BEATING THE BOUNDS OF HILLRISE- a history walk around the border of North Islington

Beating the bounds or perambulating the bounds is an ancient custom where local residents walk the geographic boundaries of their locality for the purpose of maintaining the memory of the precise location of these boundaries,
Hillrise ward is the most Northern ward of the 18 wards that constitute London Borough of Islington. It includes Archway Road, Whitehall Park, Parkland Walk, and has a fascinating history from monastic times to highway robbers and more modern urban growth and renewal.
It recently underwent some boundary changes, and nobody has “beaten the bounds” of this wonderful ward since then- so this walk gives a unique opportunity to walk the new perimeter, take in the sites and sights, and talk about some of the history, politics, architecture, and characters of this part of N19.

Terrain, distant and suitability

This walk (7km or around 8000 steps) takes about 2 hours and is not for the faint-hearted- the ward is called Hillrise for a reason and has some steep inclines and flights of steps!
It is definitely not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, the infirm, children or animals.

Guide

The walk is led by Greg Foxsmith, a student guide training with CIGA, who has lived in Hillrise for over 20 years and has represented Hillrise as a local councillor (2006-2014)

Date and time

This walk will take place on Sunday 8th June at 1030am
It starts and finishes from MERRO Cafe, 85 Crouch End Hill https://www.instagram.com/merrocafe/ (arrive early if you would like to grab a coffee or bite to eat10
(Option of joining for “half-tour” at Archway station 11-15)

There is no charge but pre-booking essential by email gregfoxsmith@icloud.com

Optional Bonus finish

At conclusion of the boundary walk, there is an option of walking on to Elthorne Park (two sculptures of note and a Peace Garden), Sunnyside Community Garden, and finishing at 36 Ashley Road where Hillrise resident and renowned artist Ahmed Farooqi opens his home to showcase his new collection of ceramic art (part of the Crouch End2025 Art Trail https://crouchendopenstudios.org.uk/ )
Tea and cake available!