Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
Marette H.
A flat walk which will introduce you to the natural reserves that exist alongside the Grand Union Canal, an historical and industrial landmark. Though I won't take you through these green spaces, there will be a mix of green foliage on display and the opportunity to view the many colouful barges. There will be a lunch-stop where walkers can choose to buy lunch and/or refreshments but as the cafe is part of a community centre, it may be busy so please bring some food. Toilets are available but please be mindful these are meant for cafe and centre visitors (I have provided a link to the website). There will be the opportunity to have additional short breaks . There is also the option to visit a pub at the end of the walk (one is drinks only, the other which is next to the Brentford railway station and offers food but tables might need to be booked). There are restaurants on Brentford High Street as well.
Though this walk could be suitable for dogs and pushchairs, parts of the towpath are narrow and gravelled with some short series of steps in places. Wheelchairs that are suitable for all terrain could be possible but there will be occasions when walkers need to be in single file. Single file walking will be compulsory. Not all areas are shaded so please bring headwear, sun tan lotion and water.
There are drop-off points for Southall, Hayes & Harlington, Hanwell, Boston Manor and Brentford stations but walkers must be confident to navigate themselves.
Greenford Underground Station is on the central line. There are not any toilets.
The walk will start at 11am from Paradise Fields (Greenford Road entrance) though the Ealing Beaver Project is heavily advertised on gates. There is a subway from the adjacent retail centre which ends where the walk will start. Any late walkers will have to follow the gravelled path and take the left path to join the Grand Union Canal so to be on the left side walking away from Paddington.
The walk will finish where one branch of the Grand Union Canal exists into the River Thames. Please note that Brentford Docks is still being regenerated and hopefully, when this walk happens, the final segment will not be cordoned off. Brentford Station is about 20 minutes walk away. Brentford Station is on the Weybridge to Waterloo line via Clapham Junction or Vauxhall underground.
