From Abandoned Railway to Nature Reserve: Exploring London’s Parkland Walk

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for watching! Have you explored the Parkland Walk yourself? And if you could turn any other abandoned railway into a similar nature reserve, which one would you choose? Please be sure to let me know in the comments.

[@thewrecker3140]

Why are these first class documentaries not gettng more hits. In a different league to most similar subjects on youtube. Come on all you Robslondon fans start sharing on all social media platforms.

[@nickgiles7568]

Another gem, absolutely fascinating. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Nick, thank you

[@WagnerGimenes]

What a lovely presentation, Rob. Your videos are almost an ASMR experience. You should be proud.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me. Thank you.

[@irenemacdonald3921]

Brilliant ,really interesting Rob thanks !

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! 🤩

[@johnimg]

I lived in South london most of my life so this isnt an area i ever visited , thanks for showing us around, all the time and effort you out into these vids is much appreciated , most dont understand how much effort needs to be put in to achieve this kind of vid, thanks very much and keep up the great work !👍

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure John, thank you so much for the kind words, I really do appreciate it.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

A subject about which I previously knew nothing. Most informative and entertaining. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul! Hope you’re keeping well

[@raffriff42]

‘Alexander Palace’ → ‘Ally Pally’ is so wonderfully British. We Americans would never have come up with that.

[@Robslondon]

😀

[@pamcullen537]

A very enjoyable stroll, I feel I got my exercise in just watching, thank you 🦆💕

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks Pam!

[@juvenalsdad4175]

Very interesting. Another item to add to the 'to-do' list should I find myself back in London.

[@Robslondon]

Hope you make it soon 😉

[@sharonleong7120]

Great and interesting sharing. I really love it. Keep up the good work. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you as always Sharon! 😉

[@paulwilson7234]

Brilliant Sunday video. 👌

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Paul!

[@dominicstevenson2693]

I lived in Muswell Hill for ten years and have walked that route many times but you taught me loads of new bits there! Thank you!

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Dominic! Thanks for watching

[@michaelwiggins1455]

I was mesmerised. It's heart warming to realise such cam be created and preserved by a group of like minded people.

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment Michael, thank you.

[@vickybatchelor6858]

I do love disused railway walks... fascinating history of London and so great to see the bridges and platforms are still there 😀 It looks like you had some lovely weather, Rob. Thanks for your brilliant video 👌❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Vicky! Yes, I love a good disused railway too 😉

[@TheMrTomkennedy]

Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Tom! Much appreciated.

[@rhondafarmer4824]

Very nice to see normal everyday London for a change. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure Rhonda, thank you.

[@Evemeister12]

I used to do midnight bike rides with friends on the parkland walk 20 odd years ago. Many accidents occurred but bloody good fun all the same.

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@terrymoore9388]

Thanks Rob I never knew this existed. Next time I am in London I will visit it.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Terry, hope you enjoy it when you make it ;-)

[@davehustwayte689]

Hi Rob, Hope you are keeping well, Thank you for another fantastic and interesting subject. Appreciate the work that goes into these videos, Thanks again

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Dave, thank you; your support is a huge help believe me. Thanks again and stay well.

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Inspired by yet another top notch video, the Mrs and I went for a lovely 15 mile stroll last Saturday, following the path and locations you've highlighted in this video. We ended up doing it from Muswell Hill to Camden Town, via Finsbury Park ... We definitely earned a few pints that day 😅 Keep up the good work, you deserve a medal for all your efforts for London ❤🤍♥️

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Ps the bat cave was creepy as hell 🫣😅

[@Robslondon]

Yes indeed!

[@Robslondon]

Your comment just made my day. So glad my video inspired you; that means a huge amount to me. Thank you so much; I truly appreciate the kind words... and yep, you did earn a drink if you walked that far!! ;-)

[@WagnerGimenes]

Thanks for the great content, Rob.😇

[@Robslondon]

You're a star WagnerGimenes.... thank you so much my friend. Your kind words and support are a huge boost. Thanks again.

