Taken from Primrose Hill on a misty morning
It wasn’t the nicest day for a walk, but sometimes my free days don’t coincide with one! I did know that due to the mist, I’d have to take my bridge camera to cope with a view from Primrose Hill. I’d failed to recharge the battery and only one line remained, but hey, sometimes you have to take chances. In the end, I got four or five photos out of it, and the ones I wanted. Phew!
I’d borrowed a book from the library entitled Walking London: 30 Original Walks in and Around London by Andrew Duncan. I used it for part of the walk I took in Kensington last week. The walks are easy to follow (even for me!) and take you off the beaten track to the back streets where there are some interesting finds, things I would probably not find on my own.
The walk is three and half miles long (walking time about one and a half hours) and begins at Chalk Farm underground station (Northern Line). Coming out of the station, I crossed the road and headed up Bridge Approach. Here I crossed the bridge over the underground. I crossed the road at the end and walked up Regent’s Park Road, where there are some rather nice shops. I nearly got distracted by a book shop (as ever!). The road leads to Primrose Hill, and I followed the path to the top where the above photo was taken.
The bridge over the underground
The shops in Regen’s Park Road
A man of interest
Walking up Primrose Hill
Another view from the top of Primrose Hill
I retraced my steps a little and then took the first path right and walked to the end of the park (there are toilets here) and crossed the road and took a right over the bridge. Looking down, there was Regent’s Canal.
Regent’s Canal
Another view from the bridge
I realised that I have only walked through Regent’s Park when visiting London Zoo. There is so much else to see.
Into Regent’s Park
I remember this drinking fountain. After that it was all new.
Don’t these trees look gorgeous even on a damp, misty day?
Following the path around the playing fields, I finally came to the lake full of birds of all descriptions.
Canada geese
I love this view. See those buildings? They are described as pepperpots. They are in Sussex Place.
I love all the little bridges in the park. This one eventually leads to the children’s boating lake.
Majestic Heron!
Nothing like a splash of autumn colour
London Central Mosque
I found this lovely cafe overlooking the lake and decorated in the style of Queen Mary’s Gardens (part of Regent’s Park and yet to visit on this walk). The stop was most welcome. A chance for a hot drink and a warm up.
Through the window
The work of John Nash, whose buildings can be seen also close to Trafalgar Square.
Another bridge
Holme Green Bandstand. On 20th July 1982, the bandstand was the target of a terrorist attack by the IRA. Seven bandsmen were killed and a further 24 injured during a concert by the band of the Royal Green Jackets. Eight members of the public, who were watching the performance, were also taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the bombing.
Nice to see some colour still
The Sunken Garden, Queen Mary’s Gardens
Walking past the Open Air Theatre, you come to these gardens.
The fountain
Queen Mary’s Gardens
Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
Now out of the gates I was heading towards some of the back streets of Regent’s Park, and what a surprise I got!
The terraces come with their own private gardens (right)
Just stunning
Walking between one stunning terrace to another, yet still opposite Regent’s Park
I’m almost at the end of the walk now.
Down an alleyway of Peto Place where you can see the Royal College of Physicians in the background.
The BT Tower shrouded in mist
The walk in the book ends at Regent’s Park station, but as I was opposite Great Portland Street, I decided to travel back from here. This was a most interesting and lovely walk, but it was nice to get warm again as the cold had seemed to get right into me by then. I hope you have enjoyed this walk too.
My London+ 