One of the most rewarding short walks in London follows the Regent's Canal from Camden Town west to Little Venice. The route is almost entirely traffic-free, passes through Regent's Park and beside London Zoo, and offers a quiet counterpoint to the busy streets only a few metres away. It takes roughly an hour at an easy pace, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon outing.
A Short History of the Canal
The Regent's Canal opened in 1820 to link the Grand Junction Canal at Paddington with the Thames at Limehouse. It was built to carry coal, timber and building materials across north London, and the towpath was used by horses pulling barges. Commercial traffic declined during the twentieth century, and the canal is now mainly used by leisure boaters, residential narrowboats and walkers, cyclists and joggers.
Starting at Camden Lock
Begin by Camden Lock, close to the market and a short walk from Camden Town station. From here the towpath heads west, passing a series of locks and canal-side buildings before the route quietens. Look for the lock-keepers' cottages and the weathered brickwork that reveals the canal's industrial past.
Through Regent's Park and Past the Zoo
Beyond Camden the canal curves along the northern edge of Regent's Park. The walk passes close to London Zoo, and in places you may see aviaries and enclosures above the water. The canal runs through a wooded cutting in this stretch, with leafy banks and some of the most photogenic bridges on the route. In autumn the colours are especially good.
The towpath here can be narrow, and it is shared with cyclists. Keep to the left side where possible, and be ready to step aside for bikes. Cyclists are asked to slow down and ring a bell when passing, and pedestrians should listen for them as well.
Little Venice
The walk finishes at Little Venice, where the Regent's Canal meets the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal at a broad pool lined with elegant white stucco houses and moored boats. There are cafes, a waterside pub and a lively waterside atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to rest. From here, Warwick Avenue and Paddington stations are within a short walk, making it easy to return.
Practical Tips
- Distance: About three miles from Camden Lock to Little Venice, mostly flat.
- Surface: Mostly paved or compacted, but it can be slippery after rain and in leaf-fall season.
- Closures: The towpath sometimes closes briefly for maintenance. Check the Canal and River Trust website before setting out.
- Facilities: Toilets and cafes are available in Camden and near Regent's Park and Little Venice, but there are few along the canal itself.
- Accessibility: Some access points involve steps or ramps. Look for step-free access points if you use a wheelchair or pushchair.
- Safety: Stay away from the canal edge, especially with children and dogs, and avoid the towpath after dark if you are alone.
Make a Day of It
You can extend the walk in both directions. East of Camden, the towpath continues towards King's Cross, where redeveloped canal-side spaces include public gardens and places to eat. West of Little Venice, the Paddington Arm continues further into west London. A boat trip on the canal between Camden and Little Venice is also available on a number of operators' narrowboats, and offers a different view of the same route.
Respect the Towpath
The canal is a living neighbourhood as well as a recreation route. Many people live on the boats, so keep voices low near moorings, take litter home and do not feed the waterfowl bread. A little consideration helps keep this stretch of London peaceful for everyone who uses it.
