Easy Walking Escapes: Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal runs from London to Birmingham over 137 miles.
It includes the Regent’s Canal section from Paddington Basin, and also joins the Thames at Brentford.
Walking on the Grand Union Canal
It includes Regent’s Canal:
[Grand Union Canal by Stéphane Goldstein (licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)]
Canal walking is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
[Grand Union Canal by Stu Smith (licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)]
… or just marvel at the contrast between city and the tranquil water:
[Regent’s Canal, London by Barbara Rich (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)]
Of course, the Canal is a key part of London’s industrial heritage.
[Light and Shade on the Grand Union Canal Kensal Green by Amanda Slater (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)]
At times you might feel you’ve stepped back in time:
[Bridge at Denham by Roger Marks (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)]
Canal walking is a great way to focus on the details…
[Grand Union Canal by Stéphane Goldstein (licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)]
The wildlife:
[Brentford – Apr 2011 – The Flight of the Heron 3 by Gareth Williams (licensed under CC BY 2.0)]
The architecture:
[Running over the bridge by marcus_jb1973 (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)]
The lifestyle:
[Regent’s Canal by Simon Huggins (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)]
And the stories:
[Regent’s Canal, London by Synwell (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)]
How to walk it
Many London walking routes make use of the Canal, such as this section on The Capital Ring:
[GOC Kew to Osterley 117: GUC Bridge 205a by Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)]
- Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden Circular walk 4.5 miles
- Capital Ring Section 7 Richmond Bridge to Osterley Lock 5 miles
- Capital Ring Section 8 Osterley Lock to Greenford 5.5 miles
- London Loop Section 11 Hayes and Harlington to Uxbridge 7.5 miles
- London Loop Section 12 Uxbridge to Harefield West 4.5 miles
- London Loop Section 13 Harefield West to Moor Park 5 miles
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