Start point of a circular walk encompassing the canal and a section of the River Nene
Our walking of the Grand Union canal starts from just south of the In and Out garage on the Towcester Road down a set of steps to the towpath.
Clicking the picture takes you to Google Streetview should you wish to pinpoint the location.
Once at the bottom of the steps turning right and heading east away from the bridge over the Towcester Road brings you quite quickly to the start of the Grand Union where it joins the River Nene. To continue your walk in this direction you have to cut through the bottom of a housing estate into Cotton End and pick up the river footpath at South Bridge.
Start of the short stretch of Grand Union Canal heading east from Towcester Road
Start of the short stretch of Grand Union Canal heading east from Towcester Road
The end of the Grand Union Canal east of Towcester Road. These locks link the canal to the River Nene
The end of the Grand Union Canal east of Towcester Road. These locks link the canal to the River Nene
Decorative seat at the end of the section of Grand Union Canal east of Towcester Road
Decorative seat at the end of the section of Grand Union Canal east of Towcester Road
Alternately turning to your left heading west undeneath the bridge carrying the Towcester Road puts you on the towpath heading west past some locks and to an old brick built bridge.
The inevitable graffiti. Courtesy of Binty Bint apparently
The inevitable graffiti. Courtesy of Binty Bint apparently
Heading west towards locks and bridge to cycle path
Heading west towards locks and bridge to cycle path
A Binty chicken. Will these ever challenge Banksie?
A Binty chicken. Will these ever challenge Banksie?
Approaching the locks. Can you spot the cormorant?
Approaching the locks. Can you spot the cormorant?
A hungry cormorant who we saw taking a mid afternoon snack on some of the many small fish you can see in the canal.
A hungry cormorant who we saw taking a mid afternoon snack on some of the many small fish you can see in the canal.
Closer to the canal lock you can see the outlet of the waterway that bypasses them. This used to be used as a slideway by children and possibly still is.
Closer to the canal lock you can see the outlet of the waterway that bypasses them. This used to be used as a slideway by children and possibly still is.
A moorhen which was preening. One shot out of a long burst where it didn't have its beak up its bum.
A moorhen which was preening. One shot out of a long burst where it didn't have its beak up its bum.
Bridge over the canal to the cycle path heading to the River Nene.
Bridge over the canal to the cycle path heading to the River Nene.
You can leave the canal footpath here into Thorne Hill Estate
Streetview of access to canal from Thorne Hill Estate
Alternately and what we invariably do is cross the bridge and take a cyclepath to the River Nene
