Over 100 people casually strolled through the green pathways of north London on Sunday 3 May 09. The six mile walk, organised by Metropolitan Walkers in conjunction with Slow Down London, began at Highgate, meandered through the lush landscapes of Crouch End, Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington on the capital ring, before taking a detour through a leafy area of Canonbury.

As the stroll reached its conclusion (at Angel tube station) its tired but happy participants were left to reflect on an afternoon spent making new friends and discovering hidden gems such as the New River Path and Canonbury Square.

Tessa Watt, Director of Slow Down London, said: “Walking at a slow pace brings our body and mind back into sync. The walk today felt natural and healthy and in keeping with what Slow Down London is all about – looking around us and appreciating our world.”

Only a quarter of the participants on the walk were members of Metropolitan Walkers – a reflection of the great strides made by Slow Down London in attracting members of the public to its relaxed, unhurried perspective.

“The fact that most of the people here today came solely for the Slow Down London event speaks volumes for the movement,” said the leader of the walk Phil Marson. Slow Down London, which was formed as a response to the stresses of city life, began its fortnight of activities with a ‘slow walk’ over Waterloo Bridge during rush hour on 24th April.

Reflecting on the festival, Watt, a former BBC Producer and self-confessed workaholic, said: “We get into habitual patterns. Events of this kind take us out of our everyday environment and experiences.”

Michael Isaac
Image by Jessica Scott

RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.