Mon 4th Mar at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Slow Ways is a website launched in 2021 which enables users to plot a route between two settlements in the United Kingdom. The routes are not intended to be the fastest route possible, but rather encourage walkers to rediscover unused footpaths and engage in more leisurely walks.
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon met with keen runners from a variety of different Goodgym boroughs at the Arsenal Community Hub for a slightly different version of our classic group run. Our objective for the evening was to review a previously submitted "Slow Ways" route listed on the official nationwide pedestrian mapping website. Together, we were planning on running the full course, and to publish feedback on whether we could recommend the route or not.
We ran to Highbury and Islington Underground station, and then ran through Highbury Fields to start the Slow Ways for Highbury and Islington to Wood Green aka (WooHig 2). Bouncing up and down the slopes of North London, we passed the original Emirates Stadium before approaching Arsenal Tube Station. Our map was encouraging us to run through Gillespie Park Nature Reserve- however we made the decision not do due to a lack of lighting. This was highlighted as a consideration for fellow night-time travellers on the Slow Ways website page.
Next stop, Finsbury Park, with new and improved flood lights installed for the community. This made such a difference, and we all felt safe to run through even at night. The famous Harringay Ladder loomed at the bottom of Green Lanes (just beyond the New River Path). This is a well known running segment developed by teammates at London Heathside AC- a 10km challenge that covers the inclines and declines between Green Lanes and Turnpike Lane. Luckily, we were running up the Harringay Passage instead- a lovely cut through corridor that passes through over 21 streets!
Upon reaching Turnpike Lane, we started to see city streets and shops again for the first time- we knew that Wood Green high street was close by. Sure enough, we completed our full approximately 5 mile run outside Wood Green Station- successfully reviewing a Slow Ways. Well done everyone!
To celebrate, our crew enjoyed some delicious cuisine at Ezra's Kitchen along with some much appreciated refreshments. Excellent work!
Goodgym Islington News
Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions
Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations
On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.
Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!
Thursday 7th March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
Thursday 14th March- Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Underground station
----------â----------------------
Thursday 21st March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
-------------â---------------------
Thursday 28th March- Stratford Olympic Park, Stratford Underground station (Westfield exit)
ON Running Spitalfields run club- Thursday morning wake up runs!
Thursday 29th February, 7am, ON Running Spitalfields, Brushfield Street
Area Activator Simon has set up a series of morning runs, hosted on Thursday mornings at the new ON Running store in Spitalfields market.
A social 5km before work, with the option to take out a pair of ON Running shoes for a test spin.
Next run is on Thursday 7th March:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/on-running-spitalfields-group-classic-5km-social
Slow Ways and Goodgym Islington Social
Monday 4th March, 6.45pm onwards, Arsenal Community Hub
For our first group run of March, we will be reviewing a running route for the Slow Ways mapping network, starting in Highbury and Islington, and finishing in Wood Green. Great social running times!
And afterwards, we are planning on visiting Ezra's Cafe in Wood Green for refreshments, food and chat
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-ezra-s-kitchen
-------â--------------------------
The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
The Garden Classroom has started multiple weekly open garden mornings in Newington Green, Market Road and Hillside Park (near Caxton House). Set up by trained horticulture specialists and open to all!
Newington Green Next Wednesday- 10am - midday
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 9th March, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.
Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (March)
Saturday 16th March, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-march
--â---------------------------------------
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 16th March, 11am - 1pm, 85-87 Wood Vale, Highgate Woods
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-march-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 31st March, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens
Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.
Mon 4th Mar at 6:45pm
Establishing safe walking routes and pedestrianised paths for the general public across the UK!
Read moreSat 25th Nov 2023 at 8:45am
Sat 25th Nov 2023 at 8:45am
Join Area Activator Simon for parkrun and coffee at The Yurt Café!
Read moreWed 4th Oct 2023 at 6:45pm
Haringey Report written by Euclides Montes
8 Goodgymmers went on the pull tonight at the White Hart Rec Tiny Forest Project as they helped weed and prune this small sliver of green in North London.
Making The Best Forest Impressions
A warm welcome to Raj, Louise, and Michelle who joined us for their first ever GGHaringey task. They were amazing and slotted into the GGH madness without a minute of hesitation. Hope we haven't scared you away!
What is this? A forest for ants?
Michelle L, the Parks and Greenspace Volunteering Officer for Haringey Council, approached us with an invitation from Michael from the Friends of Woodside Park to come and help them look after their Tiny Forest in White Hart Rec. Needless to say, that was the kind of invitation we couldn't possibly say no to and our 8 Goodgymmers all made their way to the site on an unseasonably mild but dark October evening (mind you, one of our GGH's shared jackets made its first outing of the season as one of its unnamed regular thermosensitive customers got a bit chilly).
Anyway, once on site, we were briefed on the history of the Tiny Forest as well as the species of trees planted a year ago to create this lovely 600-trees-deep forest in the middle of the Rec. Our mission for the evening was to free up the roots of the small saplings from a multitude of weeds without pulling up any of the young trees in the dark. Hilarity ensues.
Having said that, our Goodgymmers were meticulous in their pulling and managed to spend an hour in the pitch black without pulling up any trees (full disclosure, Gramps did act as a makeshift human lamppost for the evening so it wasn't completely dark but it was certainly ill-lit at best). Or, at least, that's what we thought - until Michael from the Friends of Woodside Park started waving a young oak at us that had been pulled in error. After an emergency replanting session, we prayed to the Tiny Forest gods and are pleased to say that we think all's well.
After an hour's honest work, our Goodgymmers packed up their things, took the customary group selfie, and then set off home with a few more smiles in their pockets than when they arrived. Boom.
Join us next week for more fun and games.
Thu 5th Oct 2023 at 11:26am
That was a productive task. It really is tiny, hard to imagine 600 trees are planted there. Errm, methinks Michelle did her second task with Haringey. I'll forgive your confused mind: champagne corks?! Oh and by the way you can light up our lives with or without the post.
Thu 5th Oct 2023 at 11:52am
Alright, alright. Jeez. đ€Șđ
Mon 9th Oct 2023 at 10:18am
Really great to see this, well done everyone!
Wed 11th Oct 2023 at 8:42pm
Haha it was indeed my second task with haringey but first one with the fearless leader of Euclides!
Wed 4th Oct 2023 at 6:45pm
Loading...