After the hills and dales of Hampstead Heath, Parkland Walk (which runs from Highgate to Finsbury Park for those of you who like to locate) is a bit on the flat side – but then it used to be a railway line. But on a sunny day, it is a delightfully shady and cool place to walk – although the sun does flash through the trees rather more than I had realised, so apologies.
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Also, one’s walk is enlivened not only by the wildlife (it is a nature reserve) but by the remains of the stations (the guy in the blue sweater could be a commuter waiting on the platform for a train home)….
and by several bursts of super bright graffiti in the old brick embankments and tunnels. You can read all about them on the London is Cool blog but I rather fancy this friendly looking green dragonish person…
At some point you can also glimpse what looks to be fields and open countryside through the trees – although I have a feeling that it is just a school playground.
Back on the heath the swan families are growing up. Here is one family on Hampstead Pond 1 – the lowest of the heath ponds, just near South End Green – sent to us by one of our readers.
And here is the other family – although with only one parent it would seem – up on Highgate Pond no. 1. Plus a totally delightful family of brown and yellow spotted ducklings.
My daily blog now has an Instagram account! WalksonHampsteadHeath – the idea being to widen the circle of people who might enjoy a daily ramble across the heath. Please follow us and pass on the news!!
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