Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace

On a slightly mixed, but mainly sunny Saturday 11th November, a group of us met at Finsbury Park station and were led by Trevor through Finsbury Park, over the railway, then along Parkland Walk (South) – a disused railway route which ends just before a fenced off tunnel at Holmesdale Road. Along the way we passed various reminders of the route’s railway past, such as a Pub called ‘The Goods Yard’, a former station-master’s house and the old platforms etc.

Now there are also community nature trails and wild flower gardens off the main track as well as a community play/climbing area (alas for kids not us).

At one vantage point there was a good view across to Stratford and Ilford where we tried to pick out landmarks, the obvious one being the ArdelorMittal Orbit.

After leaving the Parklands Walk we followed the road up to The Woodman pub then crossed over to Highgate Woods. A short way into the woods and it opened out to the cricket field but half hidden behind trees and shrubs was the Pavilion Café were we stopped for refreshment.

We then carried on through Highgate Wood to join up with Parkland Walk (North) and follow that. As we crossed a bridge over Cranley Gardens we followed the guide book’s advice and didn’t think of the serial killer, Dennis Nilsen who used to live there, and who was recently portrayed by David Tennant.

We then proceeded to Alexandra Palace and on to Alexandra Palace station, a total of 6 miles.

Richard.  27th November 2023