WALKING AND EXPLORING THE LOST CANALS OF LONDON

ABOUT THE WALKS -

I have walked and written about more than 3,000 miles of canals and
Navigations. Including in London and the Regent's Canal, Grand Union Canal, the River Lee Navigation and the Hertford Union Cut. Not to mention the River Thames in all its length and beyond. I explored the canals ond rivers of East London before the 2012 Olympics, seeing fhe unnavigable canals and abandoned locks. Near where I live is Enfield Island Village, the former Enfield Small Arms Factory complex with a canal basin and lock, which I regularly walk to.

Recently I learnt of new signposted route in London - the Green Link
Walk - from Epping Forest to Peckham in south London - 15 miles. I set off a few days later and walked it not realising that the final couple of miles were along the former Grand Surrey Canal and Peckham arm. I couldn't believe the now tarmaced canal line or the magnificent canal bridges I walked under. I also didn’t understand how I had missed this Lost canal despite walking all over London for several canal walk guides and other walk guides on the city.

Two days later I was af Rotherhithe and walked and discovered the
Grand Surrey Canal. Afterwards I researched the lost canals of London and discovered 15 of them! Learning where they began and ended I set off to find their remains. Not long walks but historical walks full of history. Some only had a small water-filled section remaining, others longer with ruined locks and bridges.

Canals are like trees with a main trunk and many branches, like arms, radiating from it. It was these that I walked. The really only active arm left, is the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, which I have walked often, on my way to Gas Street Basin in Birmingham.

These walks are the result of my discoveries of where they went and
what remains. Combined they opened up a new chapter on walking in
London, and at the time saw no other walkers! So set off and discover the former 250 year old transport system which although short lived has left an permanent legacy to the story of London.

14 fascinating walks exploring the lost canals of London. Much remains to be seen and most are short walks- 5 to 6 miles long.

The Walks -

Grand Surrey Canal - 7 or 8 miles.
The City Canal Walk - 3 miles.
The: Croydon Canal - 15 miles.
Cray & Darent Navigations - 6 or 10 miles .

The Romford Canal - 4 miles.
The Roding Valley Way - 10 miles .
Barking & Ilford Navigation - 6 miles
The Fleet Canal - 3 miles 
The Grosvenor: Canal - 3 miles,
The Kensington Canal - 5 miles 
Exploring the Waltham Abbey area - 3 walks - 3 to 8 miles 
- Walk 1 - Powdermill Arm - 3 miles. 
- Walk 2 - Enfield Island Village & Gunpowder Park - 2 and 3 miles .
- Walk 3 - Link Path, joining all three sites together - 2 miles
The Cumberland Arm - 3 miles.
Royal Arsenal Canal, Broadwater - 4 miles 
The one that got away - The Grand Imperial Ship Canal.

McMurray's Canal.

A5. Wire bound. 120 pages. Signed by John Merrill.

Includes walking instructions, maps, photos, history and amenities guide.