Souuxb one

Verified Slow Way

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I walked this from Uxbridge to South Harefield and did so to visit one of the nature reserves that is along the route. It was mid-June so paths were all dry.

As stated by the other two reviews this is a straight forward route to follow through lovely tranquil surroundings with lots of wildlife. Two regular TFL buses also link the two ends (U9 and 331), the latter also goes via Denham Station. You can also explore the green spaces that form the Colne Valley Regional Park in this area along the route, though not always signposted. There are some new information panels, which I have included in the pictures. There is the (from South to North): Uxbridge Alderglade nature reserve, Denham Country Park (with visitor centre), Denham Lock Woods (broad walk closed for replacement at time of my writing), Frays Meadow, Harefield Place Nature Reserve and Denham Quarry Woodlands. So, lots of opportunity to extend the walk by exploring them.

From Uxbridge it is a short urban walk to the Grand Union Canal where you join the path on the west bank at the Swan & Bottle pub. You then follow the canal path and at the very steep bridge the slow way route follows the Colne Valley path through the Denham Quarry Woods. (This adds more variety to the walk than staying on the canal path.) The path is the quiet access road, but does leave it at stages, as it goes through the woods past the fishing lakes. So was cooler than on the canal. There is a short diversion around the HS2 building works. You can leave the path at different points at South Harefield village.

I walked this on a sunny warm autumn afternoon, from Uxbridge to South Harefield.

This route follows the London LOOP and Colne Valley trail, although it diverges to go along the U34 footpath, instead of following the more easy to follow track. It's easy to follow, and pretty much straight. The first part is along the Grand Union Canal tow path, which you cross a few times with steep! bridge. The the second half is along the Denham Quarry lakes. There is now a small detour due to HS2 at the top of Harefield Lake Nr. 2, where there is a temporary barge to take you on top of the GUC to get around an access road. It's pleasant and easy to walk. Ace route.

I walked from South Harefield to Uxbridge.
After a short stroll there is a footpath leading to a track which is the Colne Valley Trail alongside the Grand Union Canal. There is works for the HS2 here but no diversions yet. You then follow the Grand Union Canal/ CV trail/ London Loop signs all the way to Uxbridge along the canal tow path. The path varies in quality but is never bad. This is a flat walk apart from some very steep footbridges over the canal (45%!). The route is okay for Bicycles.
There is a small café at Denham Lock, there is also an outdoor center close by here for more extensive facilities.
This is a lovely walk with wildlife and canal activity.

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