Hidden London: the New River Walk

'O', you cry, arms raised aloft in wonder, 'this can't be London! It's all so...........green'.

But I assure you, dear readers, that I am not deceiving you.

And here is the sign to prove it: Islington's New River Walk.

It's not actually new at all. It was opened in 1613 to be an artificial waterway to provide London with drinking water. Now it serves as a lovely oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I recommend going on a sunny day, not too warm, to enjoy the walk and the effects of sunlight through the leaves and water features. The walk also passes near to several shops, so you can even stop for refreshment along the way.

The path is paved, so it's an easy sort of ramble (unless you fall in the river, in which case, things might get a little difficult).

This is a little installation to keep an eye out for - it's a city for birds! I won't tell you exactly where it is, so as not to spoil the surprise, but it's quite easy to miss, so I'll tell you that it's fairly near the fountain.

There are also several benches to sit on, which is what I'll do now, and enjoy some lembas sandwiches whilst the sun shines.

See you soon,

Elf Dryadalis