[@paulmerryman]

Great video Rob. We visited the high line last year for my 50th, and what an amazing city. Any likening to this, is a win from me.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul! Yes, I love NYC ;-)

[@Countess777]

Thank you. I live in Highgate. I never knew that about Jerry Springer! 😅

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! Yes, it’s crazy to think isn’t it?! 😉

[@Countess777]

@@Robslondon it warrants a plaque!

[@Robslondon]

@@Countess777 😀

[@mjf1036]

Very pleasant walk we went along with you Rob. I feel sorry for that tree with the doll parts nailed to it. The Spriggen is kind of cute.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! Yes, the Spriggen is ok ;-)

[@brianartillery]

Excellent video, Rob. A tiny mention of the abandoned Highgate High Level station, in a book, many years ago, started a fascination with abandoned LU stations, which led to the rabbit hole (sorry), that is subterranean London, and from there, wartime and cold war underground structures. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Brian- and you and I are on the same page for sure mate 😉

[@theukyankee]

The Parkland Walk is fabulous. Thanks for sharing the history of it and around it, which I've never heard before.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure! Thank you for watching 😄

[@lindasueanderson8024]

Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so, so much Lindasue I really appreciate your support

[@raycheshire5581]

Brilliant piece of work. Well done!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Ray, much appreciated and thanks for watching

[@stevenwells5009]

Brilliant video Rob, thank you! Although I no longer live in London, I feel intimately connected to this old railway line - my dad’s family lived in Upper Tollington Park, just round the corner from the Oxford Road start of the Walk (and as a kid visiting my grandparents in the late sixties and early seventies used to love crossing the footbridge over the east coast main line to visit the old railway viewing platform at the edge of Finsbury Park - I thrilled to the Deltics roaring through in the same way my dad had loved watching the Flying Scotsman in the early ‘50s). And then there was my mum’s family, who lived in one of the small terraced cottages at the stub end of Mount Pleasant Crescent - the viaduct carrying the Ally Pally line across the North London Line was just a few dozen metres from my grandparents front door, with the North London line in a deep cutting on the north side of the cul de sac, opposite the front door. I guess it was preordained that I would grow up loving railways! The final connection for me - I was born in a long gone maternity home in Alexandra Park Road (yes, I’m a Muswell Hillbilly!) in the northern shadow of the Alexandra Palace, so right at the other end of the Ally Pally railway. Thanks again for a great video, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

A beautiful comment Steven, thank you so much! I enjoyed reading that (especially the mention of the Deltics!) Cheers and stay well.

[@Calum_S]

I can't believe that even as late as 1990 the madness of urban motorways was still being considered.

[@Robslondon]

I know, it's crazy isn't it.

[@jane.c.c]

I'm a Londoner. Didn't know this green area existed. Wow, thanks for showing..

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Jane!

[@CthulhuInc]

most enjoyable video, rob - and, i've finally caught up watching all of the rest! 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! 🤩

[@blueclocks8816]

Another brilliant walk with Rob. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for such a lively history lesson.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😄

[@MrJohn768]

Thank you so much 👍 I really enjoyed that 👍 my Sunday afternoon treat...and now the fun shorts have come along too !!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Mr John!

[@georgejustlucky]

Someone mentioned that Ruth Rendell had written about the Parkland Walk in one of her books. She also wrote a short story, The Green Road to Quephanda in a collection called The New Girlfriend. I read it many years ago and didn't realise it was a real place. I don't live in England. I was amazed to find out later that it actually existed. Your video was fascinating as always so thank you for your work. The story I mentioned is not as spooky as Mr King's but has an other worldly vibe. Read it if you can.

[@mattrobinson3928]

I’ve seen other videos on this area / Northern Heights, but your videos have a particular style and wonderful cadence and you tease out a narrative that is always unique. In this case the urban regeneration of former rail lines. Another triumph Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Matt, thank you so much.

