Regent's Canal

The Broad Walk Bridge.

Regent's Canal is one of my favourite walks to take, in London. 

Stretching for 8.6 miles (13.8 km) from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin and the River Thames, Regent's Canal is a beautiful walking route that meanders through green spaces, industrial, residential and newly regenerated areas.

Having walked the towpath on numerous occasions, over the years, I have seen some changes to the surrounding vistas, especially around the Camden and King's Cross area.

London Zoo stop.

But, there is still a lot of history that has been kept; From bridges to tunnels to floating restaurants, there is always something new to discover.

Feng Shang Princess, Chinese Restaurant.

The towpaths, themselves, are fairly well maintained, for the most part, and wide enough to allow for the countless joggers, dog walkers and cyclists that use this route on a daily basis.

Then there are the private narrowboats, where families live a quieter life, while river taxis ferry families, tourists and commuters along this tranquil waterway.

A Narrowboat on Regent's Canal.

Beginning at Little Venice, Regent's Canal passes through Maida Hill and Lisson Grove tunnels and heads northeast until it passes between Primrose Hill and Regent's Park and on up to Camden Lock. 

Keilyn at Camden Lock.

From here the canal begins to follow a southeast route, until it reaches St Pancras Basin and the newly regenerated Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square.

Canalside Green Steps.

From here the canal heads east until it reaches Pentonville. It is here that, although the canal continues through the Islington tunnel, the towpath ends, meaning a short walk through Islington.

Re-joining the towpath, Regent's Canal continues its meandering eastward route until it meets the Hertford Union Canal branch, to the south of Victoria Park. 

Victoria Park.

From here it heads south until it reaches Limehouse Basin and the Limehouse Cut branch, where it joins the River Thames.

Limehouse Cut, where Regent's Canal joins the River Thames.

Although it seems like a long walk it can easily be split into different parts, but it is something that anyone who likes walking should try.

Regent's Canal facts:

• Construction begins on October 14, 1812
• Regent's Canal opens in 1816, although it is not complete
• Construction completed on August 1, 1820
• It has 13 locks
• It is 8.6 miles (13.8 km) in length

For more photographs taken along Regent's Canal click the link below.

Gallery