One of my passions is architecture. I also love walking, which I use intentionally as a form of self-care and improving my mental health.
The impressive footpath network across the UK is not only one of our greatest resources and attractions, it is also largely free to use throughout the year. In England and Wales alone, there are over 140,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways that make up a public rights of way network available for everyone to enjoy, whether for exercise or to connect with nature.
While I am always grounded by a ramble in the countryside and often escape the busyness of south London by heading into Kent to enjoy bluebell woods around Ide Hill and the National Trust-owned Emmett’s Garden, it is the excitement of walking in London — particularly routes that follow water — that I would like to share.
My favourite is the relatively short walk along the Regent’s Canal, linking the great Victorian railway stations of King’s Cross, St Pancras and Paddington. Mostly flat and following the canal towpath, the main route from Coal Drops Yard to Paddington Basin is around 3.5 miles long. Although it can be completed comfortably in under 90 minutes, it is best enjoyed at a slower pace to allow for people watching and to take in the many vibrant distractions along the way.
The walk begins near St Pancras Station, heading north past the new Google building towards the canal and into Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, part of the stunningly revitalised development surrounding King’s Cross and St Pancras. From there, the route follows the towpath through Camden, past canal locks, the bustling market and even the monkey enclosure at London Zoo. It then continues along the leafy edge of Regent’s Park, where large mansions back directly onto the canal, before passing the houseboats at Lisson Grove Moorings.
At Maida Hill Tunnel the towpath briefly diverts onto the street before rejoining the canal at Little Venice and continuing towards the glass-and-steel developments of regenerated Paddington.
The Regent’s Canal itself was built between 1812 and 1820 to connect the Grand Union Canal at Paddington with the Thames at Limehouse, forming part of a continuous waterway route from the Midlands into central London. During the industrial age, canals were the motorways of their time and Regent’s Canal played a vital role in supplying the rapidly expanding city. By the twentieth century, commercial traffic had largely disappeared, and today the canal carries a different kind of activity: narrowboats, joggers, cyclists and walkers enjoying one of London’s most pleasant traffic-free routes.
The area around King’s Cross has been dramatically reshaped in recent years and is now home to Central Saint Martins and Google’s UK headquarters. In Victorian times, the square was a canal basin. Barges unloaded their goods here for transportation onwards to the homes and businesses of London. This aquatic history has been worked into the new design in the form of the four banks of fountains. The regeneration project has created an expansive public space filled with cafés, restaurants, shops and striking public landscaping.
Before setting off, a good place to pause is the London Wildlife Trust’s Kingfisher Café, which overlooks the canal from the southern bank and can be reached via Somers Town Bridge. Beside it lies Camley Street Natural Park, a small but remarkable urban nature reserve hidden in plain sight among the surrounding development.
After coffee, the walk begins properly by rejoining the towpath beside the nineteenth-century St Pancras Lock and the modern spillway added in the 1980s. Nearby, the mirrored art installation at Gasholder Park offers another moment to pause before continuing west along the canal.
Leaving King’s Cross behind, the route passes a mix of old industrial buildings and contemporary developments before arriving at Hawley Lock and Camden Lock Market, where there are countless places to eat and drink. Here the canal curves south around Regent’s Park before turning west again towards London Zoo. Looking back at the right moment reveals the distinctive “red pagoda” Chinese restaurant tucked beside the water.
Beyond Regent’s Park, the canal becomes quieter. Houseboats line the water before the route once again leaves the towpath at Maida Hill Tunnel. Near Edgware Road, it is worth stopping at Laville, an understated restaurant perched above the western tunnel entrance with excellent views across Little Venice and its moorings.
From there, continue along the southern towpath towards Paddington Basin, where the walk concludes.
This route explores one of the finest stretches of the Regent’s Canal. Along the way you experience floating communities, lively markets, elegant architecture, hidden green spaces and the unique rhythm of canal life. It is both a peaceful escape and an engaging way to experience the capital.
Distance from St Pancras Basin to Paddington Basin – around 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres), from St Pancras Station to Paddington Station add about 0.75 miles, a total distance of 4.25 miles (about 6.8 kilometres).
Walking Time – 1.5 to 2.0 hours (up to half-a-day with stops).
Best Time – Anytime, especially vibrant when flowers dot the banks of the canal.