[@goofyvideosofthecat]

Thank you for another excellent video! I visited the NY High Line years ago and didn't realize London had something similar. Such a clever use of space and I hope more disused rail lines will be renewed this way. It's great to learn about so many interesting locations and moments in London's history, especially the ones that aren't as well publicized as the major tourist spots. PS If you're taking requests: please do a "lesser-known ghosties of London" video for October! 🎃

[@Robslondon]

Thank you, such a lovely comment! I'll see what I can do for October ;-)

[@patjackson8649]

Another walk that I definitely want to do the next time we visit! Thanks for another great Sunday video

[@Robslondon]

Hope you make it soon Pat!

[@iansanderson4664]

A few years ago, my wife had a procedure in a hospital in Highgate, leaving me with a couple of hours to spare there. I took the opportunity to explore this Walk.

[@michaelj3282]

What a lovely walk in a place I really don't know. Thanks for the insight Rob.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Michael!

[@finni-puklondon2383]

thanks Rob, another quality gem! I have been living a few streets away from the Oxford Rd entrance to Parkland Walk for over 15 years and You still provided new insights!!

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks so much Finni! 😉

[@bordershader]

I did this walk many years ago (2010?) and had the privilege of being able to explore the Highgate High Level station. Fascinating stuff. The view you describe down to Canary Wharf is absolutely astonishing, I could have spent ages there just looking out.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment, thank you- and I'm jealous, I'd love to explore the old Highgate High Level!

[@djtraxxehv1058]

Interesting to take a look at once upon a time. Thank you for info and the tip!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@bobj3251]

Another fascinating tour of a hidden gem , well done Rob thanks

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Bob!

[@richardcoombes9491]

rob as always my friend cracking work as always buddy well done sir

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Richard, much appreciated as always!

[@richardcoombes9491]

@@Robslondon cheers rob lookafteryouself mate

[@Robslondon]

@@richardcoombes9491 You too mate

[@macrostic]

For a while there was a southern extension which went into Finsbury Park itself and terminated by the station bridge. It had a curved pathway, to make it more interesting , but ran semi-parallel to the main line. Shrubs and trees were planted along its length. Unfortunately after a while they grew and provided hiding places for thieves and worse. The rest of the Walk is relatively safe because the line of the old railway means that there are no places for bad people to conceal themselves before jumping out. The southern extension had to be closed and the area.became part of Finsbury Park again. I have lived nearby since the 1970s are remember the various discussions about turning the line into a motorway - which you mention - but also a light railway, which you don't. Fortunately both schemes faied. The bridge over Mount View Villas was used as the location for a short film about the dangers of nuclear trains (which never went there).

[@Robslondon]

Really interesting, thank you! Would like to see that film.

[@brettpalfrey4665]

Nice to see Ally Pally! Thanks Rob!

[@Robslondon]

Cheers! Yes, love Ally Pally 😉

[@nuttynatsu2354]

For years I have wondered where the arches are. My old textiles teacher in school did a booklet with helpful tips/information and used a photo of those arches as an example to why it's important to always mark/label your patterns. I can't say she's wrong, they always looked like the builder had the drawings upside down and just went with it.

[@Robslondon]

😀

[@alantheskinhead]

I live near the Parkland Walk and often go for a walk from the old Stroud Green Station up to the tunnels. It was only recently that you could walk through the tunnels to the other end! I sometimes cycle it from Finsbury Park to the tunnels and all you need is one push on the bike and you can freewheel all the way back down demonstrating the incline. It's good at dusk as all the bats come out and whiz by. Some good blackberry bushes as well! I can see Alley Pally out of my window and you can trace the line of railway by all the trees. Notable bits are The Sprite and the viaduct. It's about 388f fasl so it's quite a haul for a old train or tube! Us locals know the launderette at SG Station as the Laun-dere-t-tee due the sign layout. My house is just up the hill!

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Alan. Thank you.

[@annettescott5884]

Fascinating as always Rob. What a lovely area, and how fortunate that it has been preserved - we need more of these ventures!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Annette!

