Grand Union Canal: Northampton to the Thames

Publisher: Waterways World Ltd, 3rd ed, £ 7.95
Publication Date: 2004

This guidebook follows the southern part of the Grand Union Canal from the outskirts of Northampton to Central London: passing through the long tunnel at Blisworth, via the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruene, and southwards over the summit at Tring until it descends and meets the Thames at Brentford. The branches to Northampton, Aylesbury and Slough are included, as are the Paddington Arm and Regent's Canal, until the Thames is met again at Limehouse Basin. Sadly the Cruising Association (p. 110) no longer manages the moorings but navigational warnings for the Thames Tideway, the Cut and the River Lea Navigation could be helpful.

Aimed at cyclists and walkers, as well as boaters, all the essential advice and information is there, with excellent coloured illustrations and maps. As the canal weaves through a countryside of varying interest, so does the orientation of the maps. Bridge numbers are used to divide up the sections of text and help to clarify the navigation. Mooring and repair facilities, nearby tourist attractions, shops, pubs and restaurants are all featured. Nor is the history of these waterways neglected.

Many people have assisted in the production of this guide, now in its third edition. The Bibliography and a list of useful addresses are comprehensive but there is no Index.

An essential companion for anyone contemplating taking this journey or any part of it. - JFP