Cycling in London
Route facts
Waterways:
Grand Union Canal »
Regent's Canal »
Distance: 18 miles / 28.8km
Duration: 3 hours
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Brentford
Ends at: Little Venice
This route takes you along the picturesque towpath of the Grand Union Canal and Regent's Canal. There are many attractions along the way and also pubs, cafes and shops. Cycling along this route is a great way to take in the sites on a car-free route through the centre of town.
Please cycle on London's towpaths with great care and courtesy to others, observing the new Towpath Code of Conduct and ringing your bell with Two Tings.
Cyclists are not required to have a British Waterways cycling permit in London.
Getting there
Parking: There is parking along the route.
Public transport: There are many tube and train stations along the route.
Waypoints
1. Brentford to Bulls Bridge (5 miles / 8km)
This section (especially as far as Norwood Top Lock) is particularly busy with all users so due care must be taken. Cycling through Brentford you will pass another two pubs, the Prince of Wales and the Grand Junction Arms. Stock up on soft drinks and sandwiches at Tesco by Bulls Bridge.
2. Bulls Bridge to Perivale (6 miles / 9.6km)
Watch out for mud after rainy weather on this section. You will pass under several bridges as you cycle towards Alperton. Refreshments are available at the Ballot Box pub. There is also a tube station in Perivale.
3. Perivale to Little Venice (7 miles / 11.2km)
Look out for the North Circular Aqueduct shortly after Ealing Road Bridge. Porta Bella Dock is only a short distance from the famous Portobello Market - it’s worth stopping off for a quick look around. A cafe is further along the towpath, near Wedlake Street Footbridge. At Little Venice itself you will find the Puppet Theatre Barge, the Waterside Cafe and the excellent Warwick Castle pub. About half a mile east towards Camden - perched above the mouth of Maida Vale Tunnel - there is the picturesque Cafe La Ville.
Please note that cycling from Little Venice to Paddington is not permitted for safety reasons. If you wish to continue on to Paddington, please dismount and push your bike along this stretch.
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