[@phil44stella]

Fantastic video Rob, I grew up in Muswell Hill from birth to my mid 20’s. Used parkland walk daily as short cut to my mates house and to and from the pubs and would always wonder what it would be like seeing old chuffers trundling down the line. I had a client who was from Muswell Hill and who use to run to cranley gardens station to catch the trains to Finsbury Park. Simpler times and a wonderful place to grow up.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Phil, and thank you for the kind words

[@helenedansereau9255]

Wonderful! I kept Google Maps open while watching the video, so I could follow along and know exactly where the entrances and exits were. I plan to walk the whole route all the way to the Alexandra Palace when I’m next in London. I love any green paths in the huge city.. Many thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Helene, thank you.... hope you enjoy your visit!

[@michellebell5092]

Wonderful. Watching this video was as restful as actually strolling along the walk. As ever after watching one of your videos, I’ve added to my to do list.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for such a lovely comment Michelle! Hope you get to make the walk soon.

[@darrenwinfield825]

Your best video yet

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you to say Darren, thank you.

[@catpawrosales4265]

Lovely walk

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Cat- and I've just looked up La Isla de las Muñecas... I think you may be on to something there! Very, very creepy....

[@petercalthorpe7966]

G'day Rob , absolutely interesting thanks for sharing . All the best form down under mate 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure; cheers Peter! 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@asheland_numismatics]

As always, a very enjoyable video!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks asheland!

[@asheland_numismatics]

@@Robslondon you’re welcome! 🤗

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. I had no idea these disused Railways still existed. Very Interesting. Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you as always Doug!

[@butchknapman3939]

Hello Rob, another Sunday evening quality video. Cunning introduction. Old railway lines make excellent walks and a lot of interest and history on this one. The old stations with wooden boards, which were the same as Crystal Palace High level (Great Exhibition). I hope you did this walk on a cooler day than today. Where next

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Butch- and a great comment, I enjoyed reading that 😉

[@iansanderson4664]

As a small boy, I had a 1951 Enid Blyton diary. The tube map in it showed the Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace extension of the Northern line in it, dotted as in the future.

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment Ian.

[@MazSwanboroughSmith]

Thank you Rob, your videos are amazing and so interesting! I had no idea this walk existed. What a beautiful piece of history ❤😊

[@Robslondon]

Many thank! Much appreciated.

[@pj_naylor]

In a similar vein, but on a smaller scale, there's also the Promenade Plantée in Paris, if you're ever over that way. Closer to home, I'd love to see the Pensford viaduct incorporated into a walking route.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thank you. I still need to visit the Promenade Plantée- and good call on the Pensford Viaduct.

[@waitingfortheknock]

Thank you for this fantastic video. I walked from Highgate to the Finsbury end, back in June on a beautiful sunny day, it was truly beautiful. This brought back some lovely memories, thanks. I was there as that bridge was part demolished, a lovely lady on the construction team led me around the diversion. I do have plans to walk the rest sometime, and maybe cycle the whole length (all parts) and film it as one long video for my channel, whilst out van camping out that way.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you!

[@AnthonyBrown12324]

Thanks Rob I know about this walk but your video is the best . There is also a great view from Alexandra Palace . Used to hang about there with a girlfriend in the early 80s . but never followed either of those walks

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you to say Anthony, thank you ☺️

[@markrae1317]

I know Parkland Walk well, as I have lived in Crouch End / Stroud Green since 1989.

[@bikerdude883]

Wonderful work Rob

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you.

[@lindasueanderson8024]

The NYC Highline may be my favorite part of the entire city. How I would love to walk you showed us today..it looks every bit as wonderful as the Highline

[@Robslondon]

😄 I’m very fond of New York; found the people there to be very friendly with a great sense of humour

[@lindasueanderson8024]

@@Robslondon I like them too…they may be a bit brusque but I have found them to be also kind and helpful when the occasion arose

[@karltalbot2597]

Thanks again for such a well resached and interesting video. 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Karl and thank you for watching

[@elizabethclarke4219]

Once again a marvellous, well researched video. I’ve been reading a book on hidden London’s disused stations, so your video showed me a number of the stations I had been reading about. Thank you. I so enjoy your videos. They are a haven of pleasure in this time of turmoil. Lizzie

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment Lizzie, thank you- that means a great deal to me. Stay well.

