Over Pole Hill - the Centre of the World
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- A midsummer walk from Woodford down Chingford High Street over Pole Hill on the Greenwich Meridian, then on to Yardley Hill, Gilwell Hill, Barn Hill to Sewardstone and finishing at Enfield Lock (in reality the trains weren't running from Enfield Lock so I had to carry on to Turkey Street).
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John, another great video of my area. You mentioned about the pronunciation of "Sewardstone" We locals call it Sewardstone pronounced as you would the word sewer with a "d" on the end. Sewer-d-stn (the "stn" like the ston sound in Dalston). I say "we locals" but I live in Enfield so maybe, just maybe, there is some strange local dialect from over the Lea that I've missed but anyway, that's how i grew up saying it. Sorry about the pedantry but sometimes you just have to give in to it...
+Ian Rubenstein that's brilliant Ian - been practicing so I've got it in my head for next time
John, my wife said it's pronounced like skewered without the "k" sound, which I think is a better explanation than mine!
Thanks Ian - tried out your pronounciation on some locals at the weekend and they agreed
I grew up in Woodford and would also say it that way.
What a superb mid summer stroll. Helps to remind me that spring is just around the corner
Thanks Dan - I can feel Spring on its way
Hi John, this is my favourite of all your superb videos. My mother in law lived in Clayhall until she passed away in 2022. She loved this part of London, in the final years I took her to many hospital visits and medical appointments around here. She always appreciated the beauty of the place. I visited her grave today to say hello, and I'm watching this as I remember all the lovely memories. Thanks for all the wonderful videos and content you create.
Enjoyed this tremendously - even just to spectate someone else's walk is good for the soul.
Excellent as usual Chris
Im not living in London anymore, but I am amazed more people don't go on these types of walks around the city, what better way to escape the 9 to 5 and stresses of city life... so many small gems to explore even in small suburban towns on the outskirts of London
I know Paul it's astonishing really - once I left Pole Hill I didn't see a soul till I passed a cyclist by Enfield. It's free therapy, entertainment, and holiday all in one
John Rogers turned Waltham Forest Borough into a world of wonder.
The leopard's gate was wonderful. The outer suburbs are full of those kinds of vernacular arts and crafts, utopian, neo-romantic details. Quintessentially English, but with an eye on an exotic Albion just out of reach over the next hill.
You're right, there's a real utopian tint to a lot of outer London suburbia.
I grew up in Chingford, and although I've been to Pole Hill I've never seen that view from Yardley Hill so thanks for that. A friend once told me that there are some building footings now long overgrown associated with TE Lawrence and I vaguely recall maybe seeing them as a small child, but whether that's the beginning of an actual house or it was a well built hut he had there, I don't know.
It's still there if you know where to look, it's much more overgrown on Pole Hill but foudations are still there.
I been living in Woodford for 20 years.. would not change it for any other place.
I grew up here and spent many great summer evenings with my mates on pole hill in the 90s. Thanks for the video!
thanks Phil - I need to head back up there soon
Very interesting. Didn't know about that path at the back of the King's Head. Useful, because it can sometimes be difficult to find Poll Hill. My mum lives in Chingford so I'm familiar with the area. Personally, I think there's too much traffic/parking/boy racers etc in Chingford, and also, a casual visitor to the area would have not a clue that there's a vast forest behind station road! It really is a place where London collides head on into a wide open space. The air there is always a bit fresher than back in London's valley. It's actually quite a great area for Londoners to know about. Escape from the smog!
Thanks Martin - found that path by accident a few years ago just a gem. Always enjoy my trips to Chingford
I used to live 5 minutes from Pole Hill. We used to know the alleyway as Coppers Alley for obvious reasons
I would love to join you for a walk here.... now is the best time with weather all nice and tranquil... probably just before sunset
Ah - really got that 'being utterly in the moment' thing when you looked up at the tree-capped hill in the last light. A gift on any walk - that point. Beautiful.
