London Walks: Canal walk from King's Cross to Camden

Start: York Way, King's Cross, London
End: Camden Market, Camden Town, London

The walk along the side of the canal just north of King's Cross and St. Pancras stations is not only a nice direct way to walk to Camden town, but it is also one of the more interesting views of London. The canal snakes its way around the north of the city, past both industrial and natural scenery.

Along this walk, one will come across a great number of canal boats moored along the side. Canal boats are a major feature of London's waterways, and many serve as homes, while others are available for hire to drive along the canals. This is a great way to spend a day, coasting along at a quiet pace, taking in the scenery of inner London without the constant roar of traffic.

However, no matter where one goes, one does not feel that they have left the city behind, and there is always the background of the city beyond the trees, whether it is the sounds of traffic or trains. Bird life however thrives in this environment, with songbirds and many others in the branches above the water, to the numerous ducks, geese, and swans.

As one walks further along, a certain tranquility is apparent, as the city noise is minimal, and more trees and greenery dominates the scene. However large warehouses and flats are seen, a constant presence of the city, but with the rest of the vista on offer, these become background blemishes.
One destination worthy of note is the Constitution pub, that sits overlooking the canal, with a sizable beer garden. This is one recommended venue for a halfway stop along the canal, and will be covered here at a later date.

The walk goes on from there, through a number of bridges, when the sun is in the right position, creates mesmeric reflections on the inner arches of these 'tunnels'.

Through these arches, the numbers of other walkers starts to increase sharply, with many walkers, picnickers, and cyclists crowding out the more narrow parts of the footpath. Soon however, Camden market starts to make itself apparent, as the numbers of other people keep soaring.

 As one gets nearer, one starts to go past the locks in Camden, and if one wishes, can pass underneath Camden and continue onwards. However this journey made it to Camden, and no further.

This is the start of a series of articles on London walks, as an activity, as well as a means of capturing some interesting sites around the city that are not on the tourist trail. Sunny summer days are most recommended for this, though be aware that many others will have the same idea. That should not dissuade one at all, as these days are recommended for good reason.

All photographs were taken by the author, and all souls captured on film will be refunded at no extra cost.