Grand Union Canal Walk
A 145-mile long-distance walk following the line of England’s premier canal, linking the cities of London and Birmingham. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TQ 262 819
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
Time: 50–70 hours
Duration: 9–14 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
160 Windsor, Weybridge and Bracknell
161 London South
172 Chiltern Hills East, High Wycombe, Maidenhead and Rickmansworth
173 London North
181 Chiltern Hills North, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted and Chesham
182 St Albans, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City
192 Buckingham and Milton Keynes
207 Newport Pagnell and Northampton South
220 Birmingham, Walsall, Solihull and Redditch
221 Coventry, Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa and Kenilworth
222 Rugby and Daventry
223 Northampton, Market Harborough, Brixworth and Pitsford
Summary
The Grand Union Canal Walk runs along the length of the canal that links England’s two biggest cities, from Little Venice in Paddington into the heart of Birmingham. As it connects two major English cities, it served as a vital transport link before the advent of rail and road travel. Today, the canal is used almost exclusively by pleasure craft, and the towpath is enjoyed by boaters, leisure walkers, and long-distance hikers alike.