London Parks
A journey by bike through London's green spaces
A journey by bike through London's green spaces
On the 18th of October, 2011 I made a journey by bike through London. There was not a planned route but I had marked a series of parks and green spaces to create a roughly circular journey, starting at Primrose Hill and finishing at Regent's Park. I travelled 42 miles over the course of the day.
9.18 am - Primrose Hill
I’m standing on Primrose Hill on a clear autumn morning. I cycled here from a hostel in nearby Camden then pushed my bike under the chestnut trees to the brow of the hill. There is a bright vista of London in the blue morning air. Some workmen beside me are constructing a new viewpoint. The BT tower stands tall in silhouette.
I’m standing on Primrose Hill on a clear autumn morning. I cycled here from a hostel in nearby Camden then pushed my bike under the chestnut trees to the brow of the hill. There is a bright vista of London in the blue morning air. Some workmen beside me are constructing a new viewpoint. The BT tower stands tall in silhouette.
10.02 am - Hampstead Heath
I’ve stopped in the middle of the Heath to have a snack. A long, steady climb through Hampstead was followed by an exhilarating freewheel down a cycle path amongst the trees. Sunlight is speckling through the foliage onto fallen leaves. The park is densely wooded and smells of fresh dew.
I’ve stopped in the middle of the Heath to have a snack. A long, steady climb through Hampstead was followed by an exhilarating freewheel down a cycle path amongst the trees. Sunlight is speckling through the foliage onto fallen leaves. The park is densely wooded and smells of fresh dew.
11.03 am - Shepherd’s Cot
After a tough climb up Highgate Road I got a bit lost looking for a way in to Queen’s Wood. I’ve found a way into the cricket grounds and tennis courts next to the woods. A good thing about moving between green spaces is that even if I get lost I’ll end up somewhere green and refreshing eventually.
After a tough climb up Highgate Road I got a bit lost looking for a way in to Queen’s Wood. I’ve found a way into the cricket grounds and tennis courts next to the woods. A good thing about moving between green spaces is that even if I get lost I’ll end up somewhere green and refreshing eventually.
12.15 pm - Finsbury Park
Just finished a brisk mile lap round leaf-blown Finsbury Park. It’s a wide open space and everyone in the park seems to be active. I passed people jogging, cycling, doing yoga and exercises, skateboarding, wobbling about on scooters and even using gym machines in the middle of the grass. There is lots of different tree varieties lining the avenue and swaying in the crisp breeze.
Just finished a brisk mile lap round leaf-blown Finsbury Park. It’s a wide open space and everyone in the park seems to be active. I passed people jogging, cycling, doing yoga and exercises, skateboarding, wobbling about on scooters and even using gym machines in the middle of the grass. There is lots of different tree varieties lining the avenue and swaying in the crisp breeze.
1.14 pm - Hackney Marsh
The ride here took me through Clissold and Millfield Parks between bouts of heavy traffic. The nearly deserted Hackney Marsh contains at least forty football pitches and a couple of rugby pitches too. I can picture it with enthusiastic amateur games on a Sunday.
The ride here took me through Clissold and Millfield Parks between bouts of heavy traffic. The nearly deserted Hackney Marsh contains at least forty football pitches and a couple of rugby pitches too. I can picture it with enthusiastic amateur games on a Sunday.
Hackney Cut
13.45 pm - Victoria Park
I’m standing under a small apple tree in windy Victoria Park. I rode for a mile or so along a canal and saw the construction of the Olympic Stadium. This park is another wide open space with few people around. There is a central path lined with old blue lamps and the ground is littered with tiny crab apples.
I’m standing under a small apple tree in windy Victoria Park. I rode for a mile or so along a canal and saw the construction of the Olympic Stadium. This park is another wide open space with few people around. There is a central path lined with old blue lamps and the ground is littered with tiny crab apples.
Regent's Canal
3.46 pm - Greenwich Park
Just had a late lunch of fish and chips in Greenwich Park. It looks stunning in the late afternoon light and the trees are casting long shadows. There is a broad grassy slope leading down from the Observatory to the old Naval College by the river. It is especially restful after riding through the alien architecture of Canary Wharf and passing under the Thames in the eerie Greenwich foot tunnel.
Just had a late lunch of fish and chips in Greenwich Park. It looks stunning in the late afternoon light and the trees are casting long shadows. There is a broad grassy slope leading down from the Observatory to the old Naval College by the river. It is especially restful after riding through the alien architecture of Canary Wharf and passing under the Thames in the eerie Greenwich foot tunnel.
5.28 pm - Battersea Park
After Greenwich I tried to go to Burgess Park but it was closed for major renewal. I eventually found my way to Battersea after a few wrong turns. I’m giving my legs a rest by the fountains as they are starting to tire. The sun will be setting soon but the air is still warm from the bright day. Battersea seems quite formal with paths leading off into the trees and carefully arranged gardens.
After Greenwich I tried to go to Burgess Park but it was closed for major renewal. I eventually found my way to Battersea after a few wrong turns. I’m giving my legs a rest by the fountains as they are starting to tire. The sun will be setting soon but the air is still warm from the bright day. Battersea seems quite formal with paths leading off into the trees and carefully arranged gardens.
6.09 pm - Green Park
It’s a relief to be in the park after the crazy traffic at Hyde Park Corner. I like the leafy, relaxed feel of Green Park in the evening light. It is a complete contrast to the bustle surrounding it. It is getting late so I’m going to to miss out St. James’ Park and cycle through Hyde Park before I get too tired.
It’s a relief to be in the park after the crazy traffic at Hyde Park Corner. I like the leafy, relaxed feel of Green Park in the evening light. It is a complete contrast to the bustle surrounding it. It is getting late so I’m going to to miss out St. James’ Park and cycle through Hyde Park before I get too tired.
Green Park
7.18 pm - Regent’s Park
There are no lights so the park is in total darkness. The only light comes from outside such as the shining BT tower. I cycled slowly through the park using my head-torch and am stood on the grass to take the last picture. It is warm and still and there a few people walking in the dark. I’m heading back to the hostel from here to finish the journey.
There are no lights so the park is in total darkness. The only light comes from outside such as the shining BT tower. I cycled slowly through the park using my head-torch and am stood on the grass to take the last picture. It is warm and still and there a few people walking in the dark. I’m heading back to the hostel from here to finish the journey.
The journey, showing only the green spaces and waterways.
The complete cycle route - 42 miles, starting and finishing on Plender St., Camden.
