This route between the stations at Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington takes in two parkland lakes, a lengthy riverside walk, a scenic reservoir and a wetland nature reserve – it's a water-lovers’ dream.
The walk includes Finsbury Park – look out for moorhens, coots, pochards and tufted ducks; the New River and its unexpected crop of reeds; the Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve (open 9.30am-4pm); Clissold Park with its Grade II-listed mansion; and Abney Park, a wildlife haven that’s not so much a cemetery as a wood with gravestones.
The walk ends in Stoke Newington, home to a coterie of quirky independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars.
Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington walk
3.8 miles/6.1km | 2 hours | easy | 23m ascent
1. Start
At the exit to Finsbury Park station turn left, cross Stroud Green Road and head through the gated entrance to Finsbury Park. After 100m, bear left on a tarmac footpath, then left again shortly afterwards to go uphill.
2. McKenzie Flower Garden
At a fingerpost, turn right (signed ‘Stoke Newington 3m’) to cross a park road and pass to the right of a café and playground. Go through McKenzie Flower Garden with a lake to your left and continue along the path, following Capital Ring signs. Cross another park road and head forward to a gate.
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3. New River
Cross the road at the pedestrian lights, turn left and after 15m go through a large kissing gate onto the New River. Follow the New River Path for approximately 3km, carefully crossing the Seven Sisters Road and accompanying the river as it passes two large reservoirs and Woodberry Wetlands (well worth a visit and has a café/toilets). Cross a footbridge, turn right and reach Green Lanes beside the fortress-like Castle Climbing Centre.
4. Clissold Park
Turn left, crossing Brownswood Road and continue ahead for 250m until you reach Clissold Park on your left. Go through the gate and straight ahead.
5. Clissold House
After 50m, bear left on a tarmac path to walk around a lake to your right. At the end of the lake, go straight ahead along a wide tarmac tree-lined track towards Clissold House. At the mansion, turn left along a tarmac track. Just after a skate park on your left, go through a metal gate to your right between fences beside a former church (now an arts venue) to Stoke Newington Church Street, opposite the impressive St Mary’s church.
6. Abney Park cemetery
Turn left and walk for 700m along the pavement. There is no sign announcing Abney Park cemetery, so look out for a path going up a ramp to your left rising to iron gates with gravestones beyond. Go through the gates, turn left and very soon turn left again onto a path heading into the cemetery.
7. Stoke Newington
When you come to a statue on your right of a life-sized lion on the grave of Frank Bostock, turn right along a wide track. At the end, go through ornamental gates and onto Stamford Hill. Turn left and cross the road to arrive at Stoke Newington overground station.
Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington map
Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington walking route and map
Useful information
Start
The walk starts at Finsbury Park rail and Underground station. It ends at Stoke Newington Overground station.
Terrain
First and last sections are on pavement and tarmac paths through parks. Parts of the New River Path and Abney Park can get muddy in wet weather. Pushchair-friendly, though some kissing gates on the New River Path are too small for wheelchairs.
Map
OS Explorer 173 London North
