted maps are not just functional; they are a form of art. Each stroke of the brush adds character and charm. They invite people to engage with their surroundings in a unique way. Unlike digital maps, these illustrations tell a story. They capture the essence of a place, making it memorable.

The Artistic Process

Creating these maps was a journey. It started with research and exploration. I wanted to understand the history and significance of each landmark. This knowledge informed my sketches and ultimately the final designs. Each element was chosen carefully to reflect the character of Harrow.

Engaging the Community

The maps serve a dual purpose. They not only guide walkers but also educate them about local history. By highlighting cultural landmarks, they foster a sense of pride in the community. I hope they inspire others to explore and appreciate the beauty of Harrow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hand-painted maps for Harrow Council’s Diamond Jubilee Heritage Walks are more than just navigational tools. They are artistic representations of the rich history and culture of the area. I encourage everyone to take a walk and experience the charm of Harrow for themselves. If you do, I would love to hear your feedback on the maps!