On my another rewatch of this, it occurred to me that the moment when you meet horses is the most obvious example of "magic realism" in your videos. Stuff worthy of medieval tales.
Just caught up with this walk. The Royston Arms. We used to drink there after using the rifle range at the T.A.depot over the road. It was also the venue for my reception in 1973 after my wedding at St.Georges Church Shernhall St.Walthamstow next to Maynard Rd. Infants/primary school,renamed Henry Maynard School,now demolished and rebuilt.The church was destroyed by fire shortly after,but rebuilt.
A little history about Great Amwell... Mayflower pilgrim Richard Warren and wife were married in the church there. Of all the original Mayflower passengers, he went on to have more descendants in the USA than any other passenger who settled Plymouth. I'm one of them, and I was so bummed that I didn't get to see Great Amwell. I do enjoy your videos, as I'm too poor to travel to Britain... ever. 😆 Thanks so much for all the time you've put into this channel, I love it 💕
It always feels like once you pass beyond the M25, that the insanity stops. Having lived in the countryside for the first 28 years of my life, and subsequently moving to Havering, I notice once you pass through the M25, there's a constant buzz of tension. I never truly feel relaxed here, even though I like where I live.
Merry Christmas John, thanks for this wonderful holiday treat! I love the horses and all the frosty and misty landscapes are worthy of a Turner painting.
i almost snapped my neck when you mentioned mirkwood - was nodding a bit with my head down - then - what? mirkwood? haha thanks - and you are looking a bit more dwarvish - in a good way, of course, cheers 😊
Great to accompany you on this walk, John, even if only virtually! Your observations and reflections are, as always, wonderfully engaging and meditative. All the best for 2017!
I found a description of the walk online so I posted it for your perusal it runs from Green Lanes / Brownswood Road through Clissold Park then through parts of Highbury and Islington to Sadlers Wells on the edge of central London ending there at the New River Visitors Centre there are strips of green and some water which emulates the hidden river, I have walked bits of it back in my youth in the early seventies it takes you to hidden parts of North London with a mixture of Georgian Victorian Edwardian housing along with Council housing and Flats from the fifties and sixties,at least that was then, now.....well I don't know.....hope you find this interesting,keep up the good work of documenting the ever changing mega city that we both love....cheers 😎
Can't beat coffee and breakfast on the hoof 😂Another great walk. Love walking around the London area. Certainly given me plenty of ideas for next time I'm down south.
Great walk John. Such a beautiful day here, you inspired me to take Eddie 🐶for a 3 hour walk along the Nene (pronounced “Nen” in this neck of the woods, not “Neen” as the BBC would have it!).
Lovely video. My grandparents live in Ware. I strongly recommend walking through the Rainham marshes out to purfleet. The view by the Tilda factory towards London is really bizarre as it looks like the seaside.
You have walked pretty much from my first London house in selsdon road, Wanstead to where I currently live in red house close, ware (just next to the new river).
I really enjoyed that walk John. What an atmosphere. Incredible distance too. I'm delighted to hear that you're writing and making progress with the second book. I enjoyed the first one so much. Many thanks for all the joy you have brought me in 2016. Happy Christmas and the very best of wishes for 2017. Dave
Thanks Dave and also for your support. It was an incredible walk - one that will stay long in the mind. I took a break from the book for much of this year to work on the Overground film with Iain Sinclair but picked it up again the other day and now determined to push on and finish
Superb I've watch quite a few of ur vids very nicely made and very relaxing.. As a Palmers green lad since 1968 (keep that quite )ur vids are interesting to me I've fished the lea and valley park when younger with my pops, its seems bit polluted now. Liked ur pymmes walk u seemed to pass right through my mum's road. Well done John keep up good work I'm inspired !!
great walk mate, and a good starting point, if that was 10 years ago you would have probably seen me coming out that time on a saturday morning from the club that used to be the other side of the road at number 58 hoe street (club lick) loving the long day walk mate keep em coming!
