Walk the Regent's Canal from Paddington to Limehouse, all sections covered. Little Venice, Camden, King's Cross, Islington, Hackney and the Olympic Park. Maps, stops, cafés.
Regent's Canal Walk: The Complete London Towpath Guide
The Regent's Canal runs 14 kilometres from Little Venice in Paddington to the Thames at Limehouse, passing through some of London's most distinct neighbourhoods: Maida Vale, Camden, King's Cross, Islington, Hackney and east London. The towpath is walkable end-to-end in a single day, or in sections as part of a neighbourhood visit.
This guide covers the full route section by section, with notes on what to see, where to eat, and how to combine the walk with other things to do.
Overview
Total distance: 14km (Little Venice to Limehouse) Walking time: 3.5-4.5 hours (end-to-end, without stops) Terrain: Flat, surfaced or gravel towpath throughout. Accessible for most mobility levels, though some sections have steps at bridges. Dogs: Dogs welcome throughout. Start: Little Venice (Warwick Avenue tube station) End: Limehouse (DLR station)
Section 1: Little Venice to Camden (4.5km)
Little Venice is the junction where the Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union Canal, a wide basin surrounded by moored narrowboats and tree-lined banks in Maida Vale. It is one of the most unexpectedly peaceful spots in inner London. The Puppet Theatre Barge on the basin is a landmark; the canal-side cafés are good for a pre-walk coffee.
From Little Venice, the canal heads east through Lisson Grove and St John's Wood, a quiet residential stretch under a canopy of mature trees. The Lisson Grove flight of locks is the first on this section.
The canal enters Camden suddenly, you hear the market before you see it. The Camden Lock itself is the busiest point on the canal, with market stalls, food vendors, narrowboats and tourists. This section is significantly more crowded than any other.
Stops: The Puppet Theatre Barge (Little Venice); Camden Lock Market cafés and street food stalls.
Section 2: Camden to King's Cross (2km)
From Camden Lock, the canal heads east through Regent's Park, the canal passes along the northern boundary of the park, and the London Zoo's aviary is visible from the towpath. The Feng Shang Princess floating Chinese restaurant is moored on this stretch.
The canal enters the Islington Tunnel (878 metres, no towpath inside) at Colebrooke Row. Walkers follow the signposted path through the streets of Islington above the tunnel, rejoining the towpath at City Road Basin. This is the most significant interruption on the towpath walk.
King's Cross is reached from the west, with Granary Square and the Coal Drops Yard development visible from the canal. The best section for the recent regeneration.
Stops: St Pancras Lock café (near King's Cross); Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard restaurants.
Section 3: King's Cross to Victoria Park (3.5km)
East of King's Cross, the canal passes through Islington, the towpath here is quieter and more residential, passing through some of Islington's more characterful streets.
City Road Basin is a working canal basin with moored narrowboats; the Towpath Café at De Beauvoir is one of the canal's best-known stopping points.
The canal reaches Haggerston and then runs along the north edge of Victoria Park, with the park visible to the south across the water.
Stops: Towpath Café (De Beauvoir/Hackney); Victoria Park entrance.
Section 4: Victoria Park to Limehouse (4km)
East of Victoria Park, the canal passes through Mile End and Bow. This section is quieter and less commercially developed, a more industrial canal landscape. The Three Mills complex at Bow Creek (off-route, 15-minute detour) has significant historical interest, three working tide mills.
The canal ends at Limehouse Basin, a large marina with residential towers and the Barley Mow pub on the basin edge. The DLR station is at the top of the basin steps.
Practical Notes
Direction: Walking east (Little Venice to Limehouse) is slightly better as a day walk, you finish at Limehouse with the DLR and easy access to Canary Wharf or the City.
Partial walks: Camden to King's Cross (2km) is the best short section. King's Cross to Victoria Park (3.5km) is the most varied and interesting longer section.
Food: The canal is well served by cafés and restaurants at Camden, King's Cross, and the Hackney sections. Carry water for the quieter stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk the Regent's Canal?
End-to-end (14km, Little Venice to Limehouse) takes 3.5-4.5 hours walking, plus time for stops. Most people walk it in a full day with significant pauses.
Can you walk the Regent's Canal towpath the whole way?
Yes, except for the Islington Tunnel section, where a signed street-level diversion routes walkers above the tunnel. The diversion is well marked.
What is the best section of the Regent's Canal walk?
The King's Cross to Victoria Park section is the most varied, urban regeneration at King's Cross, quiet residential canal at Islington, and the canal-side parks of Hackney.
