Walking one of the Great London Rivers: the River Brent (4K)

[@martinridgway7455]

Thank you for touring near me. FYI - the canal feeder and the whole Welsh Harp were created to supply the Regent's Canal via the last stretch of the Grand Union Paddington Arm. It comes onto the GU canal beside the McVitie's works just by Harlesden station. Neasden Depot was the main train building works for the Metropolitan Railway (see Tim Dunn's Secrets of the Underground) - and the trains went to Chesham, Aylesbury, and Quainton, hence all had roads named after those destinations.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much for those notes Martin

[@robbojax2025]

Only John Rogers can create such an interesting video in such a dull and unteresting part of London. Well done.

[@udowinkler3743]

On the surface you made a video about a river. What I find particularly interesting is your philosophical approach to modern society. Mentioning the possibility that shopping centres might appear and then disappear within one generation is a very interesting point of view. Thank you very much for your stimulating input. Best regards, Udo from Germany

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Udo

[@telemachus53]

This is too depressing. I grew up on the Shirehall estate and remember when they started building the Brent Cross shopping centre. I learnt the meaning of the word "flyover" and gradually the end of Shirehall Lane disappeared into noisy construction. Brent Cross station was then called Brent Station and we used to get lost trying to make our way across Hendon Way. The River Brent - Dollis Brook flowed cleanly through to Finchley. All was completely different then. So much for progress. .

[@jenniferbrylinski4662]

Another great video! Being an American, I have to keep a dictionary by my side while I watch so that I can catch those British sayings. Today's word to look up was "fly-tipping." Love it!

[@darkhorse5591]

I love the structured/ unstructured nature of these walks, it makes for unique content you simply can not get elsewhere. As a qualified historian this type of video engages me on many levels, it's entertaining, informative and above all full of different historical perspectives. Great work John

[@garymcguire8529]

The jet in the window was a British Hawker Hunter, from the 1960's. Are the rats on the River Bent are getting bigger, or the beavers are getting smaller? Water Voles are very rare in London, if you want to see one in London go to the Wetland Centre in Barnes. Talking of Barnes there is a lovely Beverly Brook to see, and not one shopping trolley in sight, and possibly the odd Water Vole.

[@philj4574]

Having lived in Brent 1987-96 numerous reminiscences come into focus on this one. Just the brutality of the roads, buildings and environment is astonishing to me now. We skirt and struggle our way through these places, echoing the course of the river.

[@Michael-TJ]

@JohnRogersWalks Thank you so much for this. I'm a local resident from the Brent Cross area and am in touch with one of the managers from the shopping centre. I sent him this video and it prompted him and his team to have a clean-up of the river in the area. So far they've removed 36 trolleys, 6 lime bikes plus lots of other stuff. Still more work to do but it's a good start, so thanks for being the catalyst for this.

[@joedellamura9015]

As an East London Boy it was good to have an interesting look at West London, Thanks John.

[@RubbishGimpy]

I don't feel so bad about East London now after watching this video. Stratford was a neglected shithole once. Theres still hope for Brent Cross.

[@williamrobinson7435]

There's a real sense of liberation when the River Brent breaks free of the concrete and rubbish, and we're in The Welsh Harp Reservoir bit.. I always feel that rivers are saying "see? This is what I'm SUPPOSED to be like".. I'm not so familiar with this bit of London, so really interesting! There don't seem to be many pubs in this area, not surprising perhaps since it's built for driving.. Nice one John! 🌟👍

[@marty9011]

I have to say that Brent Cross looks like an unlovely part of London. All those roads over & under eachother. It was nice to get the river views when possible. The viaduct is lovely !

[@colingoode3702]

As a young scout I used to paddle canoes on the Welsh Harp from the boathouse buy the bridge on Cool Oak Lane. I have fished in the reservoir as well & I lived in Herbert Road Hendon for a few years (1956-60) before moving to Kingsbury. Many years ago there used to be a rubbish dump / landfill on what is now part of Silver Jubilee Park near the reservoir. That was a treasure trove for us young lads. Bike frames, mopeds & all sorts of other stuff which we found & recycled for our own use. Brent Cross shopping centre was a regular destination as well.

