A nice forecast for day, so I’m off on the trains again to walk in outer North West London.

A smooth journey to Rickmansworth via Charing Cross and Marylebone:

Getting to green space from the station proved to be a bit of a challenge with a busy roundabout and a confusing subway, but eventually, trees and water were in sight:

Finding the correct path through Rickmansworth Nature Reserve proved to be an interesting challenge, ending up along a very narrow path:

But finally, I’m on the towpath:

Stokers Lock is very scenic:

And a reminder of the canal destination:

I ate my morning apple in the shade at Springwell Lock:

then more tranquil canal – hard to believe London is so close:

Then I was at Copper Mill Lock, complete with pub:

Further on was a London Loop sign, reminding me that I’d walked the rest of this route back in 2016 (though in the other direction). See London Loop Walk 12 & 13 – Uxbridge to Moor Park

The canal and River Colne share the same valley and water supply. This is one of the bigger outflows from the canal:

Broadwater Lake can just be seen through the trees:

After Widewater Lock, I got the first glimpse of the HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct:

The viaduct crosses the canal a bit further on. You can see the red construction gantry on the viaduct in this photo:

And then we’re back to peaceful canal again:

The Chiltern Main Line crosses the canal:

and then it’s time to stop for lunch just before Denham Deep Lock:

Next is the busy A40 crossing, making more noise than HS2 will ever do:

And all too soon, I’m back in town by Uxbridge Lock:

I left the canal a bit further down to head for Uxbridge Station:

A speedy journey back. A Metropolitan Line train was waiting at the station, and a quick change at Farringdon got me on a delayed Thameslink Train, then had 5 minutes at London Bridge to catch a fast train to Orpington. 70 minutes from Station to Station!

8.2 miles walked from Rickmansworth to Uxbridge today.