New River
Out and about, discovering the countryside of the city, you begin to realise that sometimes the further into the centre of the capital you go, the more natural and tranquil these landscapes become. And this is certainly true of the New River Path.
One of the loveliest sections of the path is the stretch than runs alongside the Woodberry Wetlands where the river is open and alive. It is quite a short walk but it can be extended into the reservoirs.
Near Woodberry Wetlands
Manor Park Station
Further into the capital, a linear park has been created alongside the river in Islington.
New River in Islington
And there is something else very special about this stretch of the path. Canal and river paths across London have become busier with cyclists and joggers, and families try to keep their young children from the edge of the water which is dark and deep.
But here New River is shallow – if a child fell in, the worst thing that would happen would be a bit of a soaking – and the path is quiet with people taking a gentle stroll.
Even the wildlife seems more relaxed with water fowl that know they have hiding places and can disappear beneath bridges and branches.
Fish can be seen in the shallow water and there are toads, frogs and newts that can be spotted in the warmer months but even in late Winter there are welcome signs of Spring here.
Late February at New River
New River is maintained and watched over by authorities as it was in the past. A round brick building provided shelter for the person whose job it was to keep swimmers and anglers away from here in days gone by.
The river watchman's shelter
Trees provide shelter from the weather and from city living that is all around here, some growing horizontally and leaving their trunks across the water when they are cut back.
A tree bends over the water
Sunlight trickles through the canopy and the water reflects it giving us a shiny escape into the countryside with its meandering paths and wooden fencing.
New River Path
And yet this waterway is neither new nor a river. It was made over 400 years ago at the time of King James I - an aquaduct to bring fresh water from the countryside to London.
Highbury and Islington Station
North London map
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