IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Zodiac Business Park, High Road, UXBRIDGE, UB8 2GU

This section of the Grand Union Canal from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route. To the east of West Drayton the canal follows the Great Western Main Line but then the canal swings away to the north-west as it heads up to Uxbridge. This is south of Packet Boat Lane looking back to where the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal leaves the main line of the canal just ahead. The towpath is followed by the London LOOP.

There are factories to the left and I'm pretty sure that these benches have been put here for their smokers. In the early part of the 21st century it became illegal to smoke inside public buildings, including offices and factories, so many places installed places outside for their smokers to sit. No sides or roof because that would make it a building. Just to the right of the pipe carrying bridge is the junction of the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

Just north of the junction with the Slough Arm. Packet Boat Marina is on the left, its water entrance is from the Slough Arm.

Like many canal boats, this one has flowers in pots on its roof decking. Packet Boat Marina is on the left of the photo.

This section of the Grand Union Canal from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route. To the east of West Drayton the canal follows the Great Western Main Line but then the canal swings away to the north-west as it heads up to Uxbridge. This is south of Packet Boat Lane looking back to where the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal leaves the main line of the canal just ahead. The towpath is followed by the London LOOP.

Another point on the London Loop between West Drayton and Uxbridge - along with Stockley Park - where the route digresses from the Grand Union Canal before returning to it later.

At Cowley Peachey Junction the Slough arm of the Grand Union Canal leaves the main line. Five straight miles along here and you are in Slough. Wow! At one time there was a proposal to link this arm with the River Thames near Windsor. From my profile, before I start to fill in some gaps, you can see how close it is. This never happened so from here to Windsor is a two-day trip by boat down the canal to Brentford then up the river.

The Slough Arm towpath crosses over the main line of the Grand Union Canal.