The Castle is a pub at the Angel near where we live. Before Covid-19, it used to be quite a lively place.

The Castle

These days it seems quieter but they serve food and so we thought we would try their Sunday roast.

A corner table

We were the only customers at first and so had a choice of tables. We took one in a corner.

Vegetarian roast
Photo by Tigger

We ordered the vegetarian roast. This was a kind of vegetable Wellington on a bed of mushrooms and other vegetables, accompanied by roast potatoes and topped off with a Yorkshire pudding.

After lunch, we decided to go for a walk.

Wild Kong

It’s a while since I photographed Richard Orlinski’s Wild Kong so here he is in all his glory (if that’s the right word to use).

We went to the nearby bus stop and boarded a number 214 to Highgate Hill.

Highgate Hill Reservoir

We left the bus on Highgate Hill near this grassy hummock protected by railings. It is the Highgate Hill Reservoir and was constructed in 1845 for the New River Company. It is now managed by Thames Water.

Down Highgate Hill

We set off on foot down Highgate Hill which is quite steep as you can perhaps see from the photo.

Attractive house

Highgate Hill is not a particularly interesting place for walking. However, we did spot one handsome building. It was set back from the road in what looked to be a very pleasant location. I have no idea of its age or history.

Merton Lane

We struck off Highgate Hill along Merton Lane.

Entering the Heath

Merton Lane led us to Parliament Hill Fields, part of the great rough park that is Hampstead Heath.

The pond

We found a bench and sat for a while beside one of the Highgate Ponds. The ponds are famous for bathing though a notice informed us the bathing was not allowed in this one. There are about six ponds altogether and some are quite deep.

Panorama of the pond
Photo by Tigger

This panorama by Tigger gives an idea of the size and shape of the pond.

Men’s Swimming Pond

We continued our walk and passed by the next pond which happened to be the swimming pond for men. Despite the fact that it was a chilly day (I found it so, at least), there were men splashing about in the water.

Men in the water

As the swimmers are hard to see because of the distance, here is s close-up of a group disporting themselves together. Rather them than me!

Last view

This my the last photo taken just before leaving the Heath. The weather was not very friendly though the sun did break through briefly from time to time, so briefly that it was easy to miss it.

Queen Victoria pillar box

We left the Heath by a street called, appropriately enough, Parliament Hill. The only object of interest I found there was this pillar box bearing the royal cypher of Queen Victoria.

By Hampstead Heath Station

Thus we arrived at Hampstead Heath Station and what might be called (without disrespect) the lower end of Hampstead. This is quite a lively area with cafes and boutiques.

Pond Street

We came to Pond Street where we could catch a bus to start our journey home. A number 46 took us to Kentish Town.

Kentish Town

We changed at Kentish Town to a 214 to take us back to the Angel. The only thing to note here is the screened building on the corner. This used to be a polytechnic building where I worked for a number of years. That is firmly in the past, however, and the building has served several different purposes since then. What will its next destiny be, I wonder?

As for us, we returned home to make tea and sort out our photos!