(Reply to comment by Distant Touch) It's very sad indeed. There is something where the Albert was/is - think it's changed name. I love that bit trivia about E4 Essex - one of the reasons I first went there a few years back (for some reason I couldn't reply directly)
Hi John Another great and captivating walk. Places that to me have always seemed ordinary come to life in the videos and make you want to look again and spend some time doing so. Marry Christmas, Richard
Wonderful winter walk John. I've been in Ware this February. Loved this town. Have you seen lovely wooden gazebo houses hanging above the river? They are extremely photogenic) Also, these is a pleasant small garden in front of Ware Priory (it's a cafe I suppose), with couple of arch-shaped wooden bridges over the river. And it was great to make a stop at Waterside Inn. They even have a hammock under a thuja or cypress tree in their garden. Very relaxing)
Thanks again for a most enjoyable video, I always learn some thing new, if I may ask you a question have you ever done the old line of the New River from Woodberry Down to its Head near Sadlers Wells via Clissold Park and Highbury / Islington it seems a very interesting part of London with some nice green spaces,God Bless ....
Thanks so much Leslie. I’m very intrigued by the mention of an ‘old line’ of the New River to the Pen Ton - I lived there for a few years and walked the New River to Stokey and Harringay a few times but looks like I need to do some research- many thanks for the tip
Great walk, on a foggy day, John. I kept thinking the fog would clear, but no. Nonetheless, it makes for interesting filming, especially near water. I noticed the price of petrol. Haven't seen it that low for quite a while.
Wonderful film John, really captures the feel of the Lea Valley in winter. Can you say how you do your audio recording whilst you're walking. It sounds a lot better than a camera mic.
Thanks Peter - the weather was amazing that day. Well I just record the audio as I go through the inbuilt mics on the camera, I just make sure that I get as close as possible to the mic
The Royston Arms was my dad's local. Sad to see it like that. Is the Albert still there? It was underground below Iceland on the corner of Old Church Road and New Road. Haven't been back there in quite a while. Sewardstone is also quite unique in that it is the only area not within greater London to have a London postcode - E4.
Hi again John. I've always been intrigued by Sewardstone, with regards to the origin of the name. I know you're a bit of an Anglo-saxonist , and I wondered if you have any ideas. I know Siward was a common name in the Anglo Saxon period (siward of Northumbria , an earl prior to the conquest) and I'd love to think that somewhere in the neighbourhood there is an ancient stone in their honour. I know it's unlikely to be the Northumbrian earl but maybe another " Essex Siward maybe? Thoughts?
Hi Gideon - yes the most likely explanation I've heard is that it is named after a Saxon called Syward or Seward - would also fit with the Saxon occupation of high ground along the Lea Valley, particularly as you move north into Herts
The historian Bill Flint has recently identified Edith Swanneshals as the Marian visionary from which the shrine at Walsingham was born. Apologies if I've mentioned this before.
Thanks for that, I'll take a look at Bill Flint - creates an interesting link with Waltham Abbey being a stop-off on the way to Walsingham, or so I've read. The lady who plays Edith in Andrew Kotting's film actually told me this on the walk that day film.britishcouncil.org/edith-walks
JOHN, HAVE YOU SEEN FILMED WALKS BY JAG BETTEY AROUND RURAL FIFESHIRE, YOU AND HE ARE TWO VERY INTRESTING GUYS FILMING EXCELLENT VERY INTERESTING EXPLORATION WALKS AND FINDING RARE THINGS IN OBSCURE PLACES. JAG FOUND AN EX PHONE BOXIN LETHAM FIFESHIRE WITH A DEFIBRILATOR HEART MACHINE. YOU TWO SHOULD CONTACT EACH OTHER. I ENJOY BOTH OF YOUR FIRST CLASS WALKING FILMS., ALL THE BEST FROM PETER, UPPER CLAPTON, NORTH EAST LONDON..
An illuminating and atmospheric film , many thanks.
