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 (Clerkenwell and Islington Guiding Association) who has lived in Hillrise for over 20 years and has represented Hillrise as a local councillor (2006-2014)
Date and time
This annual walk last took place in June 2025 and the 2026 walk will take place in July 2026 (date tbc)
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 eat)
(Option of joining for “half-tour” at Archway station)
Enquiries 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 the Shaftesbury pub
Hillrise Walk (a guided walk in London N19)
