We went out to have a look at the brave new world of 2023 and also to meet Tigger’s daily walking target. You will no doubt have discovered, as we did, that the New Year world looks very much like the Old Year world. We can only hope that looks are deceptive and that 2023 will be better for all of us than its predecessor.

King’s Cross St Pancras

We walked down the hill to the two stations. Their proximity to one another leads locals to refer to them as “King’s Cross St Pancras”, as though they were a single entity.

King’s Cross Departures

We walked through King’s Cross Departures where there was hurried movement as a train was about to leave.

Illuminated tree
Photo by Tigger

We walked up St Pancras Road between the two stations where there stands this tree decorated with coloured light-tubes.

Goods Way

We continued up the road between buildings (several of which are still being built) which I think is called Goods Way in memory of the fact that this area used to be the arrival point of freight carried by trains.

Regent’s Canal and Granary Square

This led us to the Regent’s Canal and, on its other side, Granary Square, named in memory of the grain warehouse that once stood here.

Regent’s Canal

In times past, barges would have been loaded and unloaded here but these days there is scarcely any movement to be seen. I think most canal barges these days are used as houseboats.

Granary Square

Often packed with crowds of people, Granary Square was virtually empty today as there were no “events” in progress.

Granary Square Fountains

The fountains were working but at their lowest setting.

Stable Street

On the lookout for coffee, we walked along here, a road called Stable Street. It’s tempting to think that perhaps there were once stables here for the horses pulling carts laden with freight.

Gail’s was open

The only cafe we found open was a branch of Gail’s. This is not one of our favourites but it was a case of “any port in a storm”.

Croissants and coffee

We ordered croissants and coffee – a second breakfast m, in fact!

Seated
Tschabalala Self

We spotted this sculpture called Seated by Tschabalala Self. There is information about the artist and the work here.

Shops and entertainments

We walked through this shopping and entertainments centre. Most businesses were closed but for one:

Curling

The curling rinks were open and attracting players.

Canal lock

We crossed the Somers Town Bridge which gives a view of the canal lock.

St Pancras Waterpoint

We passed under this venerable industrial artefact, called the St Pancras Waterpoint.

Camley Street Natural Park

We found the Camley Street Natural Park open and went in. This old coal yard was cleaned out and turned into a unique nature reserve surrounded by streets, railway stations and the canal.

The pond

There are several different habits for different sorts of plants and animals. Among these is an extensive pond.

One of the paths

There are paths to follow which link the various habitats. The park is both an enjoyable amenity and also an educational centre: there are labels explaining the plants, trees and habitats.

Railway tunnel

We walked back towards St Pancras Station, passing through this tunnel under the tracks.

Midland Road

We followed Midland Road to the bus stop. Tigger had “closed the ring” (completed today’s walk target) so we felt it was legitimate to ride the bus home!

Aboard the 214

We caught a number 214 single-deck bus which carried us past King’s Cross Station and up the hill to the Angel and home. Now we are looking forward to lunch!