It breaks my heart 💔 to see old pubs demolished.
Very nice film John. The fog and mist really added to the mystical atmosphere.
Thanks John - the mist really added to the experience - reminded me of the Po Valley
So much better than Christmas TV. Thank you.
Thanks for watching brY an
Wonderful walk, thanks.
On my another rewatch of this, it occurred to me that the moment when you meet horses is the most obvious example of "magic realism" in your videos. Stuff worthy of medieval tales.
This day is always with me - a great walk
Just caught up with this walk.
The Royston Arms. We used to drink there after using the rifle range at the T.A.depot over the road. It was also the venue for my reception in 1973 after my wedding at St.Georges Church Shernhall St.Walthamstow next to Maynard Rd. Infants/primary school,renamed Henry Maynard School,now demolished and rebuilt.The church was destroyed by fire shortly after,but rebuilt.
Thanks for sharing those memories Anthony
Still catching up John, can't believe I missed this one -Cheers mate...
A little history about Great Amwell... Mayflower pilgrim Richard Warren and wife were married in the church there. Of all the original Mayflower passengers, he went on to have more descendants in the USA than any other passenger who settled Plymouth.
I'm one of them, and I was so bummed that I didn't get to see Great Amwell.
I do enjoy your videos, as I'm too poor to travel to Britain... ever. 😆
Thanks so much for all the time you've put into this channel, I love it 💕
I love discovering videos I've haven't come across before.
This was a great walk - I often think about it
It always feels like once you pass beyond the M25, that the insanity stops. Having lived in the countryside for the first 28 years of my life, and subsequently moving to Havering, I notice once you pass through the M25, there's a constant buzz of tension. I never truly feel relaxed here, even though I like where I live.
Another beautiful film John.
Many thanks Gideon
Atmospheric and delightful. Thank you. Reminds me of my childhood wanderings through Springfield and Clissold and New River Walk. Thanks 😊
Merry Christmas John, thanks for this wonderful holiday treat! I love the horses and all the frosty and misty landscapes are worthy of a Turner painting.
Many thanks indeed Renfro and a Merry Christmas to you. Yes the horses emerging through the mist was a wonderful moment on the walk
Beautiful walk. My kind of weather! Looks like a great day.
Beautiful misty walk, lovely ☺
i almost snapped my neck when you mentioned mirkwood - was nodding a bit with my head down - then - what? mirkwood? haha thanks - and you are looking a bit more dwarvish - in a good way, of course, cheers 😊
I recognised bits of this walk from when we stayed at the Lea Valley campsite a few years ago. Now I want to go back and explore more of the area.
+Nic Dafis it's a great area all year round Nic
Great to accompany you on this walk, John, even if only virtually! Your observations and reflections are, as always, wonderfully engaging and meditative. All the best for 2017!
Thanks very much Brian - hope you have a great 2017
Superb ! , maximum respect . You well and truly earned that pint at the end !
Thanks Triplesvalley
Perfect weather for a meditative walk. Nice way to spend a day.
I found a description of the walk online so I posted it for your perusal it runs from Green Lanes / Brownswood Road through Clissold Park then through parts of Highbury and Islington to Sadlers Wells on the edge of central London ending there at the New River Visitors Centre there are strips of green and some water which emulates the hidden river, I have walked bits of it back in my youth in the early seventies it takes you to hidden parts of North London with a mixture of Georgian Victorian Edwardian housing along with Council housing and Flats from the fifties and sixties,at least that was then, now.....well I don't know.....hope you find this interesting,keep up the good work of documenting the ever changing mega city that we both love....cheers 😎
Thanks Leslie
.Thanks for all your enjoyable videos this year.Merry Christmas John.
It's been a real pleasure Stewart - many thanks for your support - have a great Christmas and New Year
Absolutely breaks my heart to see walthamstow dogs track not in use anymore. Used to go there quite a lot, especially on a Saturday evening.
