islington
LEISURELY WALKS
 The Leisurely
Walks Group has half-day walks of up to three
miles.Group Coordinator: Derek Harwood (click to contact) |
|
When
We will start with one walk each month on varying days of the week. If there is enough support and others are prepared to lead some walks, we will then increase the frequency. |
| Where All walks will be fairly local
but with some public transport (to the start or
from the finish).
|
Introduction
Since Spring 2018 iU3A has had a Leisurely Walks group (in addition to the current Shorter and Longer Walk groups). This group offers a monthly half-day walk (on different days of the week) of up to three miles. The pace is leisurely, with pauses along the way. The start and end points are easily reached by public transport and are in the Freedom Pass travel zones. Some walks are local, e.g. Clissold Park and the New River Path; others are sometimes further afield, e.g. Trent Park. The walks may feature river or canal towpaths, parks and nature reserves, while others may be more urban and explore a London 'village’. They are ideal for members who like gentle outdoor exercise at a slower pace than the existing walking groups. If you are interested in joining this new group please use the email link above to advise the Group Coordinator or join online through the Members' System ('Beacon') here.
Our experience of running walks has suggested a few common-sense guidelines, to ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety on our walks. You can see them here.
We won't have sign ups per walk — you can just turn up on the day. But if you are late we won't be expecting you so we won't wait for you.
In addition to this Group if you don't see what you like here, you might want to look at our Discovering Islington Group here.
Our Next Leisurely Walks
Since Spring 2018 iU3A has had a Leisurely Walks group (in addition to the current Shorter and Longer Walk groups). This group offers a monthly half-day walk (on different days of the week) of up to three miles. The pace is leisurely, with pauses along the way. The start and end points are easily reached by public transport and are in the Freedom Pass travel zones. Some walks are local, e.g. Clissold Park and the New River Path; others are sometimes further afield, e.g. Trent Park. The walks may feature river or canal towpaths, parks and nature reserves, while others may be more urban and explore a London 'village’. They are ideal for members who like gentle outdoor exercise at a slower pace than the existing walking groups. If you are interested in joining this new group please use the email link above to advise the Group Coordinator or join online through the Members' System ('Beacon') here.
Our experience of running walks has suggested a few common-sense guidelines, to ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety on our walks. You can see them here.
We won't have sign ups per walk — you can just turn up on the day. But if you are late we won't be expecting you so we won't wait for you.
In addition to this Group if you don't see what you like here, you might want to look at our Discovering Islington Group here.
Our Next Leisurely Walks
The programme of walks will also appear in
the Members' System (ie 'Beacon').
Post Covid-19 lockdown: in addition to our normal risk assessment for each walk (as recorded by our Details sheet) we have completed a general risk assessment of our group's activity under Covid-19 conditions. This can be viewed here.
Full walk details including meeting points and times will be available a week or two before the walk. You'll be able to see them (and print them if you like) from a link on this page. Where it says 'Details here', click on 'here' when it is highlighted in blue.
Dates for our next leisurely walks are:
If you want to volunteer to lead one of these walks (help will be provided regarding the admin., etc) please use the contact link at the top to drop Derek an email.
Recent WalksPost Covid-19 lockdown: in addition to our normal risk assessment for each walk (as recorded by our Details sheet) we have completed a general risk assessment of our group's activity under Covid-19 conditions. This can be viewed here.
Full walk details including meeting points and times will be available a week or two before the walk. You'll be able to see them (and print them if you like) from a link on this page. Where it says 'Details here', click on 'here' when it is highlighted in blue.
Dates for our next leisurely walks are:
If you want to volunteer to lead one of these walks (help will be provided regarding the admin., etc) please use the contact link at the top to drop Derek an email.
Our recent walks have included:
Victoria Park (December): during a brief period of no lockdown or other restrictions the Group managed a walk from Hackney Wick to and around Victoria Park.
