For day 4 of the Capital Ring I was joined by Pauline, who plays an important role fund raising for the Mayor of Redbridge's charity appeal. The day was overcast and rain fell sporadically as we covered the four miles from Crystal Palace to Streatham. From Crystal Palace station, we crossed Anerley Hill and climbed steeply along roads lined with pleasant houses, to the top of the ridge where the A212 runs. Beyond the road the steep hill slopes down through Westow Park and we leave Bromley behind, entering the sprawling borough of Croydon. At the bottom of the hill is a wide bowl of land surrounded by built up ridges, with the South Norwood transmitter mast looming behind. The path crosses an open space before climbing up again - this stage contains lots of ups and downs as the walk navigates the high ground west of Crystal Palace. A lengthy walk along the A215 concludes with a steep descent at Biggin Hill - not the famous one - to some tennis courts which were fully occupied despite the changeable weather. Passing through a small wood and a calm suburban area, the walk comes to Norwood Grove, and it is time to climb once again, to the house on the hill. Norwood Grove seems to be a large enough mansion, but in fact it is only one wing of the original house, built for Arthur Anderson who founded P & O Shipping. He was obviously not short of a bob or two and was allegedly a supporter of Crystal Palace Football Club. In his spare time Arthur was an MP, representing the Shetland Islands - clearly living in the constituency wasn't such a big deal in the 1840s. The gardens here are well cared for and I paused to be photographed with some red roses. After more undulations the walk arrives at the top of Streatham Common, and a return to civilisation. We had arrived before the pubs opened so contented ourselves with a strong mug of coffee in the local caf. Four miles had passed very swiftly, and just as well because the rain had started to fall. Ahead lies Day Five, a longer walk through more built up terrain, but without any hills to speak of, concluding at Wimbledon Park.
16 comments:
Where is the photo of you with the red roses, then, Rog: was it a re-enactment of that scene from American Beauty? Too rude to put on the blog? Don't worry, now you have been deposed by Mr Cleverly, you can be much naughtier. Who is this Pauline, anyway: should I be jealous?
Your wish is my command, Mrs A - well this time anyway.
OMG! Roger Evans and Mrs Angry - the Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh of blogging.
Mr Evans: I am very sorry to ahve to tell you that that is NOT a rose bush, but a camellia. Dear oh dear, I am very shocked. I blame this woman Pauline: was she trying to seduce you with red roses? Bit early in the year, she might have to wait a bit, and Finchley Frog mind your own business. Mr Cleverly is quite fit, btw, for a Tory: does he have a blog? Might have to change loyalties.
Oh, Mrs Angry! You sound about as friendly as my mother-in-law's rottweiler,
The rose shot was unsuitable for publication...
Mr Cleverly does have a blog and I'm sure he would make you feel welcome. There is a convenient link in my sidebar.
Finchley Frog has a Mother-in-Law?
I doubt he's even been kissed, let alone by a Princess.
I suspect, Redbridge Resident, you might be confusing me with the Barnet toad. Totally unrelated!
Come on Roger, confess. Who is this Pauline? And as for James Cleverly, whatever his merits, his blog isn't quite as interesting as Rogers, if you get my drift.
I really think Roger should set up a school for blogging politicians. Maybe Councillor Rams could be his first pupil. Whilst many of these blogs are very worthy, Roger actually does the seemingly impossible (for politicians) and write a blog that is readable, interesting and informative.
I suppose the downside for him is that he ends up with us lurking around
Oi, "Redbridge Resident" @ 12.48am. You're muscling in on my name!
Face the facts Redbridge resident...
You are not one *in* a million, but one *of* a million.
The estimated 2008 population of Redbridge was 257,600 - significantly short of a million. We shall be told, in time, what the actual figure was for last Sunday.
.. and will the "actual figure" be any more accurate than the "estimate"?
Will it include, for example, all those living in "Garages" and "Gyms"?
Redbridge Resident? More like Pompous Pedant.
you are a tease Mr Evans: come on, show us the red roses shot: is it you, adorned by a thousand and one rose petals, and wearing only a pair of brown shoes? And socks, of course, being a gentleman.
@ Anon 6:01pm
I wear that badge with pride, as does Redbridge resident!
Check the record.
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