London Overground trains at Highbury & Islington station
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
Coming from the West on the Overground, there are 3 sets of 9 steps which will take you to the ticket hall level. Turning right there are lifts and stairs. For the return to Richmond or a Whitechapel and South London link, there are only 3 sets of 8 steps and a ramp. At this point there are connections “indicated” to the subway level lines of the Victoria Line and the National Rail link. This station could be another useful hub to meet friends and offers a safe environment for independent travel. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
Below signage for connections at Highbury & Islington station
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
I was photographed below some signs and station staff are usually around or fellow passengers if you get lost. I got lost first time round, but on subsequent trips have become more familiar with connections here. I have not yet tried the lower ground connections since I lost my sight. The ticket hall is still in reconstruction, though with a sharp right and left through the ticket gates, you can reach the exit for Highbury Corner.
I went with Stephen, who uses an architect’s and designer’s eye to observe and note objects of interest. Stephen spotted part of an original piece of railway architecture hidden in development in an otherwise example of British brutalism including the Post Office buildings at their worst. This block more or less hides Highbury Corner from view but Stephen spotted an unused Highbury Station entrance as well.
Outside Highbury & Islington station
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
Old Highbury station entrance, near Highbury & Islington station
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
Highbury Corner is a well known London transport feature and as a one way system it can be crossed by a series of crossings. We headed for Canonbury Road and crossed several streets to get there. There is a bus stand on the left hand side with the stop further down. It is one stop to Canonbury Square with a side entrance to the Estorick Collection on the left hand side. You can read about my visit to the Estorick Collection here: http://profwhitestick.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/estorick-collection-of-modern-italian.html
Outside the Estorick Gallery. Highbury, London
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
The sculpted metal gates are fascinating to touch. Turning right on to Canonbury Lane one reaches Upper Street with major Islington landmarks. The Town Hall and Union Chapel can be made out, and although the latter is set aside the tower is a major landmark.
Union Chapel rising out of Prof Whitestick's hat
20 June 2012
© Prof Whitestick
Union Chapel is a church which was started in late 18th Century but has been remodelled through the 19th Century. It holds about 2000 people and offers an uninterrupted view of the pulpit. It is a popular venue for concerts and gigs. http://www.unionchapel.org.uk/
I enjoyed walking up and down Upper Street, with its many restaurants, cafes and shops. It seemed less hectic at this point than some North London main roads, probably on account of trees and no noticeable large retail outlets. Walking up Upper Street we got back to Highbury Corner and into the station for the return to the North West postcode area.
NB Any comments on interchanges are welcome.
