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.
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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 
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