Nature Walk/Hike - Colne Valley and the Grand Union Canal to Uxbridge, 8 mi

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Join us for a walk through the Colne Valley nature reserve and alongside the Grand Union Canal to Uxbridge. The main canal line starts in London and ends in Birmingham, stretching for 137 miles (220 km) with 166 locks.

Walk length 8 miles (13 km) approx., linear. The ground is flat, though you must be able to walk easily at a normal pace. The end time may vary, depending on the pace and weather.

There will be a stop midway at the General Eliott pub near the canal for a toilet break and quick drink.

THE GRAND UNION CANAL, as it is today, was formed in 1929 from linking several canals together. From 1857 to 1927, the original company Regent's Canal acquired the Hertford Union Canal, the Warwick and Birmingham Canal, the Old Grand Union Canal and the Junction Canal. The network was further expanded in the early twentieth century when the Grand Union company was formed. This consolidation and modernisation of network was part of an effort to face the growing competition from the railways.

Several rivers (Colne, Fray...) are also part of the waterways in Uxbridge and there are some pretty river views to photograph.

We start the walk from West Drayton Station (zone 6 for Oyster), West London near Heathrow and finish in Uxbridge, the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Hillingdon, fifteen miles (24.1 km) west-northwest of Charing Cross. It has been a significant commercial centre from an early age and some historical events took place there.

From London Paddington Station, the 13:15 pm GWR train to Didcot Parkway, platform 3, stops at Ealing Broadway, platform 3, 13:23 pm, and arrives at West Drayton Station 13:37 pm. The time is accurate at the time of printing. Please check train and time before you travel. https://www.traintime.uk

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At the end of the walk, we'll stop for optional drinks at The Good Yarn, a pub next to Uxbridge Station.

Comfortable walking shoes and bottled water are recommended. Weather Policy (https://www.meetup.com/London-Stress-Relief-and-Social/pages/20970392/Weather_Policy/)-Walking Policy (https://www.meetup.com/London-Stress-Relief-and-Social/pages/21683392/Walking_Policy/)

My number is Beatrice - 07581666250

Please update your RSVP if you cannot attend.

Meetup cost: £4 payable cash on the day

This walk is organised in conjunction with https://www.meetup.com/London-Nature-Walks-and-Socials and https://www.meetup.com/Walking-Victorian-London