Blackheath Ramblers

Most rambles organised by the Ramblers Association on Saturdays seem to be about 10/12 miles out in the country, so when I saw one of 5 miles in London, I decided to go.

Meeting was at 10.30 a.m. outside Seven Sisters station; there was a bit of a hiatus at the beginning, at the station has two exits, some distance apart.   But mobile phones saved the day - a quick ring to the leader by one of the group (including me) waiting at the wrong exit, and we were all off up the road to the right one.

The walk was organised by Blackheath Ramblers, and the aim was to visit the parks on the way to Dalston.

The weather was a bit iffy; it wasn't cold, but showers were forecast, and who wants to ramble under an umbrella!   But luckily there were only a few inconsequential odd spots, and the rest of the time it was dry.

First park was Markfield Park isn't very big, but is quite pretty, with losts of things for children.   It also has a museum, which we didn't have time to visit, and a single toilet at the largish restaurant, which wasn't really enough for a group of about fifty.   Most of us decided to wait until the next stop.

Markfield Park adjoins the canal, and a walk along the towpath formed the next part of our walk - all very peacful and away from the noise and pollution of the traffic.

Next park was Springfield Park in Upper Clapton, which was formed in 1905 from the grounds of three private houses, one of which still survives and is now a cafe.

The 38 acre Springfield Park is beautiful - and it has everything a good park should have.   A river, a lake, lots of trees, a nature reserve, flowers, a cafe, seating, lots of grassy areas, slopes - it has character.   We walked right through it, and made out way to Abney Park Cemetery, which we reached via the very Jewish Stamford Hill - lots of men walking along the streets in their huge round black hats, black coats, knee length black troubers and black socks. 

This area was a centre of radicalism in the past, and Abney Park Cemetery reflects this, with a non-demoninational chapel (now in somewhat disrepair) which could be used by everyone.    It is not a well-laid out cemerery with neatly mown grass, but a wilderness.   Among the graves there is a very prominent one for the Booths, founders of the Salvation Army, which is just near the exit.

Next stop was Clissold Park, where we stopped to give people a chance to get something to drink.   Clissold House has an interesting histry, but is now a nice, if slightly pricey restaurant.   I didn't want to get anything to drink, so I used the time to go and have a look at St. Mary's Church, Stoke Newington - only a brief look, though, as time was rther limited.   I also had a look at the much older church on the other side of the road, where I had noticed a wedding party when we passed, but it was locked.

The walk ended about 1.30 p.m. at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, just in time for some lunch.

I've put my name on the Blackheath Ramblers mailing list for details of their next ramble - they were such a terrifically friendly group I shall definitely join them again if I can.