Rotherhithe
(October): we started in the heart of Rotherhithe
Village with coffee at the Watch House, taken al fresco in
the adjoining St Mary's Churchyard gardens. Then leaving
behind the narrow, cobbled streets we headed for the river
and strolled along the Thames Path admiring the views for a
mile or so before turning inland to enter Russia Dock
Woodland. We continued on the main path through this
extensive area, passing streams, ponds and water birds, and
briefly visited the Ecological Park. The high point of the
walk was climbing Stave Hill, an artificial hill made by
using waste material and rubble. A cast bronze relief map of
the former docks stands at the top of the hill. With rain
clouds gathering most headed back to Rotherhithe station but
some stayed for lunch and more conversation at the riverside
Salt Quay pub.
Finsbury Park and the Capital Ring (September): this was our first walk since lockdown and 9 members were keen to get out and get some exercise. It was a pretty hot day but luckily the walk had quite a lot of shade along the route. Details here.
Dollis Valley
Greenwalk (March): a small group of walkers grasped
the opportunity of a walk in the winter sunshine along the
Dollis Brook in North London. The two-mile stretch was part
of the 10-mile-long greenwalk from North Barnet to Hampstead
Garden Suburb. Starting at Totteridge and Whetstone station
we followed the well-marked trail through a linear park,
accompanied by birdsong most of the way, spotting welcome
signs of spring. Despite being on tarmac paths we
encountered some decidedly muddy sections after the February
rain. The surprisingly busy Italian café produced good
coffee and a warm break before the last uphill walk to West
Finchley station. Details here.
Hyde Park: Half
a dozen intrepid walkers braved the aftermath of Storm
Dennis and were rewarded with sparkling spring sunshine for
a peaceful stroll around Hyde Park. We delayed our start to
watch the Household Cavalry heading for duties at the
Palace, then strolled around the Serpentine enjoying the
spring blossom and the just-out daffodils swaying in the
breeze. We enjoyed the ‘art’ we passed including the Queen
Elizabeth Gates, Achilles, the Hudson Memorial, Serenity and
the Princess Diana Fountain. We were amused by the antics of
long tailed tits and amazed at how fearless of people
parakeets can be when food is offered. We paused for a
welcome cup of tea in the Lido café before heading back
through the rose garden to Hyde Park Corner. Details here.
Canada Water: an intrepid band of
leisurely walkers ventured south of the river for a stroll
through Grade II listed Southwark Park, with a short detour
to the Thames Path to admire the view back home. Despite the
challenges of extensive roadworks, we managed to visit three
parks — Southwark Park, King's Stairs Gardens and George V
Park — passing a motley selection of Southwark blue plaques
commemorating the first Blitz raid on Surrey Docks and the
homes of social reformer Richard Carr-Gomm and the first
President of Uganda. The recently opened Southwark Park
café, overlooking the lake and rose gardens, provided a
scenic and well deserved coffee stop on our way home. Group
photo beside Dr Salter's Daydream on Thames Path. Details here.
St Paul's to Tower Bridge: again
not many came on the walk. While it was a cold day it was
bright and clear. The walk set of from St Paul's Cathedral
then crossed over the Millennium Bridge and proceeded down
the river and along to Tower Bridge. See full details here.
Regent's Canal:
this was a gentle walk along the canal on a cold but clear
day. Not many turned out for it — was it too cold? We
started outside Angel Tube Station and walked eastward down
City Road then along Duncan Terrace Gardens to the Canal
Towpath, walking eastwards. We stopped for coffee at
Kingsland Basin. See full details here.
Highgate to
Alexandra Palace: We had a dry and mostly sunny
morning thankfully, for our walk, after the rainy week. The
beech trees in Highgate Wood were just turning colour. The
illusion of being almost in the countryside continued as we
proceeded along the northern branch of the Parkland Walk
accompanied by birdsong, mercifully without a chorus of
parakeets’ screeches, until we reached the St James viaduct
and enjoyed far-reaching views across the city, spotting the
Shard, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park. We were rewarded
by further extensive vistas from Alexandra Palace, where we
paused to take a peek into the elegant Palm Court, before
continuing through the gardens to the train station. Details
here.
Archive
For the archived details of previous leisurely walks have a look here:
Victoria Park (December): during a brief period of no lockdown or other restrictions the Group managed a walk from Hackney Wick to and around Victoria Park.
