Tracing the River Fleet from Temple to Hampstead

Jane Rosoux writes..."A party of more than 40 set out from Temple Station on Sunday at 10.40 a.m. and enjoyed bright but cold conditions.



"The point under Blackfriars road bridge at which the Fleet flows into the Thames was pointed out and, shortly afterwards, the Golden Boy of Pye Corner...




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"We soon passed Barts Hospital...



...."then Smithfield Market, and then followed an interesting route to St Pancras Old Church via small streets and alleys (passing the lady shown below high up on a wall)...



"...and through St Pancras Station where we visited the well-appointed (free) toilets. The image below was taken at St Pancras Old Church.





"We then walked up St Pancras Way to the 'Constitution' pub beside Regent's Canal




"By the time we arrived at the Talacre Square Community Sports Centre / 'Prince of Wales' pub at 12.45 pm, which were over half way, we were ready for lunch and those of us who brought our food found convenient tables and chairs at first floor level. Unfortunately, a few who ordered food from the snack bar were still waiting to be served by the time the rest of us were ready to leave at around 1.35 pm but the party still numbered over 30.

"We passed through estates of fine houses and other buildings on the way to the lowest of the existing Hampstead ponds. We then followed the Hampstead brook to its source



"before climbing up to the Vale of Health, Cannon Place and Well Passage to arrive at the site of the medicinal well which was developed into Hampstead Spa



"After reaching Hampstead Station, having covered around 7.5 miles, a few of us walked another 2 miles to Golders Green Station via Hampstead Parish Church where the artist John Constable and John Harrison of longitude fame are buried..."




Many Thanks as usual Jane. It should be noted that Jane had only come back from our New Year trip the day before leading this one!

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