Hampstead Heath is first mentioned in the book by DCI Ryan Murphy, whilst he’s on the phone to Robin. He tells her that it seems that Edie’s phone was taken by the killer to Hampstead Heath where it was switched off by No.1 Pond.

Strike and Robin have some time between interviewing Katya Upcott and meeting Phillip Ormond in The Flask, so Strike suggests having a look at the Pond. They drive toward the Heath, and on arrival realise they are on Millfield Lane, the street in which Josh Blay has a flat.

“‘Now that,’ said Strike looking around at the houses that bordered the narrow street, ‘is an odd coincidence, isn’t it?’”  (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 34)

“They got out of the Land Rover, crossed the road and entered the Heath, between two large ponds which might more properly have been called lakes.

‘It’s this one,’ said Strike, indicating the pond to their left, which was fringed with trees. Various kinds of waterfowl were bobbing serenely on the khaki-coloured water, or clustering hopefully near the bank, should passers-by happen to have bread on them.” (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 34)

Hampstead Heath is a huge park of over 800 acres, sitting on one of the highest parts of London. It has spectacular views over the London skyline and is also famous for its Bathing Ponds.

You can find the place where Strike and Robin enter Hampstead Heath here: