It isn’t always necessary to leave London to enjoy a lengthy hike that offers plenty of interesting things to see, along with some natural spaces. Today, for my thirteenth consecutive weekend hike, I walked over Primrose Hill, along the towpath of Regent Canal, and across the west end of Hyde Park known as Kensington Gardens. Along the way I enjoyed broad views of the London skyline, intimate views of a narrow canal, backside views of London Zoo, and a distant view of the London Eye. I capped it all off with chai and a croissant at Guillam in Gloucester.
Any walk along a canal towpath offers an interesting look into the ‘backside’ of many homes and businesses. This route is unusual because you pass by the monkeys at the Zoo, and can view a huge variety of canal boats (house boats), each with a uniquely quirky style and decor. The route ends in a large pond known as “Little Venice”, where the Regent Canal meets the Paddington Branch. Boats in this pond included one with an on-board puppet show, and another with an on-board café (stuffed with patrons on this chilly December morning.)
From here I returned to the streets and headed south across Kensington Gardens. It was now mid-morning and there were many people about – dog walkers, joggers, strollers, and scooters. At Round Pond, I enjoyed watching people feed the ducks and the swans while the London Eye appeared in the distance. I paused for a moment to examine a small but curious monument; click the image to walk around the fountain and read the inscription!
It refers to the First Commissioner of Public Works, who later became Lord Llanover. I believe this to be a reference to Benjamin Hall, who played “an import [sic] role in the development of modern systems for the management of health and sanitation in London and later, as First Commissioner for Works, established the Metropolitan Board of Works, the first metropolis-wide government for London” [Wikipedia]. Today, he is “chiefly remembered as the person after whom Big Ben, the largest bell in its Elizabeth Tower, is named.”
See the gallery for more photos!
Hike stats:
Distance: 5.24 miles (8.4 km)
Time: 2h42min (including several long stops)
Gain: 60′ (ok, pretty darn flat)
David Kotz 