Asteys Row Rock Garden, Wednesday 30 August 2023

 Meet at 11 am at Asteys Row Rock Garden, N1 2BP.

This delightful Little Rock Garden is just off Essex Road, near the junction with Cross Street. It is a short walk from Angel or Highbury and Islington Stations and there are buses running up and down Essex Road and Upper Street

Asteys Row is at the end of Islington's New River walk, but the 'river' has long ago been paved over at Asteys Row although there is a 'canal' further upstream. The New River was built in 1613 by the New River Company as a means of bringing fresh water from Hertford to London. The New River continues down to the New River Head, the now defunct Merlin's Cave pub, and the reservoir in Claremont Square. Upstream are Clissold Park and Finsbury Park as well as the reservoirs off Green Lanes. 

We have chosen a Wednesday as we try to do at least one Wednesday a year and also to organise two outings in August. The adjacent library in Essex Road is open on a Wednesday and has loos. There are many cafes around this area, so a choice of lunch places. 

Local colour on nearby Essex Road includes a good butcher and fishmonger, plus a bath and sanitary ware supplier. There is a rather gruesome taxidermist on the corner of Essex Road and Cross Street. All adding to the local colour. Islington has recently greatly improved the children's playground, adjacent to Asteys Row. The play equipment has great shapes.

Here are some photos which Diane Umemoto took a few years ago of the New River just up from the Rock Garden. Great reflections and ducks.