Just watched this video. Again, very evocative, very beautiful. You really capture the spirit of my favourite river. Thanks for posting this.
Many thanks indeed Ian
Can't beat coffee and breakfast on the hoof 😂Another great walk. Love walking around the London area.
Certainly given me plenty of ideas for next time I'm down south.
Many thanks - hope you enjoy your walks wherever you are
John Rogers cheers.... Up on the North East Coast of Scotland 👍
Outstanding videos, I love walking.
Thanks James
Great walk John. Such a beautiful day here, you inspired me to take Eddie 🐶for a 3 hour walk along the Nene (pronounced “Nen” in this neck of the woods, not “Neen” as the BBC would have it!).
another great video John,
has to be one of my favorites that,
I love the misty horses,
Merry Christmas.
Many thanks resiktd - I reckon it's one of my favourites as well. Merry Christmas to you as well
Nice film John, inspiring walk may i add.Can't wait to make tracks myself.
Thanks Richard much appreciated
Lovely video. My grandparents live in Ware. I strongly recommend walking through the Rainham marshes out to purfleet. The view by the Tilda factory towards London is really bizarre as it looks like the seaside.
Thanks Tom that's been on my list for a while and had it in mind when I went out along Barking and Dagenham recently - will head out there soon
lovely film as ever John xx
Thanks Norma
Another great vid, can't wait for the new book ! have a happy Christmas & great new year.
Thanks very much - really happy with what I've written so far of the new book, just have to finish it now. Have a great Christmas and New Year as well
You have walked pretty much from my first London house in selsdon road, Wanstead to where I currently live in red house close, ware (just next to the new river).
I really enjoyed that walk John. What an atmosphere. Incredible distance too. I'm delighted to hear that you're writing and making progress with the second book. I enjoyed the first one so much. Many thanks for all the joy you have brought me in 2016. Happy Christmas and the very best of wishes for 2017. Dave
Thanks Dave and also for your support. It was an incredible walk - one that will stay long in the mind. I took a break from the book for much of this year to work on the Overground film with Iain Sinclair but picked it up again the other day and now determined to push on and finish
Enjoyed that greatly - following it on the map.
Kings Cross to Ware or Hertford, along the canals / Lea Navigation, was a favourite cycle ride.
Thanks Rob - I actually have a bike now so I might cycle it in the summer
Superb I've watch quite a few of ur vids very nicely made and very relaxing.. As a Palmers green lad since 1968 (keep that quite )ur vids are interesting to me I've fished the lea and valley park when younger with my pops, its seems bit polluted now. Liked ur pymmes walk u seemed to pass right through my mum's road. Well done John keep up good work I'm inspired !!
Many thanks Gazza
great walk mate, and a good starting point, if that was 10 years ago you would have probably seen me coming out that time on a saturday morning from the club that used to be the other side of the road at number 58 hoe street (club lick) loving the long day walk mate keep em coming!
Well that was a beer well earned!
(Reply to comment by Distant Touch) It's very sad indeed. There is something where the Albert was/is - think it's changed name. I love that bit trivia about E4 Essex - one of the reasons I first went there a few years back
(for some reason I couldn't reply directly)
+John Rogers Awesome Vid John
Thanks AJ
Hi John
Another great and captivating walk. Places that to me have always seemed ordinary come to life in the videos and make you want to look again and spend some time doing so.
Marry Christmas, Richard
Many thanks Richard - it was a great day, lovely to be able to share it with people. Have a great Christmas
Wonderful winter walk John. I've been in Ware this February. Loved this town. Have you seen lovely wooden gazebo houses hanging above the river? They are extremely photogenic)
Also, these is a pleasant small garden in front of Ware Priory (it's a cafe I suppose), with couple of arch-shaped wooden bridges over the river.
And it was great to make a stop at Waterside Inn. They even have a hammock under a thuja or cypress tree in their garden. Very relaxing)
Lovely midwinter walk. The great bed of Ware is in the V&A.
