Walking with Keilyn: Brent Lodge Park to Hanwell... and beyond

Keilyn outside Northwood Hills station.

Saturday July 27, 2024.

Today, Keilyn and I were headed to an area of London that we had not been to before. 

So, our journey began with a taxi to Watford underground station, where we boarded a Metropolitan line train and travelled the four stops to Northwood Hills. Once we had exited the station we stopped at the 'Whistle Stop' café, where we purchased a hot sausage bap, for Keilyn, and a bacon roll for myself, before heading on to Joel Street, where we waited for our bus.

While we waited I took a photo of Keilyn with the mural, that is painted along the bridge. Immediately after the photo was taken our bus, the 282 to Ealing Hospital, arrived. We stepped aboard, touched in with our Oyster Cards and then headed upstairs to sit at the front of the bus, so that we could see whatever sights there were.

Our view from the 282.

The bus made its way through Eastcote, Northolt and Greenford before we rang the bell for our stop, Golf Links Estate (Stop J). From here we walked along a Public Footpath, with West Middlesex Golf Club, to our right, and Ealing Hanwellians Cricket Club, to our left. 

The River Brent.

The path continued until we reached St Mary's Church, where we turned right, continuing through Brent Lodge Park, until we reached our destination of Hanwell Zoo.

Keilyn in Maze 2000.

As we had made good time and the weather wasn't too hot, we decided that we would visit the MillenniuM Maze first. This maze was created for the millennium and is made up of 2000 Yews, with a covered observation platform at its centre, with another observation platform at its entrance.

Without any hesitation Keilyn headed in, with me bringing up the rear. Left, right, right again, Dead end. Back track. Left, right, left, left. Dead end. Back track. Third time lucky. 

Keilyn at the centre of the MillenniuM Maze.

Having reached the centre we looked out over the maze, before Keilyn took off, hurrying to find her own way out, waving her hat above her head so that I could see where she was. I, on the other hand, decided to use the gate and simply walked out of the maze, much to Keilyn's chagrin.

Ready to enter Hanwell Zoo.

Once we were reunited, we made our way to Hanwell Zoo.

The Hobbayne, Hanwell

Lily Pads.

Having already walked through Brent Lodge Park, I followed the Capital Ring, along the River Brent, and passed beneath the Wharncliffe Viaduct. This incredible piece of engineering must have looked incredible, when it was first completed, but now, with the tree cover, it is hard to see its full beauty.

This monolith of engineering skill was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his father, Marc. It was built using arches formed by hollow piers of engineering brick. It stands at an elevation of 20 metres (65.6 feet).

Wharncliffe Viaduct.

It opened in 1837 and is named after Lord Wharncliffe, who was the man that took the Great Western Railway Bill through Parliament. It is now Grade I listed.

The River Brent, flowing beneath this architectural marvel, is home to water voles, kingfishers and herons, amongst many others.

Relics in a Forgotten Park, North Woolwich

Keilyn beside a giant anchor.

It was during one of my walks with Keilyn that we discovered a small park on the banks of the River Thames.

We had just disembarked from the Woolwich Free Ferry and were heading along Pier Road, when we noticed a giant anchor. It was set atop a concrete and brick base that was being encroached upon by bushes.

Keilyn and the Railway Crane.

The path meandered around the raised anchor, leading us to a wide, but narrow, concrete area beside the river. To our left was a Railway Crane, resting on a short section of rails attached to concrete sleepers. It was a fascinating thing to discover. There was no engine, nor cab, so I am unsure as to how it was powered.

A little further on we discovered benches, facing the river, another anchor and, towards the end of the park, a propeller and a set of steps led down to the foreshore. 

Keilyn standing on the smaller anchor.

This park had been designed, at some point, as a place that people could sit to watch the River Thames, while the trees acted as a screen, blocking out the sight of the industrial and residential complexes, springing up beyond Pier Road.

Keilyn standing on a propeller.

Raised brick borders may have been planted with flowers, but are now overgrown with uncontrolled bushes and weeds.

St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich

St George's Garrison Church.

I had read quite a bit about St George's Garrison Church and its history, but I had never been to visit it, until now.

As it is only open to the public on Sundays, unless for an exhibition or special event, it has always been difficult to find the time to get there. Fortunately, I was in the area as I had just visited Severndroog Castle, just down the road, which has a viewing platform that is only accessible on, you guessed it, a Sunday.

One of the church gates.

It was beautiful noon day as Keilyn and I wandered through the gates into the garden of this ruined church, the sun illuminating the gold mosaic above the altar, ahead of us. The canopy, above the remains, filtered the light making the whole place glow.

The canopy protecting the ruins.

The mosaics are stunning, with the St George mosaic being my favourite along with the Victoria Cross Memorial.

The mosaics glinting in the diffused light.

The walls, pillars and columns are all still in place creating a wonderful place to reflect.

'Demon with Bowl' by Damien Hirst

'Demon with Bowl' by Damien Hirst.

Walking around the Greenwich Peninsula you will discover that the area is full of Public Art. Whether it be a small sculpture, interactive installations, a slice of a ship or a signpost, there is a lot to discover. 

Many of these are created by internationally renowned artists, that include Anthony Gormley, Alex Chinneck, and Damien Hirst.

Keilyn with the 'Demon with Bowl' sculpture.

It is the latter that has installed an 18 metre (60 foot) sculpture on the peninsula, outside the Greenwich Peninsula terminal of the London Cable Car.