Canal walks you won’t believe are in London – surreal natural habitats to startling beauty

While a stroll along the Thames will always be up there with London’s best walks, we shouldn’t neglect the city’s other waterways – especially ones as beautiful, uncrowded and visually arresting as these ones.

The capital’s canals, which stretch right out into the countryside, are perfect for a summer stroll, notably the Grand Union Canal.

The stretch between Rickmansworth and Uxbridge is ideal for us Londoners.

READ MORE: I visited where the London Underground ‘ends’ and discovered it is in the middle of a forest

You can start and finish your adventure at a Tube station, with both on the London UndergroundMetropolitan line, the route is relatively flat and it takes in a dramatic mix of terrains, giving the walk an intrepid fell without being too challenging.

The entire route longs the canal, passing several extraordinary lakes, weirs and water features. It is part of a longer Grand Union Canal walking route between Birmingham and Central London or Brentford.



Tube station
You can start you adventure at a Tube station

Hertfordshire: Rickmansworth to Denham

Start at Rickmansworth Station, half an hour away from Zone 1.

Turn right upon leaving the station and follow the road under the bridge onto the High Street. Here you can pick up lunch for the walk or browse the many quaint, independent stores which make up the county town centre.

Head to the end of the High Street (past The Western pub and M&S) and turn left at the roundabout.

You’ll see a playground