Ah yes, I must go and take a look sometime - thanks for the reminder
I found this video wonderfully meditative, definitely gonna visit patty pool mead.many thanks sir.
Thanks again for a most enjoyable video, I always learn some thing new, if I may ask you a question have you ever done the old line of the New River from Woodberry Down to its Head near Sadlers Wells via Clissold Park and Highbury / Islington it seems a very interesting part of London with some nice green spaces,God Bless ....
Thanks so much Leslie. I’m very intrigued by the mention of an ‘old line’ of the New River to the Pen Ton - I lived there for a few years and walked the New River to Stokey and Harringay a few times but looks like I need to do some research- many thanks for the tip
The horses! Amazing. Were those brambles in the mane?
Great walk, on a foggy day, John. I kept thinking the fog would clear, but no. Nonetheless, it makes for interesting filming, especially near water. I noticed the price of petrol. Haven't seen it that low for quite a while.
Thanks for this video dude .
my pleasure John - it was a great walk
Blimey, those petrol prices of 116.9! Can we have those back please? :) great video and great walk!
Wonderful film John, really captures the feel of the Lea Valley in winter. Can you say how you do your audio recording whilst you're walking. It sounds a lot better than a camera mic.
Thanks Peter - the weather was amazing that day. Well I just record the audio as I go through the inbuilt mics on the camera, I just make sure that I get as close as possible to the mic
Thanks John + congrats on the quality. It sounded like you were using a lavalier mic - especially when the camera was turned away from you.
The Royston Arms was my dad's local. Sad to see it like that. Is the Albert still there? It was underground below Iceland on the corner of Old Church Road and New Road. Haven't been back there in quite a while.
Sewardstone is also quite unique in that it is the only area not within greater London to have a London postcode - E4.
When you went through Great Amwell, you should have rejoined the River Lea and cut out all that road walking.
magic
Hi again John. I've always been intrigued by Sewardstone, with regards to the origin of the name. I know you're a bit of an Anglo-saxonist , and I wondered if you have any ideas. I know Siward was a common name in the Anglo Saxon period (siward of Northumbria , an earl prior to the conquest) and I'd love to think that somewhere in the neighbourhood there is an ancient stone in their honour. I know it's unlikely to be the Northumbrian earl but maybe another " Essex Siward maybe? Thoughts?
Hi Gideon - yes the most likely explanation I've heard is that it is named after a Saxon called Syward or Seward - would also fit with the Saxon occupation of high ground along the Lea Valley, particularly as you move north into Herts
The historian Bill Flint has recently identified Edith Swanneshals as the Marian visionary from which the shrine at Walsingham was born. Apologies if I've mentioned this before.
Thanks for that, I'll take a look at Bill Flint - creates an interesting link with Waltham Abbey being a stop-off on the way to Walsingham, or so I've read. The lady who plays Edith in Andrew Kotting's film actually told me this on the walk that day film.britishcouncil.org/edith-walks
All hail the sacred river
Is that your longest walk? Great effort.
I think it must be - I want to start doing more of this length and perhaps do an epic 2-dayer in the summer
01:34 Bell Corner (or used to be).
not Yoda, Gollum :-)
Rogan “Walking” Walker
JOHN, HAVE YOU SEEN FILMED WALKS BY JAG BETTEY AROUND RURAL FIFESHIRE, YOU AND HE ARE TWO VERY INTRESTING GUYS FILMING EXCELLENT VERY INTERESTING EXPLORATION WALKS AND FINDING RARE THINGS IN OBSCURE PLACES. JAG FOUND AN EX PHONE BOXIN LETHAM FIFESHIRE WITH A DEFIBRILATOR HEART MACHINE. YOU TWO SHOULD CONTACT EACH OTHER. I ENJOY BOTH OF YOUR FIRST CLASS WALKING FILMS., ALL THE BEST FROM PETER, UPPER CLAPTON, NORTH EAST LONDON..
Thanks Graham - connected with Jag here on the channel, going to start watching his videos