New River Path Part Six: Stoke Newington to Islington

This is the sixth and final section of the New River Path in London, taking you from Stoke Newington to Islington. This section is known as the heritage section and takes in several beautiful parks and pretty streets to reach the New River Head visitor information point. The route follows the historic, but now truncated, New River course, although some sections of the water channel are still evident. The New River has an unhelpful name, being neither new nor a river. It is a water supply aqueduct completed in 1613 to bring drinking water from Hertfordshire to North London. Before this time, London's water supply was limited to the Thames, local streams, and wells, which were often contaminated. Thames Water has worked with partners to create a 28-mile long-distance path that follows the river's course. This trail starts from the from the junction between the A105 Green Lanes and the B105 (Brownswood Road and Lordship Park). Follow the Green Lanes and head into Clissold Park to continue on a tarmac path lines with benches on each side, heading for the church spire. Clissold Park covers 54 acres and includes a wide range of tree species. 2012 saw the completion of a major restoration project funded by Hackney Council and the lottery, which included the restoration of Clissold House, a Grade II listed mansion dating back to the 1790s. The house is home to the park's cafe and several rooms available for private hire. Follow the path alongside the historic New River Channel. From the time the New River was completed (in the 1600s) until it was later straightened and piped (in the 1860s), it flowed through an open channel in Clissold Park. Today, this water-filled loop still identifies the river's original course. On the far banks of the river you'll see the animal enclosures holding deer, goats and chickens. After crossing the bridge, you’ll come to a small circle with a memorial water fountain at its centre. Emerge from the park and continue on the roads heading southward. Join the path which runs down the middle of the green space along the centre of the road. Originally the New River flowed openly through the middle of Petherton Road. This is a classic road that demonstrates London's rich history. You'll see the impressive large town houses with the tiny windows of the former servants quarters peeping out at the top, the parades that would have once housed premises of merchants, and the narrow gated Canonbury Mews, which would have housed the horses used to draw the grand carriages of the time. Further on, you’ll come to the New River Gardens and continue on the tarmac path with the pretty water course running on the right. The water course is a reminder of the route of the original New River, although today is just an ornamental feature. The water course has a thriving population of frogs so keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot one. The path leads you over a wooden bridge with a fountain and further still it leads you over the water course via a stone bridge. You’ll cross the road and enter the next section of open space, Canonbury Gardens. You’ll take in a section along Essex Road, where there are plenty of pubs and cafes to spot at for refreshments before heading through Colebrooke Row Gardens. The New River Path ends in Muyddelton Passage ( Sir Hugh Myddelton was the first Governor of the New River Company), where you could visit the New River Head visitor information point to end your walk. Here, you'll find lots of information about the history, construction, operation and conservation of the New River. To end your journey, the nearest tub station is Angel and the nearest railway station is Kings Cross. The route is relatively flat and follows paved paths/pavements all of which are a good width. You will need to negotiate several gates along the way. Whilst the route is waymarked, you may find that some of the signs had been rotated round to face the wrong way so take care to check the map and directions regularly. Dogs are welcome in all the parks within the route. Check out the list of the segments here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/new-river-path--2 or see the full route here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/hertfordshire/new-river-path-full-route