[@chrisblay]

That number plate NV58 XJM came off someone's Volkswagen Touran. 🤣 I remember my Uncle who lived in Tottenham going on about Brent Cross shopping centre when it opened. A long time ago now.

[@sketchingheather]

My only visit to Brent Cross shopping centre was sometime in 1980 when I worked for the Alfred Marks window display department and I took some time off work to go and buy my first duvet (which I still have). Thanks for taking me on a walk around west London.

[@BarryAllenMagic]

Many thanks for covering an area that I knew very little about - apart from driving past over many years thinking what a depressing part of London; just a vast expanse of decaying industrial units and concrete brutalism. Just to add that as I came from Shadwell then Stratford, it wasn't a case of looking down upon the area - my own bar wasn't exactly set very high! However, once again, your fascinating detail; coupled with your engaging, down to earth delivery; truly make your series of adventures a 'must watch'. Many thanks John for your ongoing productions to keep us entertained.

[@lizstevenson7801]

Thank you John, the river Brent is lovely, sadly it is heartbreaking to see all those shopping trollys etc dumped in it along the way. I guess the Council have other priorities, never mind it was a nice walk with pretty blossom on the trees. Take care 💕🇦🇺

[@geofffisher3902]

I do love the way you find beauty in everything. Thank you sir.

[@keithprater310]

How the river offerings have changed.amazing how the green veins of nature flow through our grey man made landscapes.within feet of our world you are transported back in time.another great vid.

[@BN-hk6wf]

Thanks John - sounds bizarre but some of the most illuminating and fascinating walks in London involve the mixture of Industrial Estates, wastelands and housing. Sadly, can also reveal unbelievable deprivation with card board cities hiding in plain sight, where those society has given up on survive. More common than you think. Depressingly so.

[@davidjohnson00001]

Thanks for a great video John. As an Edgware boy it was sad to see so much dereliction. That said, my heart was lifted at seeing the magical Welsh Harp reservoir.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Where those derelict shops are was a thriving vehicle radiator repair business called Wem Rads. I used to use them a lot, they were good people and a family business.

[@oc2phish07]

A great little video John, mainly because I live in Cricklewood and you are pretty much on my home turf. Loved this one.

[@RubbishGimpy]

I have never visited this area or Brent Cross. Lakeside, Thurrock was my out of town shopping Mall before Stratford Westfild opened. I am glad the Americanised retail parks are coming to an end. Interestingly Lakeside/Thurrock are attempting to do what you mentioned in this video. They are hoping to turn it into a regional town centre. Carpark C is already in the process of being turned into a 'town square'. If all planning permission is granted it will happen in 6 phases and there will be street style shops, a town square, a new bus station, 2500 new homes built between A13 and Lakeside with cycle and walking access running through Arterial Way and a new school. With retail and industrial units closing and housing being built further encroaching into Lakeside it will add more people to the area. Grays is the nearest town centre which isn't that big. One to watch.

[@ppggcc7]

Thank you for so many nice walks really enjoy them

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Another charming video John 👌… elevating discarded shopping trolleys into something almost poetic. You have a noble soul 🙏😊

[@ThisWontEndWell]

There is a hidden story going on here with you and the river both constrained to allow the 20th-century river traffic of goods and people to flow northwards. You can really feel that tension between river, roads and people.

[@osptony]

Another great vid, thanks. When you incorporated the "rivers", it makes me appreciate Ben Aaronovitch even more. Thank you for that.

[@andrewevans5902]

Magnificent it’s not, and depressing it is, but somehow, as always, John manages to turn a walk into an educational feast, even alongside a dirty river that is dead to all forms of wildlife.

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

The fly tipping is so sad. And trash tends to begat more trash. We are having our annual “ love your river “ day soon where we collect trash from the banks of the Santa Fe river. But it is never ending. We have managed to lessen the trash year over year though. Risky business with all the needles.

