[1] Turn left outside the Robin Redmond Resource Centre and go along Woodberry Grove and just before the small bridge turn right across the road and go onto the New River path.
This is a good place to enjoy views of the West Reservoir.
Continue along smooth path and then bear left onto narrow unmade-up path running alongside river. Further along the path climb some steps to cross the river by the bridge. You will now pass the Castle Climbing Centre which was formerly a pumping station. Look out for the Cafe and Toilets on your left. Turn right through a kssing gate and continue until you reach a green gate which takes you out onto Green Lanes.
(A)The New River is a man-made waterway it opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from the River Lee and from Amwell Springs.
[2] Turn right on to Green Lanes and continue until you reach a zebra crossing where you cross the road and continue on to the crossroads (the junction of Seven Sisters Road and Green Lanes) and Manor House Station.. Cross Seven Sisters Road and enter Finsbury Park via the ornamental gates immediately in front of you.
[3] Once in Finsbury Park cross the wide carriage drive and follow the path to the left side of the sign post. Note the beech tree on your left planted to commemorate London County Council. Take the next right and turn right again at the capital ring signpost by the sheltered seating. When the path divides keep straight on down the hill, cross the carriage drive again by the zebra crossing and leave the park returning to Green Lanes.
(B) In the early 20th Century Finsbury Park became a venue for political meetings including pacifist campaigns during the 1st world war. This is in contrast to the use of the park during the 2nd World War when it was used as a gathering point for heavy amour prior to the D-Day invasions.
[4] Cross Green Lanes at the pedestrian crossing and turn left, continuing downhill to the signpost for New River Path and Capital Ring where you need to turn right. You should now be on the New River path which you need to follow for about 1km. The start of the path is quite steep and uneven and this stretch of footpath is very narrow and uneven and at times runs very close to the edge of the river which could be hazardous for young children. In wet weather it can also be quite muddy.
There are views of Alexandra Palace to your left.
A kissing gate gives access onto Seven Sisters Road. Cross Seven Sisters Road using the pedestrian crossing to your left. Turn right and then immediately left into Amhurst Park which you should also cross by the zebra crossing. Turn right and after a few metres you reach a sign post were you turn left through another kissing gate on to the next section of the New River Path. Again there is a rather steep, uneven slope at the beginning of the narrow path (take care here). There are often lots of swans and coots to be seen on this stretch of the river.
[5] Continue along the New River Path, pass through a kissing gate where you go up a few steps These are slippery when wet, and then turn right. Almost immediately, go down the slope on your left and through another kissing gate and down the steps. Continue along the New River Path go through another kissing gate, continue until you reach Woodberry Grove again where you turn right and return to the Robin Redmond Resource Centre.
Notice the computerised structure over the river - a sluice gate cleanser - which you can periodically watch in operation as it dredges the river bed.