Since leaving Milton Keynes in mid May I'm now back having completed the 250 mile Thames ring. From MK the route heads north (in my case) up the Grand Union canal to Braunston where it joins the Oxford canal an turns south to Oxford. At Oxford the route moves on the river Thames to London where it rejoin the Grand Union at Brentford to return north to MK. While on route I met several groups of runners who were competing in a biennial 250 mile non stop race. They have 4 days to complete the course. I also met a group of canoeists who were practicing for a similar event later this month.
After leaving central London the canal heads west along the Paddington Arm to rejoin the main Grand Union at bulls bridge. Crossing the infamous North Circular via a large aqueduct which provides a rare dual carriageway on the canal.
The lower section of the GU is quite urban as it winds through the outskirts of Greater London through Uxbridge. Beyond Watford the views open up as the canal passes through Cassiobury park and Grove Park where the Earl of Essex insisted on having this picturesque bridge installed before allowing the canal to cross his land.
The canal then begins climbing the Chilterns through around 40 locks to reach the summit at Tring. The summit is only a few miles long and soon begins its decent at Marsworth where it passes one of my favourite canal side cottages.
A long lock filled day was rewarded with an impressive sunset.
So now back in MK for a week before continuing north again.
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