Features

United Kingdom - Two wheel serenity: cycling London's towpaths

by Anna Levy

Having grown up in Cambridge, my bike and I are pretty much joined at the saddle. Never have I loved my trusty two wheels more though since moving to London. And when you combine the sense of freedom that they provide with the picturesque canal routes of the city, I don’t think you’d find a better way to get across town.

Regent's Canal offers a handy cycle route from East to West, without the need for maps. I generally start off in Hackney's lush Victoria Park with a hearty breakfast from the Pavillian Cafe to give fuel for the journey.

The towpath takes you from there, past Broadway Market into trendy Islington, and an early pint pit-stop at the Narrowboat pub that backs onto the canal.

Despite the name of its tube station, the Angel, Islington can seem like a hectic urban hell hole after the calm of the waterways. Thankfully, the tranquil path can be rejoined via the entry on Rodnney street for the route through the rapidly developing King's Cross area. Nearby on Wharfdale Road is a canal museum, which offers extra fun for canal geeks wanting to learn about the history of this 19th century trading route into the capital.

As the route reaches Camden, there’s the danger of being suddenly trapped with your bike in the middle of hoardes of European teenage goths, looking for a new set of nipple rings. But for those who make it out with all their wheels intact, there’s a real treat on the next stretch and the prospect of an even more exotic collection of wildlife, as the canal goes right through the middle of London Zoo!

From there, you can tell you're getting into proper West London as the houses lining the canal grow to grotesque proportions of both size and opulence. These are the homes of Saudi princes, Hollywood filmstars and the English Aristocracy. Serious money.

The route finishes up in Little Venice. Admittedly nothing like the original, but it is quite pretty and there's a good pub on the canal to toast your arrival in called the Canal Cafe that also has a theatre and some great comedy nights. A great watery day out.