Isn’t this a heart warming sight?
I don’t know if any of you have been watching ‘Great Canal Journeys’, presented by Timothy West and Prunella Scales? I have a real fondness for this couple and the way in which they are dealing with advancing years and health issues. For me, they are fulfilling a dream that I’ve always had, to take to a boat and putter away my days. As near as I’ve come is the towpath so far, unless you count a long ago week in a narrowboat in a permanent mooring at Reading!
It was pure coincidence that last week’s episode featured Regent’s Canal, because that is precisely where I had planned on taking you. Sadly for all of us, we’re on foot! Still, as a bonus we can pick up a book before we start, and keep a lookout for a sunny bench. I begin my journey along the canal behind King’s Cross railway station. With time to spare you could pop into the London Canal Museum, but I need to be in Camden Town by 11.00, so it’s best foot forward.
Goodbye bookshop! Nice meeting you.
The boardwalk looks brand new!
Apparently this gas tower is a listed building
There’d been a spot of overnight rain
Super smart canalside living
But there’s no escaping graffiti!
More desirable housing
Lots of it!
I’d love to do this!
Approaching my first destination
Camden Lock
I think I’ll have to split this walk into two halves. My eventual destination along the towpath is Little Venice, but in Camden Town I take a small detour to join Judith from London Walks.
A guided tour of ‘Old Camden Town’ sounded irresistible to me, and so it proved. Judith, a local artist with a twinkle in her eye, regaled us with stories of characters as diverse as Dickens, Amy Winehouse, George Bernard Shaw and Dylan Thomas. Better yet, she showed me a London that, in all my years of first living there and then return visits to the capital, I had never managed to find for myself. Now that’s what I call a good walk leader! If given the opportunity, do join her. You won’t regret it.
There can be very few high streets that look like this!
I’ve been to Camden Town several times and it’s a favourite of my daughter. The mix of quirky shops, outrageous clothing and sparkly things is a magnet to her magpie nature. It was just 11.00 when I arrived and anxiously scanned the High St., looking for Judith in the Saturday morning swell. As promised, she was outside the Metro Station entrance, cheerfully rounding up her flock. Introductions made, we were off at a brisk pace, on our 2 hour Camden tour.
The Town Crier seemed perfectly happy to chat
Click on any photo to view gallery
We head back towards the canal and cross over Hampstead Road Lock- arguably the most picturesque lock on the canal- about to delve into Camden Market.
Hampstead Road Lock
Judith, recounting a little history to the group
And I think that is a good place to leave her. I hope that you’ll come back next week, when we’ll explore the incredible Stables, and I’ll continue on along the Regent’s Canal.
Many thanks to Jude for reminding me about ‘Take a walk in the park day’, which just happens to be today. I’ve linked back to Ailsa’s Outdoors. What could be more outdoors than the canals?
Time to look at my contributors and to say a big thank you for their kindness in joining me. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walks page, or simply click on the logo above. All you need right now are a cuppa and a comfy seat.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Debbie first this week! A boardwalk and boats are just my style. Thanks, Debs!
Walking the boardwalk at Wicken Fen
Geoff is staying with the Street Art, which seems highly popular at the moment :
Amy has some more of her beautiful captures, and guess what? It’s Spring!
Gilly has us wandering on the Exe Trail. The dogs needed a gentle stroll :
Can you find a dog on Meg’s post this week?
Eurobodalla beaches : Yabbara Beach
Meanwhile, Esther has a tempting proposition?
And Anabel has some wonderful tapestry for us to look at :
New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde
Drake gives us a glimpse of summer time in Denmark. It’s beautiful!
Next a delightful surprise from Cloud of Lace in Lebanon. Byblos is almost as beautiful as her blog. Please go and say ‘hi!’ to Hiba.
Tobias uses light and shade brilliantly. Take a look!
Hooray!!! Jude’s back! I know you’ll have missed her walks. I did!
It will be Easter Monday next week. I’ll still be hosting my walk, and if the weather cooperates I’m hoping lots of you will be out there walking too. Whatever happens, I wish you all a very happy Easter holiday.
restlessjo 
That is an enjoyable walk, Jo! I’d love to walk on the boardwalk and along the river. 🙂
I flew back late last night from a business trip and was too tired to work on the Monday walk…
LikeLike
You are officially excused this week, Amy. Go home and sleep 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your approval, Jo! 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh what an interesting walk.To see the city from the vantage of a canal.:)
LikeLike
It gives you a whole different outlook and I really love it. 🙂
LikeLike
How wonderful that this tour pointed out areas for you that you were unaware of. What a beautiful walk Jo!
LikeLike
The ‘London Walks’ company is brilliant, Lynn. There are lots of variations and I wouldn’t hesitate to go on another. 🙂
LikeLike
This is a favourite stroll of mine too along with the Hertfordshire canal the grand union and the Brent River. Lucky you! And I love these guides for their fab knowledge. http://geofflepard.com/2014/10/02/dulwich-street-art-part-3/ here’s the last part of the street art tour
LikeLike
So much happening along this stretch, Geoff. It’s many years since I did a London canal walk and I really enjoyed it. 🙂 Thanks for part 3. I’ll read and share after tea 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo, you should go for the Volunteer Lock Keeper job!! Now that’s a job for you. 🙂 What a lovely walk and an adorable town and waterway. Love all the bridges and the high town. Looks like a quirky place. It also appears you had wonderful weather. 🙂
LikeLike
I’d never be on duty, Cathy, cos I’d keep hitching a lift 🙂 It was cold but beautifully bright. (this was the weekend I was in London with Mercure Hotels in January) I had such a good (but exhausting) day 🙂
LikeLike
Oh dear, I’m sure I missed that one, Jo. What were you in London with Mercure Hotels for? That must have been when I was traveling, or preparing to travel. I love cold but bright days though.