[@annereidy7981]

Luckily, you didn't lose your way Rob, what a glorious walk through London, thank you for taking us along. So many interesting influences and the realisation of progress leaving so much behind, thankfully repurposed to great effect! Am wondering about that white dog Rob, anything to do with you? Or maybe it's not the same dog?

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Anne! Don’t worry, the dog was with an owner; the footage cuts before they walk into shot

[@SLane249]

Another interesting and informative video, thanks for sharing.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! And thanks for watching

[@pete3861]

Really enjoy these videos, Rob. Especially enjoyed the Cryptid element of this one :)

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha, thanks Pete!

[@rontanser9369]

Thank you, love. That was very interesting indeed it’s lovely to see green spaces in the city. And they’ve made very good use of that one looks very natural.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Ron

[@BangkokPat]

Great video Rob, fantastic channel, I'm a history fanatic myself but on the other side of the world! I grew up in the area and in the early 80s we would dare eachother to walk along there at night, in the area between Crouch End station & the Crouch Hill bridge. The Goatman urban legend was in full swing but it's origin (the story we heard) stemmed from something unpleasant. There used to be a house about a mile away on Thorpedale Road which until about 1983/4 had a garden full of goats, the family were a bit 'rough' but they would let us look over the wall and watch them. The rumour we heard is that a female member of that family did an unspeakable act with one of the goats and dumped the offspring at the old railway,

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Pat.. and what a fascinating comment! Really interesting to hear from someone like yourself who knew the area at the time… I fear there may be some truth in the origin you’ve described!! 😬 Cheers and stay well

[@philiplettley]

Great video, of course the flat with views to die for is still on cranley gardens

[@Robslondon]

😬

[@LukeChristodoulou]

Always love the parkland walk. Great video! But I’m going to add and correct a few details as this my area and a subject close to my heart. 3:27 Finsbury kind of has two bus stations, pictured here is neither of them 😂 4:09 this was the branch for the “down” line (trains headed away from London). The “up” line swung over the tracks here on a bridge that there is no longer any trace of and curved through the park as far as where the tennis courts are now before rejoining the tracks at the station. If you walk into the park from Stroud Green road (by the bike store) you’ll see the old embankment that carried the tracks on your left. 5:12 it’s worth noting that the steps and the short fence you see here are all made of old railway sleepers. There are several more places along the walk where you notice similar things made of old sleepers 7:01 though not really part of the parkland walk, if you follow this red line you’ll see someone here has made the retaining wall for their garage out of old sleepers 13:26 it is 100% the remains of the signal box. Its position on old OS maps lines up perfectly with where it is now. 18:50 Indeed, as the old line isn’t accessible here the best you can do is walk as close as you can to the fence. But there are several places you can see the old line through the fence in its overgrown state and there’s even a bridge not too far from Cranley gardens where you can walk over and look down on it. 21:32 Pictured here is not the original palace that was destroyed by fire. This is one of the early concepts when the palace was going to look a lot more like Crystal Palace. There are pictures of the original palace you can find online, it shared a lot of features with the current palace as pieces of it were reused when it was rebuilt.

[@Robslondon]

Ok. Thanks.

[@mclego84]

Top notch work mate! Hit that subscribe button. Rob is the best❤

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me, thank you.

[@john07973]

👍🏻Another well researched and informative vid. Thanks Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John! 😉

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Thanks Rob, great research again.❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@alanmoss3603]

Moved to Stroud Green in the late '80s after uni! Was a frequent visitor to Parkland Walk - occasionally sleeping there at night - for a dare! Verrrrry spooky at night!

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@lindseybowden76]

Great video as always! I used to live near those Highgate Tunnels - my flat backed onto the Parklands Walk and I loved walking there, the history is insane! The tunnels were not a bat sanctuary then and they were just gated but the gates were always left open. I went in a couple of times but didn't go too far in as was pitch black and pretty scary! They were also used in an episode of Waking The Dead!!