[@touriel8943]

These glimpses of nature holding on in industrial landscape remind me of my childhood along the Medway in Frindsbury and Strood

[@valpayne2963]

My heart sinks to see such dirt, pollution, neglect. A sad lack of pride or hope. A wake up call. Needs to be seen though.

[@1966babysnakes]

Wow! I remember going to the shopping centre as a tiny child!

[@1966babysnakes]

Oh! & the Welsh Harp, i used to go sailing there with my school.

[@mickmcguire4571]

Brilliant work as always john very sad to see the river in such a terrible mess

[@johnreynolds9616]

Absorbing, spontaneous, surreal contrasting landscapes, best episode this year

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much John

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Delightful walk, as always. Thank you!

[@raqeemotasunya]

Thanks for the chat. It was very lovely to meet you too John🙏🏽. Looking forward to seeing the new content

[@OkieJammer2736]

Super. Always enjoy your videos! Your synopsis on 'Urban Renewal' was succinct and sadly spot on. Best, John and thanks much.

[@Slycockney]

Lovely walk and video John. It's really sad that any water course seems to be a magnet for people to throw rubbish and anything they can get their hands on into, when really they should be celebrated and enjoyed.

[@danieladams9950]

River Brent evidently a votive offering extravaganza.

[@RedStickLouisiana]

That walk provided some very grim and very beautiful vistas. It was nice you met some viewers, I envy them the chance of meeting you. Thanks for sharing.

[@maddog.mcewan]

You’re the dude on this stuff !!!! Love every episode man

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Greg

[@randomroveruk6715]

I don't think this walk will ever catch on. Once the River Brent flowed through a peaceful, rural landscape. Now it finds itself flowing through urban decay, with massive roads everywhere creating air pollution, and who knows what is discharged into the river.

[@lesliegprice6652]

Great video as always John 👌 but the state of the river , rubbish and pollution the roads. the endless cars and traffic, the huge shopping centre, concrete then huge rats , wow just freaked me out and made me depressed, it's a sad statement of our society, I hope things improve and change,there are some lovely bits too , meandering through the water meadows,Wow cheers John I know things were worse in the fifties and sixties , The Thames was dead and poisoned from Richmond seawards but somehow it feels as bad now ! See you on the next one my friend 🌈💞🌏

[@mattcranston9591]

Quaintion street cottages built I believe for the workers of the metropolitan line. Very pretty houses

[@michaelmiller641]

Interesting walk, John. Yes Neasden depot, I remember over the years travelling on the underground on a twin rover ticket and observing the ancient rolling stock!

[@nigelrichardson6306]

Nice. I worked in the (now derelict?) Unisys building back in 1990 but it seemed such a grim area that I never ventured from the building except to get the tube there and back. What fine memories...

[@westernnut8407]

"Cathedrals of consumerism." What an apt observation about the 1950,s to approximately 1990. How interesting to see the same type of suburban sprawl that we have here in the U.S. It was an enlightening walk and I appreciate your time and effort.

[@russelldean2085]

More like Workhouses of Consumerism.

[@magicknight8412]

I also used to get taken to Brent Cross shopping centre in the 80s ! My auntie lived nearby so we often went there beforehand. Had great memories of it and the cool shops and Fenwick.

[@chrislodzinski9056]

Great video John, you saId M1 and then Great North Road, I would suggest Gt Nth Rd is more the A1

[@emmaem5684]

Great video as always John, I walked some of these places like 5 years ago so seeing you walk them takes me back 😊

[@johnball1087]

Love all your videos, but that's got to be one of the best , keep them coming.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks John

[@ladyout2crush735]

Beautiful soul

[@Ange1166]

great walk enjoyed very much

[@colinsaunderson6682]

these river vids are stunning

[@ashleysgaze]

Deeply topographic indeed, John! A mighty walk! 😍

[@keithwesley2471]

That Decorium building I worked in during the mid 1960s. It had been newly built but now it looks terrible and left to crumble.