LikeLike
Just the 6 Theory competition, Cathy. Seems ages ago 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another area of London that is still on my bucket list. Thanks, Jo, for taking me there,
Pit
LikeLike
For London you almost need a lifetime, Pit. But I know you’d love the Canal museum. 🙂
LikeLike
I agree. I’ve been to London multiple times since 1961, and it will never be enough.
LikeLike
Lovely buildings along this walk! I like the reflections in the water too!
LikeLike
Heaps of reflections, aren’t there? One of my favourite bits 🙂
LikeLike
What an interesting walk, Jo. I loved the book boat and the delightful picture of an apartment building that resembled a boat. I could easily live on a boat and travel leisurely by water. Next life. 🙂 Judith sounds like a gem of a guide.
LikeLike
She was a real character, Lynne. A lady of ‘advanced years’ but full of energy. A Canadian who has lived in London for 40 years. Kind of likes it 🙂 🙂 Yes- living the dream, for me 😦
LikeLike
I like canal walks and this one looks great. I saw the first episode of the show, but missed the next one- I’ll get it on catch up. I think next week they are in Scotland! The narrow boats are so cute and lovely.
LikeLike
Hiya Colin! 🙂 They’re a great couple. Canal du Midi next. A dream of mine 🙂
LikeLike
Schöne Fotos sehr Inderesand ich wünsche dir eine gute neue Osterwoche lieber Gruß von mir Gislinde
LikeLike
Vielen danke, Gislinde 🙂 Beste Wunsche!
LikeLike
Such a splendid walk, today, Jo. I do believe that if you had enough time you could walk your way from here all the way home. And you would love every minute of it. 🙂
LikeLike
There was an armchair on the top deck of the book barge, Ann, and it had my name all over it 🙂 (but you’re not wrong 🙂 )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Armchairs are good, but trails may be better. I have a friend who is walking a trail (in sections) which will eventually take him from one end of England to the other. Can’t remember what it is called.
LikeLike
Tempted to agree with you- especially if they run beside a river or canal 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely walk, Jo! I love the book barge. It reminded me of the book mobile that visited my neighborhood when I was a kid…of course, it was on dry land. 🙂
LikeLike
Would it fit on the canal path? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed your walk ! We visited the Canal Museum a couple of weeks ago while in London and found the history of London canals so interesting. Love Great Canal Journeys! My husband is keen for us to try a trip but I am not so sure. Some of those Locks look like hard work!
LikeLike
I think there’s often someone who’ll help in a busy area like this. All part of the fun 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing buildings with their rounded edges. I have an English friend here who shares your liking for canals. You’ll convert me to taking a guide on a walk, I think.
LikeLike
Judith really was excellent, Meg, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go with London Walks again. They have a huge programme and I was lucky to be able to incorporate this one. I should have mentioned price too because they’re cheap. Must incorporate that into next week’s trip! The ‘top end’ is quite different in character. More ‘select’, don’t cha know? 🙂 Thanks for your company. Happy packing! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, Jo, what a a delight! This is a walk to our liking 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
The bookshop looks so inviting and we love the wordplay “words on the water”. Great!
Only trouble is, Siri and Selma now wants turn our tiny “Circe” into something similar …
Have a wonderful new week!
LikeLike
That’s a great idea, Dina! I’m amazed they didn’t think of it before 🙂 Thank you so much for the presence of you and your fairy friends 🙂 Happy Easter to you all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big *hug* and lots of fayire dust coming your way, dear Jo ✨💫🌟✨💫🌟
Yours sincerely,
Siri & Selma 👭 the rocking Bookfayries 💫🌟💫✨
LikeLike
Excellent captured – so inspiring… 🙂
So many opportunities to explore these kind of waterways – we should all do it more than we do – I have been on many tours in german, french and dutch waterways – and has plans to explore the waterway from Liverpool to Leeds and on to Newcastle – the problem is that it takes probably fourteen days… 🙂
LikeLike
Drake, I’m sure you know I could happily spend my life on one of these 🙂 I just need to find a more restless husband (but don’t tell him- he might agree! 🙂 ) Thank you! I shall look forward to your waterway shots 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many beautiful shots Jo (should I be surprised at this point). Can’t wait to see what you have on offer next week!
LikeLike
Likely more boats, Lisa 🙂 🙂 Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well you know I am gaga for boats! Can Not Wait!
LikeLike
Great walk Jo. It’s a while since I’ve walked this stretch. I’ve even shopped at the book barge – never can resist a good book!
I’m looking forward to your sequel.
Here is mine for today: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/03/30/take-a-walk-in-regents-park/
LikeLike
I thought we might play ‘snap’ this week, Debs! 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot!
LikeLike