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment Lindsey, thanks! I didn’t realise the tunnels had been used for that.

[@lindseybowden76]

@@Robslondon I think they've been used for a couple of other shows too! Great channel Rob, I'm an ex London tour guide and am still learning!

[@Robslondon]

@@lindseybowden76 Thanks so much again Lindsey! We never stop learning do we ;-)

[@lindseybowden76]

@@Robslondon Never, I'm always still discovering things about London!

[@darrenbertram7289]

Hey Rob, I did this walk back in March (a rare occasion where I've done something ahead of you, lol!) but I did it the other way: Highgate to Finsbury Park. If you come out of Highgate tube you have the Boogaloo pub on the corner. On the side wall - which is the beginning of the Parkland walk - is a B&W mural of skeletal figures with human heads playing cards around the table. Have you seen this? I use it as my wallpaper at work and it does get some interesting responses from passers by 😅

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Darren! I did want to go to the Boogaloo but didn’t have time unfortunately, so I didn’t know that mural… sounds interesting 😉

[@darrenbertram7289]

@@Robslondon Now you have a reason for going back 😁😎

[@Robslondon]

@@darrenbertram7289 Yep!

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you so much!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Jay! 😉

[@youleks]

Never heard of this landmark before. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Great walk through places and times.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you!

[@tracyfryer8153]

Looks a lovely walk which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of London life. Lots of interesting history along the way magic Use to walk part of the old crab and winkle line, Whitstable to Canterbury up under the tunnel under the university and found one in Norfolk when I was travelling up there a few years ago beautiful spaces for wildlife Thanks rob ❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you… I may have to do the Crab and Winkle one day; love Canterbury and Whitstable 😉

[@tracyfryer8153]

@@Robslondon that would be lush as it's probably changed since I was last there ❤️❤️

[@edwardoleyba3075]

I lived in the Stroud Green area for a couple of years in early 2000’s. The southern section was my go to place for exercise, bike riding, and running. Sometimes a short cut back home from the pub - Oxford Road then down ‘Morags Steps’ at Stapleton Hall Road.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment Edward, thanks.

[@Gillian-xl7wb]

Nice, haven't been in that neck of t woods for years.😊

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Gillian!

[@Gillian-xl7wb]

@@Robslondon ☺️👍

[@gaurangnidhitripathi3570]

Appreciate the time and effort that went into making this subscribed very relaxing and informative 🙏👍☺️

[@Robslondon]

I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you my friend.

[@macrostic]

Ruth Rendell's The Killing Doll, perhaps her bleakest novel, is set in and around the Parkland Walk. She made a few geographic alterations so that much of the surrounding area is as described she invented a few roads and the Mount View covered reservoir becomes an urban green.

[@Robslondon]

Never knew that, very interesting.

[@johnransom1146]

Hundreds of kilometres of abandoned railway have been converted to trails here in Nova Scotia Canada

[@Robslondon]

I'd love to see them

[@smgreenartsprivate]

I have been to the last half of the walk but not for many years. Surprised anyone would damage a tree to put dolls on it though :( I looked up friends of Parkland Walk and it mentions a wildlife trail also sounds interesting wish I still had the ability to garden says they are looking for volunteers :) Thanks Rob for reminding me of this park and route :) I read there are plans to resurface the walks to provide space for cyclists and scooters why I don't know will wreck the walkway as it is so much history will take away from it. So many other places to cycle in London it's not needed.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- interesting comment.

[@Andybandy]

Nice vid

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Andy!

