regent's canal

One of my favourite walks especially on a sunny day is along the Regent’s canal towpath starting from Camden and going all the way to Maida Vale. Once you get to Camden Lock and you reach the bridge just before Camden Market you turn left and start walking along the canal. It’s usually hectic during the weekends so you can’t really miss it. After you beat the crowds and the hustle and bustle around Camden, the canal starts becoming more peaceful – but do watch out for cyclists and avoid wearing headphones! Cyclists tend to appear out of nowhere and if you’re absent-minded either you or them may end up in the canal!

[canal view from camden lock]

After passing by part of the canal that neighbours the London zoo and having done some more walking you’ll reach one of my favourite spots - the barges which are used as proper homes with minature gardens outside, barbecues and little chairs and tables. It’s like you’ve entered a place where you’re not supposed to be and, if the weather allows it, you may catch a glimpse of canal-side living and see the residents sunbathing or barbecuing outside their canalboat.

Keep walking until the point where you reach the end of pedestrian access to the canal, climb up the stairs, check out the map that's there for directions and walk to the other side of the canal in Maida Vale. If you want a rest there is café Laville with a little balcony that faces the canal – great views but only two tables on the the tiny balcony so it’s pure lack if you manage to get a table with a view : )

[view from the cafe]

Once you get back to the canal towpath, you have almost reached Little Venice. Little Venice is actually the junction of three canals and the barges moored there host a puppet theatre, a café and an art gallery. Little Venice is admittedly cute and features in many guides but for me it’s the walk along the canal that’s worth experiencing, so put on comfy shoes, grab your camera and enjoy it! The walk from Camden Lock to Little Venice is approx. 2,5 miles and if you don’t want to walk all the way back you can take a canal boat (though a bit pricey). Another option is Paddington tube which is just a few minutes walk from Little Venice. For a less tranquil experience, do the walk during the May bank holiday when the Canal Cavalcade takes place and Regent's canal is literally in the verge of barge congestion!

[little venice during the 2009 canal cavalcade]