London: New River and Hamstead Heath

New River, Islington

Walking over to Upper Street in Islington on Wednesday morning for brunch, Thea formulated our route to pass by the New River—another body of water that I didn't know existed in London. As I learned, the water is neither new or a river. It is an out-of-use, man-made waterway opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water. The water is slow moving, hence the algal bloom.

One of the many striking trees on Hampstead Heath.

After brunch, Thea took me to Hampstead Heath, in the Hampstead area of north London, which sports the highest point in London. The area is 791 acres of grasses, trees, ponds and recreation areas. The weather was lovely for our tour around Parliament Hill and the surrounding areas.

The knees are the only giveaway.

I read later that Parliament Hill is also known as Kite Hill because it is so popular with kite flyers. I did see a boy with a kite, but he wasn't successful at getting it airborne. The top of this hill offers vistas of London, which mean a bit more if you know what buildings you are gazing down upon.

This man-made enclosure must be quite spooky at night.