LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I parked in Queen's Wood Road and walked up Wood Lane to Highgate Station, the start of Walk 12. I passed the bench where I had rested at the end of Walk 11 and entered Parkland Walk, an old railway route. To the north west can be seen the Highgate Tunnels. The Parkland Walk continues to the south-east for approximately 3½ miles, crossing numerous roads until the end at Finsbury Park. Three levels of transport can be seen at Stapleton Hall Road, with the existing railway far below. There were many joggers along the walk, enjoying the traffic-free tranquillity of the greenery and wildlife. I crossed the east coast main railway line via a footbridge into the traditional Finsbury Park, a complete contrast passing the gardens, lake and children's play area. From the park to another contrast, New River, a water course which looks like a canal but the bridges are very low. An unusual duck, possibly a Tufted Duck, was seen near New River Way. At Lordship Grove the path was blocked due to building works. A worker directed me to Green Lanes via Woodberry Down Estate. South along 'Green Lanes', passing the Unite Union offices, currently in the news over the British Airways strike, and the majestic 'Castle', to Clissold Park. There was more drama as two workmen paddled in the empty Beckmere Lake, looking for stranded fish in the muddy pools. Onwards past the tennis courts and St Mary's Church, with its spring flowers, to Church Street and Abney Park Cemetery. Turning into the cemetery I found tightly packed graves with huge monuments, mostly overgrown and over a hundred years old. I walked alongside the joggers to the derelict chapel and the east gate to Stoke Newington High Street, the end of the walk. After a long wait I caught three buses back to Highgate and the car.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Start: Highgate
Finish: Newington

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