London Canal Walking - Follow the Tow Path

An Historic East End Canalside Stroll - Mile End to Islington

Apr 11, 2009

The walk begins in London's East End where historically the 'real' Londoners, the Cockneys, have lived for centuries. Approximately three miles of easy walking.

Little more than a hundred years ago the canals were noisy, smelly and full of industrial bustle, crowded with barges making their way to the capital from all corners of England. But in recent years London’s canals have been rejuvenated and walkers are able to enjoy over 40 miles of towing paths.

London Canal Walking – Where to Start

Arm yourself with an ‘A–Z’ map of London and take the underground train to Mile End where, during the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381, the men of Essex met Richard II and made their famous demand that no man should be a serf.

Turn left when you emerge from the underground station. At the first traffic lights go straight across the road to Mile End Park. Cross the park diagonally and go through the iron gates to reach the canal . Turn right (northwards) along the tow path.

There are a number of locks on the walk through which the narrow canal boats must pass. The locks are enclosures in the canal with a gate at each end for allowing the boats to pass from one level of water to another. At Mile End Lock is a double-fronted lock keeper’s cottage which is typical of early 19th-century canalside architecture. If there is a canal boat approaching do stop and watch how it is manoeuvred through the lock – it’s a fascinating procedure.

Part of the fun of canal walking is observing life on the water. There are many species of waterfowl; ducks and swans are plentiful, heron and geese glide overhead, working barges navigate the locks and there are canalside pubs where you sit and watch the world sail by. There’s also the occasional fisherman trying his luck.

Victoria Park, on the right, is London’s oldest municipal park and the largest in the East End. It covers 217 acres and was the first public park in London to be created for the people, not for royalty. It opened in 1845 and provided an oasis for east-enders, which it still does today. It’s worth a detour. It has a secluded Old English flower garden, a Chinese Pagoda on the boating lake, and cafes open in fine weather.

The next lock is Old Ford Lock with its cluster of l9th-century canalside buildings, and a little further is Acton’s Lock. Keep walking. Ahead is the Islington Tunnel but there is no towpath through it as this is a ‘legging’ tunnel. The towing horses were led over the tunnel and the crew had to lie flat on their backs and push with their legs against the sides of the tunnel to move the boats along its whole .

Take the wooden steps, cross over the road and walk up Duncan Street, The Angel Tube Station is close by. You are now in Islington, one of London’s most interesting areas, with great restaurants and interesting street markets. Stay a while and explore.

The copyright of the article London Canal Walking - Follow the Tow Path in Historical Travel is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish London Canal Walking - Follow the Tow Path in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.