Rotherhithe
(October): we started in the heart of Rotherhithe
Village with coffee at the Watch House, taken al fresco in
the adjoining St Mary's Churchyard gardens. Then leaving
behind the narrow, cobbled streets we headed for the river
and strolled along the Thames Path admiring the views for a
mile or so before turning inland to enter Russia Dock
Woodland. We continued on the main path through this
extensive area, passing streams, ponds and water birds, and
briefly visited the Ecological Park. The high point of the
walk was climbing Stave Hill, an artificial hill made by
using waste material and rubble. A cast bronze relief map of
the former docks stands at the top of the hill. With rain
clouds gathering most headed back to Rotherhithe station but
some stayed for lunch and more conversation at the riverside
Salt Quay pub.Finsbury Park and the Capital Ring (September): this was our first walk since lockdown and 9 members were keen to get out and get some exercise. It was a pretty hot day but luckily the walk had quite a lot of shade along the route. Details here.
Dollis Valley
Greenwalk (March): a small group of walkers grasped
the opportunity of a walk in the winter sunshine along the
Dollis Brook in North London. The two-mile stretch was part
of the 10-mile-long greenwalk from North Barnet to Hampstead
Garden Suburb. Starting at Totteridge and Whetstone station
we followed the well-marked trail through a linear park,
accompanied by birdsong most of the way, spotting welcome
signs of spring. Despite being on tarmac paths we
encountered some decidedly muddy sections after the February
rain. The surprisingly busy Italian café produced good
coffee and a warm break before the last uphill walk to West
Finchley station. Details here.Hyde Park: Half
a dozen intrepid walkers braved the aftermath of Storm
Dennis and were rewarded with sparkling spring sunshine for
a peaceful stroll around Hyde Park. We delayed our start to
watch the Household Cavalry heading for duties at the
Palace, then strolled around the Serpentine enjoying the
spring blossom and the just-out daffodils swaying in the
breeze. We enjoyed the ‘art’ we passed including the Queen
Elizabeth Gates, Achilles, the Hudson Memorial, Serenity and
the Princess Diana Fountain. We were amused by the antics of
long tailed tits and amazed at how fearless of people
parakeets can be when food is offered. We paused for a
welcome cup of tea in the Lido café before heading back
through the rose garden to Hyde Park Corner. Details here.Canada Water: an intrepid band of
leisurely walkers ventured south of the river for a stroll
through Grade II listed Southwark Park, with a short detour
to the Thames Path to admire the view back home. Despite the
challenges of extensive roadworks, we managed to visit three
parks — Southwark Park, King's Stairs Gardens and George V
Park — passing a motley selection of Southwark blue plaques
commemorating the first Blitz raid on Surrey Docks and the
homes of social reformer Richard Carr-Gomm and the first
President of Uganda. The recently opened Southwark Park
café, overlooking the lake and rose gardens, provided a
scenic and well deserved coffee stop on our way home. Group
photo beside Dr Salter's Daydream on Thames Path. Details here.St Paul's to Tower Bridge: again
not many came on the walk. While it was a cold day it was
bright and clear. The walk set of from St Paul's Cathedral
then crossed over the Millennium Bridge and proceeded down
the river and along to Tower Bridge. See full details here. Regent's Canal:
this was a gentle walk along the canal on a cold but clear
day. Not many turned out for it — was it too cold? We
started outside Angel Tube Station and walked eastward down
City Road then along Duncan Terrace Gardens to the Canal
Towpath, walking eastwards. We stopped for coffee at
Kingsland Basin. See full details here.Highgate to
Alexandra Palace: We had a dry and mostly sunny
morning thankfully, for our walk, after the rainy week. The
beech trees in Highgate Wood were just turning colour. The
illusion of being almost in the countryside continued as we
proceeded along the northern branch of the Parkland Walk
accompanied by birdsong, mercifully without a chorus of
parakeets’ screeches, until we reached the St James viaduct
and enjoyed far-reaching views across the city, spotting the
Shard, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park. We were rewarded
by further extensive vistas from Alexandra Palace, where we
paused to take a peek into the elegant Palm Court, before
continuing through the gardens to the train station. Details
here. Archive
For the archived details of previous leisurely walks have a look here:
- Archive 2018-2019 here.