Grand Union Canal
Stretching for 137 miles the Grand Union Canal links the industrial Midlands and Birmingham with the capital.
The M1 of its day, it allowed goods and coal to be transported from the industrial heartlands to London and for foreign imports to be moved from London to the heart of the country.
Nowadays the canal is used for leisure and this walk goes from Birmingham to London.
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The M1 of its day, it allowed goods and coal to be transported from the industrial heartlands to London and for foreign imports to be moved from London to the heart of the country.
Nowadays the canal is used for leisure and this walk goes from Birmingham to London.
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Birmingham - Knowle
It has to be said this isn't the most attractive part of the canal.
Beginning in the centre of Birmingham the canal passes through bleak, former, industrial areas. From here it passes through suburban Birmingham, mainly through tree lined cuttings, before becoming more rural after Solihull.
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Knowle - Leamington Spa
The industrial grime of Birmingham is now long gone as the canal meanders through rural Warwickshire
A generally flat stretch of canal until Hatton Locks, where the canal drops 148' (45m), before continuing through Warwick and Leamington Spa.
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Leamington Spa - Buckby
Once outside Leamington Spa this is the most isolated section of the canal, passing through open countryside, with few towns or villages along the way.
The scenery is beautiful and there are many locks along the way and a handful of pubs to break the journey.
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Buckby - Blisworth
Very much a rural section of the canal but looks can be deceptive.
Whilst the scenery is stunning the close proximity to the M1 motorway and the West Coast rail line, the ears are assaulted throughout this stretch. At times either is only a few metres from the canal side.
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Stoke Bruerne - Fenny
From the canal village of Stoke Bruerne across open countryside to the new town of Milton Keynes.
Arguably the most attractive stretch of the canal and not a concrete cow in sight.
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Fenny - Tring
A nice open stretch, with the added bonus of an ashphalt towpath for most of the way.
Some typical canal side pubs, tearooms, wildlife and both busy and quiet stretches.
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Tring - Croxley
This stretch of the canal sees a transformation from the Home Counties to Greater London.
As the surrounding areas become more built up, the charm of the canal still remains.
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Croxley - Brentford
The most contrasting section of the canal, with lovely parks and countryside, contrasting with industrial dirge.
Here the locals also become far less friendly.
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