Regents Canal Walk

Even though London is one of the busiest and largest commercial and cultural hubs in the world, there are plenty of parks and waterways to escape the hustle and bustle of the place. One of the loveliest escapes is the walk along the Regents Canal, which stretches from Little Italy slightly northwest of Paddington Station, to Canary Wharf. The walk, although in the heart of London, offers a few hours of peace and serenity away from the rat race.

The Canal opened in 1816 after they started building it in 1812, although there are some stretches (for example Limestone Cut–just before Canary Wharf), which date back to 1770.

Walking the Regent’s Canal Walk

I had a day to spare in London this summer, and I took an early morning walk along the canal from Paddington to Camden Lock. This is one of the most popular stretches of the walk to take. It passes through Maida Vale, through a stretch of houseboats, then through Regent’s Park, past London Zoo. I finished the walk at Camden Lock, which is just outside Camden market.

Heading off from Paddington, you pass through a commercial and residential area. Be wary here, as it is easy to get off the path. I lost my way on this stretch and finished up on Euston Road. Although it was only about a quarter of a mile off course, I would have preferred the canal to Euston Road, as interesting as Euston Road is!

It wasn’t long before I was back on the path, though, and even if you do end up on Euston Road, you’ll know when you’re back on the right path because you’ll see the canal crossing under the road. From there, it was easy to find where I was supposed to be, although there were still a few corners to turn through a residential area.

**The sign that tell you you’re back on track! (If you lose yourself on Euston Road)**

Down the steps and I was back on track!

You find yourself in the serenity and peace of the walk. First, you’ll walk through a section of houseboats, and it is quite possible to see residents or sight see-ers sailing up the canal. The houseboats are adorned with flowers and colourful décor, in a unique scene which can only say ‘London’!

What you see on Regents Canal Walk

After the houseboats, you’ll come to the serene part of the river. There will be signs here and there marking private property, so please be mindful of them, and stay on the path. There are some large, beautiful homes along the path. The walk is about 8 kilometres long, but there are plenty of benches to sit on when you feel the need. As I walked the path, I kept being passed by two women in a canal boat taking a slow and leisurely cruise up the canal. They’d pass me, then I’d catch up to them up and overtake them, then I’d sit down on a bench for a while and again they’d pass me! This continued for about half the walk and the two women and I started to give one another a wave and a laugh each time!

**Ladies in a houseboat, as we kept overtaking one another along the canal.**

Wildlife on Regents Canal Walk

Before long, you’ll come London Zoo. I’ve heard people say they’ve seen monkeys playing and chattering as they passed, but on the day I did the walk, it was probably too early for them, as I set out at about 7.30 am.

You are likely to see plenty of wildlife, however, especially swans, ducks and possibly even a heron. This, along with the trees and plant life along the canal, makes it a delight for nature lovers.

At this point, you could easily forget you’re in London. It is so peaceful. You don’t even hear traffic once you’re on the part of the walk between the houseboats and Camden.

On the day I went, I was almost the only person on the walk. On a walk that took around 2 hours at a slow stroll, I think I was only passed by one other walker, a couple of joggers and a few cyclists.

Turning off to Camden Lock

Finally, there’s a fork on the Regents Canal Walk that turns off to Camden Lock. Make sure you turn left here if you want to finish the walk at Camden Lock/Camden Market.

You really will notice the difference when you come up in Camden as you emerge into the morning peak hour of London. It was about 9.30 when I got to the lock. Camden is known for its creativity and alternative vibe, and the market is a must to browse and soak up the artistic atmosphere. I arrived just before Camden Market opened and got to have a look around while things were still quiet. Even if you arrive early, there are plenty of places to have a rest and a coffee or something to eat before you head off to your next adventure – The Market!