[@chrisstephens6673]

Usual messages. So good I almost thought about wslking it, but only almost.😉

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Chris 😉

[@Edward-tk4um]

Thanks Rob ,really appreciate the information 👍maybe the Wirral way ,on the Wirral here in Merseyside, it's got some really cool historical stuff along the way ,yes maybe a good look at Birkenhead park would be interesting to hear your thoughts on .it has a link to the famous central park New York.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Edward; I'm always interested in Merseyside ;-)

[@robbojax2025]

Very interestng piece of railway history.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Robbo, hope you’re keeping well

[@Groundforce252]

Anyone on here watching another great video from Rob been watching Secrets of the UndergrounD on ch5. Great watch

[@Robslondon]

Thanks! And I love that series too… I nearly appeared in the Waterloo episode, but sadly wasn’t needed in the end! 😭

[@dianespencer5653]

I'd love to see you do a collaboration with Geoff Marshall, it would be so interesting.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Diane! Yes, that would be nice wouldn’t it ☺️

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Rob's clips are always guranteed to be a highlight of any day. Amusing and informative in equal measure. I got hooked after tripping over my first one quite a while back and would encourage any of you who haven't yet done so to hit the 'subscribe' button too. Like @johnimg I'm a native Saarf Londoner, but had "friends in the north", so became familiar with the abandoned lines in that area. That clip brought back some very happy memories.🙂

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much HoveHeretic, I really appreciated that :-)

[@EileenSpeakman]

I'm going to view this properly tomorrow. It's 12.30 am and I need my beauty sleep. But I just wanted to say, in case I forget - these videos are very valuable from a history viewpoint. Are you able to archive them somewhere, with a museum, historical societies, even the London Metropolitan Archives (is it still in Northampton Street? Coincidence I was born in Northampton. Family returned to London in 1946.). When I was family researching, starting in Highbury, I was able to provide some information to the local museum. And they were able to give me a photograph of the house where my mother had been born in 1921.. It was in a terrace, all of which which was bomb flattened during the war. Aug'24. UK. E ❤.

[@Robslondon]

Your comment means a great deal to me; thank you so much. Truly appreciated. It would be incredible if my videos could be archived- as I do indeed make them with a view to providing a lasting history- although I'm not sure how that would be achieved. It's so difficult to gain any recognition from organisations who are able to provide such a service.

[@EileenSpeakman]

@@Robslondon first - you need to assert your intellectual copyright of the finished product. There may or may not be copyright probs of parts of your videos. video. If everything ypu produce is sourced from the public domain then that is in your favour. I can share your videos with my WhatsApp (so I'm not using space in my mobile). But I can also share them with other people, which means you lose control. . It may be that they are already being archived by relevant bodies? I think you have the makings of a very good book, or series of books. If you wanted to look into it then have some discussion with local councils, . publishing houses, media producers, etc. Find companies who specialise in this particular field.. Even companies who produce programmes for tv.. But don't sign away your control, or your life! E♥️

[@EileenSpeakman]

@@Robslondon Six English towns by Alec clifton-taylor. Historical English towns. Dr. Alice Roberts. David olusaga's history of "ordinary" houses. All tv series. Plus books published after. Find out who made the programmes, and published the books? Looking through local history books in libraries and bookshops will produce names of publishers. E♥️

[@Robslondon]

@@EileenSpeakman Thank you for the advice.

[@EileenSpeakman]

@@Robslondon I feel that I just might be "preaching to the converted", that you may have already looked into this? It will be very time consuming, and possibly with a nil outcome. But no matter, I really enjoy your videos, and I would love to know that researchers have access to them through more than just YT - I lived in south West London from 1946 to 1972 and worked in the building next to the London Palladium from '68 to January' 72 (when I married and moved to Wiltshire)..... I briefly watched the Carnaby Street video, will look at it slowly, carefuly- who knows, I may see myself! Your videos are a joy to this old girl, Carnaby Street in the 60s was so buzzy, and such huge and happy fun. Everything - shops, people, cars, were all so colourful, and the mini skirts, and the tight ladies hot pants (shorts), just such great fun fashion - and the sun always seemed to shine - summer was summer, you could put your winter clothes away until the autumn! . I haven't been back since around the mid 70s when I used to meet up with old work colleagues ....... It looks so different now in your images. I think I prefer my memories. Best wishes. E❤️