Slough to Hayes & Harlington (Grand Union Canal Slough Arm), 8.5mi easy/moderate

This linear walk will take us along the full length Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal to Hayes & Harlington station.

This walk will be led by Michael.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: medium.

Walk details

The Slough Arm is a short branch of the Grand Union Canal (GUC) from West Drayton into Slough. The nearly 5-mile long branch opened in 1882 to serve the brick-making industry, with the last commercial traffic was carried in 1960. As any plans to fill it in were opposed on a local level, the Slough Arm was re-opened in 1975 for recreational use, and it has remained in use ever since.

Today’s walk will follow the full length of the Slough Arm as well as some of the main Grand Union Canal. From Slough station, we’ll walk along the B416 Stoke Road, which is where the Slough Arm ends and where we turn right to join the canal. After leaving Slough, we’ll pass the nearby Langley station and walk through the Iver Cutting, which will then take us under the M25 motorway. Shortly after this, we’ll pass the Packet Boat Marina and the end of the Slough Arm, where we’ll then cross over the main Grand Union Canal and turn right onto it. This will take us pass West Drayton station and parallel to the Great Western Mainline (GWML). Near the end of the walk, we’ll pass Lake Farm Country Park before we get to Station Road, where we turn right to walk toward our finishing point at Hayes & Harlington station. Just as we turn off the canal towards the station, we’ll have the chance to stop off at The Old Crown pub for a pint, as it’s only a stone’s throw away from the station.

Travel details

By public transport

The recommended train from Reading is the 10:29 Elizabeth line service that arrives in Slough at 10:51.

By car

Although there's parking spaces on both sides of Slough station (charges will probably apply), the northern car park is a lot smaller than the southern car park. If you want to park here, you're better off getting there on the earlier side to guarantee a space. As it's a linear walk, you'll need to take a train back at the end of the walk to pick up your car.

Alternatively, park at Hayes & Harlington (again, charges will probably apply) and take a train to the start of the walk.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day of the walk in enough time to be helpful.