Along the Grand Union Canal

You can join the canal towpath at any point.  That warm and sunny May Sunday I accessed it on a bike going down one of the side streets from St Dunstan's Church Hall in Boston Manor Road. My plan was to cycle to Southall in order to make arrangements for a walking tour of the area.

But could I not stop to take pictures on the way?

Earlier on I overheard someone asking for  directions to St Margaret's and my instant thought was they meant the area near Richmond. I totally forgot about this place in Hanwell despite having many times visited a  former student who lived near St Margaret's Rd.

 I wasn't quick enough to take a picture of a violent fight between this swan and a Canada goose. You can see the winner below.

 One of many locks regulating the canal makes you think of the busy bygone days of water transport.

Ealing Walkers and Talkers ARTificated in Acton, 13.05.2017

Last Saturday was a day to remember for those who came on the Acton ARTificated tour and stayed with us till the end as it meant that they could take part in an exciting community event.

Model Cottages between West Ealing and Northfields

Sorting out my pictures I came across the ones I took one sunny day in April on the way to Hanwell avoiding the main road. They show a rather secluded area between West Ealing and Northfields.

I'm posting them to show the area where you can see the so called 'MODEL COTTAGES'. You can read about them if you zoom in one of the pictures.

 The wall separating the path from the back gardens facing the allotments totally surprised me. It wasn't so colourful in the past.

 I wonder if the people who live behind this wall sometimes come to this side to look at it.

 On a sunny day the view was nice if you looked ahead as well.

 And then I had to look back before I got onto my bike again. I must say I was worried about my tires. There was lots of broken glass on the path.

 And here I came to the Model Cottages!

 The tiny terraced  houses face these allotments.

 Here you can read about the cottages, not only the metal railings or you can click on this link and not only read more, but also see some old pictures.

 This shop was new to me as I don't often cycle this way.

 Can you see a traditional pub in the distance? I have a story to tell about it, but let me leave it for another day or maybe a walking and talking tour?

From here I cycled on to Hanwell, still avoiding the busy main road.

Approaching St Paul's from the river

You can see the vista in my previous post, Dear Reader. Today I will show you what there is to see when you look to the right when you come off the Millennium Bridge.

On the way you will encounter some big metallic spheres like this one. Take a picture if you are tempted.

Then, with the southern wall of the cathedral in front of you you can turn right without crossing the street and interact with an incomplete sphere which works like a mirror.

Now, how about a Victorian fountain? Do not fail to notice a crane peeking from behind it. They are everywhere, seriously.