Thanks Kate it was a majestic walk - this is route is one of my favourites
Such an uplifting channel. Rekindle hope, all ye who enter here. Thanks John.
Hi John, Lawrence of Arabia’s hut was relocated to The Warren, which is the work yard and offices for the forest rangers and woodsmen on the Epping New Road. I saw it often as I did work as a temporary woodsman helping clear the storm damage in late 87. The last time I saw the hut was in 1988 when my job ended, so I don’t know if it is still there.
Thank you very much John, I had a bike ride to Pole Hill (walked at the end) to see the obelisk and watch the view by my own eyes. It was a marvellous adventure for me. I will try Welwyn Garden City bike ride as soon as possible, I dare not to walk yet :)
Fantastic to hear - enjoy your adventures
Love this area. The 'Orion 15' is an annual running event that covers quite a bit of this and other very rewarding parts too. I'd recommend it as a route, though better as a walk than a run (way too many hills for a run). Thanks for the film.
thanks Mark & Sarah I'll loop up the route
What a glorious walk..always good to discover something new on familiar territory..enjoyed your video.
Thanks Jag
Another lovely walk. The end where you walk up the former East side access to the Royal Small Arms factory and cross the flood relief channel, looks like it has come on some since the early 1980's when I was last there. We used to swim in it during long Sunday summer afternoons, when Sunday really was a day of rest. Great memories brought back. Thanks.
Chingford IS incredibly interesting! It’s where my family comes from!
Hi John, I love your videos because I find them very interesting and relaxing. The music was a bit loud in some parts when you were talking about the stillness of the place! Please keep the music gentle and relaxed, thank you! This is inspiring me to get out today and revisit Chingford, which has lovely woods/parks and is very underrated.
Beautiful. I grew up in Chingford then Woodford green (now south leytonstone) so this tugged at the heartstrings. I know what you mean about Chingford. Always seemed disconnected from that "London Feeling". Maybe because it has no tube station? Someone mentioned the music you choose too- it's perfect-always so evocative.
+gideonmerideon I really like it out there, first time I walked past the Assembly Hall their was a concert by the RAF band and all the old boys were wearing their medals.
Watched this video for a second time tonight as today I walked the London Loop Enfield Lock to Chingford section, and your walk in this video covers most of that section, the views from Barn hill are stunning was not expecting how good they would be.
That field you crossed just before you reached Sewardstone Road still has metal wire fences, I hope they are not going to build houses there.
Hi Richard. I live near to Enfield Lock and recently discovered the walk up to Pole Hill. The views are indeed stunning and a very nice walk from my house. Incidentally, the metal fences in the field by Sewardstone Rd are still there.
You are truly underrated as a videographer and your choice of music is exceptionally serene. Looking forward to exploring some of these places as I prepare to make my move to London in the fall. Best wishes from Massachusetts!
Many thanks indeed Gregory - best of luck with your move to London
Inspired by your walks showing a different view and perspective of a London l would never see having never lived in the area . Only found you recently however catching up at a brisk pace thank you!
I enjoyed the views . Great video.
Thanks Lawson
I used to drink in The Kings Head !
John do you know about Leith Hill in Surrey? Apparently from the top of the tower on a very clear day you can see Wembley stadium and the English Channel!! Thank you for your fantastic videos I feel like I'm there with you!
Fantastic walk and video John. Be aware there is no public transport at the point where you joined the Sewardstone Road.
+voxley19 thanks Voxley. I found that the hard way a few years back when I got there at 9.30 with no map and ended up walking to Waltham Cross. This time actually there were no trains from Enfield Lock and I had to get a bus to Turkey Street
Did you see any Bats ? i walked the bit by Woodford and saw a number of Bats
+Chris McCartney good question Chris, I didn't notice any
Lawrence of Arabia’s favourite Author was Theodore Powys . John.
What tragedy were you referring to on 0:34 ?
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How interesting "ordinary" places are.