Route Section

London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP)

Section 11 (Hayes & Harlington to Uxbridge)

Description:

A good section for enthusiasts of waterside walking, as over two-thirds follows canal, river or lake. It might have followed the Grand Union Canal towpath all the way, but this could be tedious and the designers have sensibly made diversions into attractive green areas to the side.

This leaves three separate sections where the route is shared with the Grand Union Canal Walk, at Hayes, West Drayton/Yiewsley and Uxbridge. The first diversion skirts Stockley Park, north of the canal. This very green area has been created from an immense but exhausted gravel pit, which was filled with refuse and is now grassed over. Most of it is occupied by a golf course, but tarmac footpaths provide ample scope for walkers.

Soaring towers on the skyline draw you towards a suspension footbridge across busy Stockley Road. Nearby is a splendid view across West London and the Colne Valley. You return to the canal towpath through West Drayton (starting points of the Beeches Way and West Drayton to Slough Ramble and Ride) and Yiewsley (end of the Celandine Route).

The Loop turns west along the Grand Union Canal Slough Arm for a short distance, then descends to follow the River Colne, sharing it with the Colne Valley Way and Iver Circular Walk past the delightful Little Britain Lake.

A short road stretch leads back to the Grand Union Canal towpath and station link at Uxbridge, starting point of the Colne Valley Trail and Nine Stiles Circular Walk.

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Hillingdon

Distance:

7.8 miles ( 12.5 km)

Start:

Hayes (Station Road, GR 098-796)

Finish:

Uxbridge (Oxford Road, GR 052-846)

Recommended direction:

Southeast to northwest

Terrain and surface:

Mostly level on canal and riverside paths. Some gentle slopes in Stockley Park and on canal ramps. Canal towpaths are generally firm, but much of the route lies on rough and possibly muddy paths, or on grass. No stiles. 1.2km (0.8ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafes at Hayes, West Drayton, Yiewsley and Uxbridge. Pubs at Little Britain and Cowley. Cafe and toilets at Stockley Park Golf Club

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton
Tube: Uxbridge
Buses: at these points plus Stockley Park, Yiewsley and Cowley

Links with other walks:

Grand Union Canal Walk, Beeches Way, West Drayton to Slough Ramble and Ride, Celandine Route, Grand Union Canal (Slough Arm), Colne Valley Way, Iver Circular Walk, Colne Valley Trail, Nine Stiles Circular Walk

Map required:

Explorer 160 and 172

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Hillingdon

Completed a route ? Why not celebrate your achievement by ordering a completion certificate from info@walklondon.org.uk