A new walking map has been published for Hackney, designed to help people explore the borough and get around in a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable way.
Hackney Central Footways plots quiet and interesting walking routes and lists features which people can enjoy on their journeys. The aim is to encourage people to walk to Hackney Central, for their health, happiness and to boost life on streets.
In addition to promoting healthy and sustainable transport, the map celebrates Hackney’s unique heritage, culture, services, and businesses. Local people, groups, and organisations are encouraged to share additional features for the digital map, to create a long-term resource for the community.
The map is available as a printed and interactive digital version with geolocation and is beautifully designed to illustrate what Hackney has to offer.
The map has been developed by Footways, in collaboration with local walk guides, community groups, campaigners and historians. The printed map was designed by Applied Information and Studio Bergini, illustrations by Jane Smith and printed by Calverts. The project is funded by Hackney Council’s Hackney Central Impact and Ideas Fund, which aims to increase economic and environmental resilience, improve the town centre, and help local businesses shape the future of Hackney Central.
Free copies of the printed map can be picked up from Hackney Museum and Hackney Central Library, Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. The digital map is available online at www.footways.london/hackney along with more information about the network and distribution locations.
Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Walking is a great way to get around in Hackney so we’re delighted to have helped to fund this new walking map, which showcases all the fantastic routes and cultural and historic landmarks to discover in the borough.”
Emma Griffin, co-founder of Footways said: “As a Hackney resident, this project has been close to my heart. We’ve learned so much talking to groups and historians about local history, and are delighted to share this knowledge on our new Footways map. The features bring our routes to life, demonstrating that walking is the best form of transport for experiencing an area. We hope the local community will continue to send in ideas, so we can create a living archive of the area’s culture and history.’
Sean Gubbins, of Walk Hackney said: ‘This map is fantastic, highlighting various features which bear witness to Hackney’s fascinating, diverse history. Built on rising ground above a brook survives the mediaeval St Augustine’s Tower: the oldest structure in London north of the Tower of London. From there, follow Footways to Clissold Park to enjoy a glimpse of the 400-year old New River. Or take an ancient footway down the Narrow Way, Sylvester Path, London Fields, Broadway Market, Goldsmith’s Row to Hackney City Farm: once the site of a local mediaeval manor, later a brewery, part of a network of streets which once covered today’s Haggerston Park.’
