We are the West London Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
West London Group has been walking the Capital Ring on Saturdays in 2024. We have now reached sections 12 and 13, from Highgate to Hackney via Stoke Newington. This is, surprisingly, one of the greenest parts of the Ring. It's also one full of historical interest. We start on the Parkland Walk, a disused railway line, and then continue through Finsbury Park, along by the New River, past Stoke Newington Reservoirs, into Clissold Park and then fascinating Abney Park Cemetery. We then trace the expansion of Stoke Newington over the last 150 years before entering Springfield Park and then following the River Lea Navigation as it winds its way towards the Thames.
You can find detailed notes on these sections at the link below.
We will stop for around 45 minutes to eat lunch at Woodberry Wetlands. There is a cafe but bringing a packed lunch is recommended to avoid delaying the group too much.
There are no toilets at Highgate Station but after a few minutes walking we can pause to use those at Jackson Lane arts centre. After that there are toilets in most of the parks on the route.
This is an urban walk with many drop out points. It is mostly easy walking on firm paths and pavements. The River Lea towpath is narrow and rough in some places and we shall need to watch out for bikes and e-bikes. There are a few steep climbs including some steps and slopes, for example at canal footbridges.
Highgate Underground Station (Priory Gardens exit)
Hackney Wick Overground Station
