30/04/17: Big Fun Walk for North London Hospice (East Finchley to Westminster)

We forgot our proof-of-registration wristbands so had to ask for more at the start point at East Finchley tube. I was handed a glossy map with instructions and a nylon drawstring bag to put it in, and then we were off!

We walked through Cherry Tree Wood, where the refreshments stall was set up. Stocked up on water, biscuits and egg sandwich – nourishment for the long trip ahead. My supplies were soon eaten.

Highgate Woods was radiant with bluebells. (1) We followed the map to Hampstead Heath, which fed into Parliament Hill, where we met Dylan – a 20-month-old cocker spaniel. His nice owner said she had to give him a stick to stop him barking at children.
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Up past the Royal Free Hospital (some people took a shortcut here, but I insisted on keeping to the route), we passed Belsize Park tube and then followed the route to Primrose Hill, which offered a great view of London (2) that we then descended into.
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Some confusion over the route here had the benefit of enabling a toilet stop before we resumed the journey, past the edge of London Zoo, into Regent's Park and around the edge of the lake to the inner circle (an interestingly mapped detour – presumably to make up the mileage), before emerging out onto Baker Street. This next stretch begins the worst part of the walk: crowded, noisy and little to look at beyond the tourist shops (The Beatles, Sherlock Holmes, trinkets) and the tourists themselves. It was a relief to make it off George Street and Great Cumberland Place to Marble Arch. Stepping into Hyde Park, we walked past the ranters of Speaker's Corner and stickers advising "Girls are awesome" (3) and "This is a dro smoking area". (4)
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Exiting via the large stone arch, past Apsley House, we carefully navigated the tricky subway exit where we took a wrong turn last year. Walking past the New Zealand memorial, we entered Green Park, staying alongside Constitution Hill and then moving slowly past the front of Buckingham Palace – wading through the overwhelming throng of tourists with selfie sticks – and finally entering St. James' Park. We crossed the lake by the crowded bridge, where two exotic ducks could be seen mating.

Birdcage Walk took us to Storey's Gate – point 25 on the map – and the last of the yellow-tabarded marshals (very friendly and encouraging), to the official end of the walk in front of Central Hall, Westminster. Each person was handed a medal by a friendly steward. (5, 6) 
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We had finished after the first six out of 800–1,200 people (the number of participants changes, depending on who you ask). Had a freebie hot chocolate and two tasty biscuits. Took my shoes off. Bought a green "Big Fun Walk 2017" T-shirt. Sat on the grass next to a row of five dog bowls recklessly filled up with bottled Harrogate spring water. (7) Saw the Zumba girls line up for a group photo. (8) 
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Used the toilet in the Methodist Central Hall. Walked to Westminster tube past a long queue of tourists wanting to be photographed by the phone box in front of Big Ben. Felt fitter than I had done for months. Wore the medal for the rest of the day.

 
Miles walked: 9.65
Cats spotted: 1

15/04/17: Totteridge to Finchley Nurseries Garden Centre, Mill Hill

We walked up through Totteridge to the Orange Tree pub, past two lost-cat signs. The first read: "Small sized black & white missing cat. If found or seen please contact Emma". The second was for nine-year-old Casper: a “large tabby with a short coat and a very stripey tail" – a "Much loved family pet, We think he's gone for a wander as he's was upset by moving house from Finchley.” (sic)

We walked down past the recently dredged duck pond (1) and found a sinister face mask on the grass (see HERE), then – avoiding the dog mess – began the trek across the scrubby meadows towards the garden centre.

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The ground was already hard and cracked after a few weeks with minimal rain. There were bluebells, forget-me-nots and wild garlic growing along the edges of the path. A blackbird sang an exceedingly pretty song. The distinct aroma of horses made itself known, although the horses themselves remained out of view – as did the humans. There was no one to be seen, as usual. Only a dumped washing machine (2) spoiled the idyll.
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At Finchley Nurseries Garden Centre, we said hello to the huge-but-fake bear (3) and the small-but-real shop cat, Amber. (4) A second cat lurked in the back room. At one time there were many more living there, plus a friendly black dog.
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We walked back to Totteridge via the "rat poison" field (5), attempting to focus on the horizon to rest eyes weary from close-up scrutiny of screens and gadgets. (6)
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We walked past the scary, graffiti-covered abandoned barn (7) and wondered, as usual, if we would be mugged – or worse. It was a relief to make it back to Totteridge Lane and the reassuring roar of cars thundering too quickly down the hill.
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Miles walked: 4.9
Cats spotted: 2