[@paulsheehan9050]

Nice one John, reminded me of how the Regents canal, in the Hackney/Islington part was like in the 80's & 90's

[@matsimpsk]

Great video, but bloody hell, that looks like a tough, pedestrian-hostile area to walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

parts of it are quite tough Mat but in a way it makes it all the more rewarding

[@john80c]

A great video illustrating our obsession with cars. To live in that area we would have to evolve lungs that breathe car fumes rather than oxygen. Loved the viaducts magnificent examples of Victorian skills. I live miles from anywhere in West Virginia and even our main road is sparse for traffic.

[@lisaholly3846]

Thank you for posting! I’m getting to know this area a little better.

[@billroberts5779]

Thank you Neasdon I had begun to believe it did not exist but in history books. My people lived in Neasdon and Willisden from around 1245 we faded away in the eighteenth century. Neasdon House now Clifford Court was the family home also the family had lease holds of Oxgate farm Sawtree Manor in Thundridge on Cold Christmas lane Hertfordshire. Fosters in Acton and other properties in London and around Southeast England The bastards people made a mess for us. But now in America since 1650 we have lands and business’ in multiple states. Need to come visit.

[@westernnut8407]

I've been researching my English ancestors and plan to visit soon. I want to map out all the primary locations first and I wish I could have John for my guide!

[@jarekweckwerth1390]

Quite harsh walking terrain, so true. I have to say, the harsher terrain, the better the videos John tends to produce. Thank you!

[@AFCManUk]

On the subject of Brent Cross, and Shopping Centres in general.... I remember some years ago (late 80's/early 90's), when I stayed over at my Aunt's flat in Battersea - in the Badric Court Estate - we would sometimes catch a bus from the stop under the railway bridge on Battersea Park Road/Bullen Street, and go to a small Shopping Complex that she called the 'Arndale Centre'. I've searched for it since, but I just can't remember where it was, and have never able to find it. I presume it was swallowed-up by a larger, more modern Shopping Centre.

[@BenC-vr2wi]

Arndale is still there in Wandsworth

[@AFCManUk]

@@BenC-vr2wi Cheers for that. I see it's called the 'Southside Shopping Centre' now. I think I was confusing my bus stops before. The bus we got from the Bullen Street stop under the bridge, was the one we had to catch to get back to Marylebone, changing at Victoria.

[@JohnC2009Edin]

Thank you for the video.. i was in london this morning after the marathon, and we went for a walk around kings cross before getting the train home. Following your lead of walking/observing we had a great (short) walk looking along streets and crescents.

[@mattcranston9591]

I live in Willesdon and have done many strolls around the Welsh Harp. Once the water level was very low and there was a pina colada festival level of coconut shells strewn on the exposed banks. Quite extraordinary. Also an amazing place to pick wild garlic on the North side

[@sianwarwick633]

For the last year that I lived in London, I lived near Hendon Way but to the east of Brent Cross. Going to that shopping Centre then was like taking a portal back to the cityscape I had grown up in. Thanks for the fascinating views of the mighty Brent River

[@Ben_Mdws]

One of your finest I think John. Very thought provoking.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Ben - I really enjoyed this walk and video, felt like an odd kind of homecoming for my channel

[@ExploringWithEmAndStu]

Another wonderful and fascinating walk. Thank you 🙂

[@maureenstott5142]

I have watched just about everything you have ever filmed John.But think for a reason I don't really understand is the one so far that put icing on the cake Thank you

[@michaelessig6376]

I laughed out loud imagining you pushing one of the many featured shopping trollies through IKEA snacking on herring

[@angiebolton-cox1490]

Had my first job in M&S in Brent Cross 🎉

[@rossybink]

Great vlog, John your navigating Ikea made me laugh. Maybe a walk for another day but the Wharncliffe Viaduct in Hanwell is amazing. There is a free zoo there in the park and the Brent river flows through there. All the best Ross ❤😊

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Smashing treat to see this walk while we're out in Turkey on holiday John. Especially for that shot of the Ace Cafe where I have visited on my Triumph motorcycle some years ago. Thanks for making it and phooey to those false copyright claims! You triumphed again.

[@edwardwilliamson1]

it will be interesting to see how the Argent development impacts these watercourses (the Brent and Clitterhouse brook). Unfortunately the playing fields in the estate are being turned into privatised sports pitches which will remove one of the only green spaces in the area.

