Length: 12.6 km (7.8 miles), or 13.9 km (8.6 miles) if completing the full walk to Northfields. Toughness: 2/10
Take a Piccadilly line tube (towards Heathrow) to arrive at Boston Manor (TfL Zone 4) by 11:00. It's about a 30-minute journey from central London. Return from either Boston Manor or Northfields, one stop nearer London on the same line.
This newish walk attracted quite a large crowd on its début in 2023. The route has since been simplified in a few places but still takes in lots of interesting features on its meandering course through west London: parks, canals, locks, unusual bridges, railway viaducts, a zoo, etc. There's even a maze if you want to test your navigational skills without the aid of a GPS device.
There are no convenient pubs in the middle part of the walk so the suggested lunch place is the Brent Lodge Park Café after 9 km. However, a short detour away from the canal would let you visit The Fox pub in Hanwell on either the outward or return legs. Towards the end of the walk I remember seeing No.6 Coffee in the parade of shops near Boston Manor station but there's no guarantee this coffee shop will be open; if you do the short extension through Blondin Park you should be able to find some more refreshment places along Northfield Avenue.
You'll need to bring the directions from the L=swc.418.a page.
2 comments:
There is a new attraction, although not officially open yet it was
recently possible to climb to the top of the artificial "mountain" with its commanding view over the Southall industrial estates.
N=9 on a w=dry-cloudy-cold day. Mostly on firm paths.
The morning’s canal stretch was a little too long for Mr Tigers liking but at least there were ducks and things to look at. Some of the poor devils were standing ON the water rather than floating IN it
Eventually, we drew level with the Fox. Mr Tiger’s whimpering can’t have been loud enough. Or maybe the others weren’t listening. No stop there. Sigh.
On we marched, along roads, through parks, over Boles Bridge (open, despite a notice to the contrary) and into Brent Lodge Park for a pleasant stop at the well-stocked cafe. Our stay in the garden was of interest to the local jackdaws. A little later, near the viaduct, we had a close encounter with a heron.
A bit later still, we reached the Fox again. This time, miracle of miracles, we stopped for drinkies. Mr Tiger had almost cheered up by the time we left.
Back along the canal, through another park and we reached Boston Manor tube. Here, your reporter made his excuses and left. The others were heading for Northfields, after first visiting the walk author’s gaff, by special invitation.
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