Cool Down in the Heat of the City

I love living in London. A place so green that it has been designated a National Park City. And in the middle of a heatwave one of the best places to cool down is right in the centre.

On a boiling hot day in the middle of a heatwave, that's exactly what I did - caught an air conditioned train straight into the heart of London and then used the tube - a bit warmer but quite bearable deep underground.

Marble Arch station was the emptiest I have ever seen it: even the most dedicated shoppers seemed to have avoided Oxford Street that day. And just a few minutes later, I began a long, slow walk along an avenue of trees that would take me all the way across Hyde Park.

The leaves of the London Plane Trees spread out above, cooling the air and protecting everyone below from the harsh rays of the sun. And when I arrived at the grassy banks of the Serpentine - in the part that is allocated for swimming - there were trees there to sit under.

The Serpentine was busy, but not crowded. A long forgotten and hidden river flows through the lake, bringing a continuous stream of fresh water, enjoyed by swimmers and other residents of the lake.

Over in the corner of the swimming area, a moorhen had built a nest and the birds and ducks here seem to understand that this is their space, although they tolerate us. A swan decided to have a nap on the edge of the lake so everyone had to pick their way round, not daring to disturb it.

And as I entered the water, a line of ducks swam alongside, keeping me company.

Afterwards, I decided to see how far I could walk under shade. Another avenue of trees led to Hyde Park Corner and across the road Green Park offered more sanctuary from the heat of the day.

And then into St James's Park. Here I was out in the sun for a while - but not for long. On the other side of the lake there are plenty of mature trees which cool the air and shelter people, creatures and plants from the heat of the sun on a day like this.

A day of sunshine, of being outside exploring the city - and a day of joy in the byways of London.

#serpentine #heatwave #london #openwaterswimming