Sounor one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 75.00% of reviewers

I walked from Northolt to Southall on a Thursday evening in late May, this review is very late!

It was really pleasant, I particularly enjoyed the green sections along the canal towpath with canoeists and houseboats (some with gardens and tame swan families).

The eastern end of The Broadway in Southall was bursting with street life and busy shops, even at 8pm on a Thursday, I also bought bhaji from a street vendor. Also fresh Polish pierogi in a café in Northolt. There are not any facilities along the route (despite what the surveys say).

Nothing else to add that others haven't said but I will reiterate that the path through Belvue Park is quite wrong and trying to follow this route risks falling into a hidden ditch. Hence only 4 stars and the safety warning, I'm less tolerant after testing hundreds of Slow Ways. And as Southall to Northolt now has this verified route I'm adding a new version without that problem. it's also 10% shorter, losing a little canal but also cutting out the less enjoyable part of The Broadway where the busy traffic dominates.

Earlier that day I'd tested a new green route from Wembley to Northolt, as NorWem 1 was already verified but sounds quite dull. NorWem 2 includes lots of lovely green and blue spaces, hilltop views and even, potentially, beaver sightings. Hint: SouNor 2 and NorWem 2 would be a lovely combination to test and verify.

I walked from Southall to Northolt on a lovely sunny June morning. (I had combined this with the Hayes to Southall route). I had bought some Indian snacks for a morning snack.
This is a nicer canal walk than other parts of the grand union canal as there are lots of green spaces either side (which can be explored) for most of the walk and less urban and light industry. The earlier reviews are still accurate and the photos a good representation of the route so I will focus on adding extra details or bits that stood out to me.
Joining the canal tow path is straightforward from the northside of The Broadway/Uxbridge Road as there is a path by the side of the territorial army centre. There is a colourful mural of local sites on the bridge wall (see photo 1).
You then follow the towpath on the eastern side of the canal until leaving via a flight of steps to a traditional foot bridge over the canal just after going under the A40 road bridge (it is sign posted - photo 2). It is then a short walk to Belvue Park and you can follow the gravel path (photo 3). As stated, has an interesting church on the low hill and information panels explaining the history of the area and the site of a manor house. It also forms part of the wider Countryside Park (see photo 4). It is then a short walk into Northolt and the station via a residential street and little parade of shops.
In addition to the station there are also a number of bus services to Hayes or Harrow, including the superloop bus network (SL9).

This is a great walk for suburban London.

I walked this on a wet and drizzly winter morning, from Southall to Northolt.

The route starts at Southall, and then continues along it's busy broadway towards the Grand Union Canal, which it follows for most of the walk. It also shares a short section here with the Hillingdon Trail, which I previously walked. I would see more of that in the third section (Northolt to Uxbridge). It's a pleasant route to follow, with plenty of wild life and boaters to keep your attention, although it can get a little monotonous at times. At Northolt I crossed a bridge over the canal, and nearly fell on my bum as the tarmac was suddenly very slippery. Disaster averted, I then climbed up the hill into Belvue Park towards St. Mary's church and the gardens of the former Northolt Manor. The route makes you go through a field, with a ditch, which was decidedly not possible as there was nearly a foot of water. There was however a nice path along the Northern edge which I followed to avoid having to go for a swim. After leaving the park, it was a short stretch along a road with a few shops and a lovely clock tower (with the wrong time) to the underground station where this route finishes.

Quite nice, but a little monotonous along the canal. Would like to walk this when the weather isn't decidedly shite though.

I walked from Northolt to Southall.
Out of Northolt Station cross the road towards the green, along a residential road to a cut-through into a park. There is a new grit path which by-passes the marked route (red line on photo), the marked path is across rough grass but you get to see the layout of a 13thC manor and a beautiful church. This path takes you down to the canal via a bridge and steps. The canal path is good quality, flat, easy to navigate and always interesting. This walk is 75% canal walking. At the other end there is a short path onto the Uxbridge Road which in complete contrast is a busy bustling High Street full of interesting shops. This takes you to the end at The 3 Horseshoes.
A lovely walk full of contrasting variety.

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