Mound at Totteridge & Whetstone, North London? | Forum

Sifaka Nov 30, 2008 16:40:50

Come out of Totteridge & Whetstone tube station, on the other side of the road is a grassy/woody area. If you cross the road and walk (behind the bus stop) along a little path parallel to the railway line (railway line to your left), a path to the right descends down to the stream. Turn right again by the stream and walk back up to the main road, on your right hand side there is a large and artificial-looking mound/hill which you have just descended.

Is it just a feature of the river bank? Or was it created when the railway line was constructed?

PS I have a vague feeling I posted about this some years back - apologies if so - I have searched for that post without success, but must confess am finding it difficult to navigate this otherwise excellent site.

tjj Nov 30, 2008 19:22:23

Replying to Sifaka

When I saw your post I felt compelled to answer. Although I live in Wiltshire now, I used to travel to that station daily for quite a few years on my way to work for the London Borough of Barnet. I don't recall the mound you mention but I do recall the stream and the 'open space' it ran through. An amazing stretch of meadowland - the only place I have seen a kingfisher and somewhere I have fond memories of.

One lunch-time I was walking there and one of the fields, full of dandelions was covered in red admiral butterflies. It was a fabulous sight and I went back the next day to relive the experience but the council had cut the grass.

A bright, frosty morning many years ago, I walked along there before going into work - the sun came up and I literally saw the light. It was February 2nd (which I later found out to be Imbolc) and I had my 'road to Damascus' in reverse - that was the morning I quietly became a pagan.

Thank you for reminding me of a place that used to bring harmony to my working day - I haven't thought about for quite a while.

scubi63 Nov 30, 2008 22:03:21

Replying to Sifaka

Hi,
I had a quick look on the Old Maps site and although there is a feature around that area I am not sure it is what you are after. Maybe have a look your self and see what you think.

http://www.old-maps.co.uk/indexmappage2.aspx

:o)

Scubes