[@heleneburgess7674]

What a fantastic video, but so sad to see so much rubbish and fly tipping..what's wrong with people??!! A lovely Monday evening treat though, thanks John...👍😊

[@minijames2777]

Thanks for another fantastic walk John.

[@seandavis11961]

I enjoyed in a strange way, but this one's not for my bucket list. Thanks, John!

[@patdiggin7053]

Great show as always.

[@michelinman666]

A great walk and video! What a dehumanised hellscape we have created in large parts of the city.

[@heidismit5261]

Oooo later this evening....so good to know you are well

[@brianthomson528]

Great video John. Do you know the Betjeman Poem? And I quote ... 'Gentle Brent, I used to know you. Wandering Wemblywards at will.'

[@Mr_ZeroFuel]

Please consider making a film about the Colne Valley trail, especially the circular walk in Thorney Park surrounding a beautiful lake located in Iver/West Drayton.

[@martaorduna7857]

Always learning!Thank you so much!!!!Cheers from Buenos Aires!❤

[@gparry42]

Thanks John, another significant video on the ongoing development in what was once a rural landscape !

[@Tom_J23]

Thanks John!My favourite/London's rivers ❤

[@grahamhawthorn2320]

Fantastic John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Graham

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Splendid walk! I love the mix of intensely urban landscapes you find, where it seems you have almost literally turn the corner and find a picture of perfect nature to show us. London is an amazing place!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Jennifer

[@li2uo]

Yay! My local river is famous now!

[@greghavers821]

lovely John!! more rivers!!!! thanks for this!!!!

[@milobell5525]

That was an interesting one. I could almost taste the exhaust fumes. Many was the time i stood at the start of the M1 with my cardboard sign hitching Northwards home. Does anyone hitch any more i wonder?

[@BenC-vr2wi]

Love it great video on my patch. Don't think the caption for grand union canal was correct but I'm being a local pedant. One of the last shots was according to the bus stop called vicars Bridge. Funny how so much of the river is inaccessible. Have seen it really flowing on occasion after storms. A lot of people in the comments picking up on the isht hole nature of things ...

[@heidgandreiter8438]

Hi John, there's paranormal EVP spirit audio in the video soundtrack when we listen at 0.25x video speed, meaning it derives from a parallel dimension of reality, the camera itself behaving as a portal opening: 15:02 'The ecstasy of the beautiful', 15:07 'Du ofrer dig' ('You sacrifice yourself'), 'A portal opening to another dimension', 15:10 'It's a tragedy', 15:11 'Prosperity', 15:32 'Quality living'. 18:25 'Du er ingenting' ('You are nothing'), 18:26 'Partiklerne' ('The particles'), 18:27 'Du hader dig selv' ('You hate yourself'). 19:17 'It is terrible'. Seems to refer to what I mentioned in a previous video comment, namely fascist architecture and infrastructure, purposely used as a way to subdue a population, reducing the masses to desperate and depressed individuals, unable to mobilize any sort of collective protest. Thank you The Völve, Asatru shaman of Denmark and the Lands of the North

[@garphykeks]

Beautifully done JR👏👌

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Marty

[@paulmessis1094]

It's got a really weird vibe this area...I remember going with my parents to my grandparents from Uxbridge to Arnos Grove....I used to like trying to follow the Brent as we drove by....but the flyover always has a weird feel.

[@Gregdotgreg]

Presumably the streets named after towns in Buckinghamshire are because the Metropolitan Railway probably built houses in the area as part of their 'Metroland', and named the streets after other towns on their route

[@StupotTaylor]

I think the future should involve young devotees following John around in orange hats, like The Life Aquatic Steve Zissou.

[@markriley4665]

An area I know little about but this video has really inspired me to get out here and explore . Thanks for yet more inspiration John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Mark - there's a lot to explore in that part of London

[@ew4206]

Correct spelling - Edgware Road C11 bus to Whittington hospital is one of most useful routes ever

[@touriel8943]

Clitt (ER) House Brook! Had me startled then!