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The definitive guide to exploring the rivers, canals, parks and reservoirs of London under paddle power. Paddling in London offers a paddle experience like no other, combining a connection to nature with the vibrant energy of the city''s architecture, culture and art. Written by highly experienced paddleboard instructor, Anu Aladin, this complete guide features 40 routes, including: - Non-tidal Thames from Windsor to Teddington: Lush greenery, scenic meadows, secret backwaters and historical landmarks -Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal from Hayes to Paddington: A green corridor with an industrial past, where history intertwines with serene waters -River Lea, River Lee Navigation and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: a harmonious blend of nature, history and urban charm From short paddles to longer expeditions, this book includes excursions for all levels of ability. Responsible paddling is covered thoroughly, with a guide to safety equipment and how to use it properly, staying environmentally aware, and advice on licensing. Each route details the best places to stop, and the sites, landmarks and wildlife to look out for along the way. With beautiful photography, and clear maps containing directions to paddle and launching points, this is the essential guide to making the very most of exploring London under paddle power.
List of contents
Introduction
Using this book
Safety
RIVER THAMES01 Reading to Wargrave via St Patrick's Stream
02 Maidenhead to Hedsor Water
03 Windsor and Backwaters
04 Windsor to Hampton Court
05 Weybridge
06 Hampton to Molesey and Thames Aits
07 Thames Ditton to River Ember
08 Kingston to Hampton Court
09 Kingston to Teddington
10 Ham House to Teddington Lock
11 Richmond to Eel Pie Island
12 Kew Bridge to Richmond
13 Putney to Kew Bridge
14 Chelsea to Kew
15 Battersea to Greenwich
CANALS16 Rickmansworth to Watford (Grand Union)
17 Rickmansworth - Uxbridge (Grand Union)
18 West Drayton - Slough (Grand Union)
19 Hayes to Hanwell (Grand Union)
20 Brentford to Fox Inn at Hanwell (Grand Union/River Brent)
21 Hayes to Greenford (Grand Union)
22 Greenford to Harlesden (Grand Union)
23 Little Venice to Kensal Green (Grand Union)
24 Camden to Maida Hill Tunnel (Regent's)
25 Camden to King's Cross (Regent's)
26 Islington to Hackney (Regent's)
27 Hackney to Mile End (Regent's)
28 London Legacy Loop (Limehouse Basin)
29 Limehouse Loop (Lee Navigation)
30 Hertford to Broxbourne (Lee Navigation)
31 Broxbourne to Ponders End (Lee Navigation)
32 Ponders End to Tottenham Hale (Lee Navigation)
33 Clapton to Hackney Wick (Lee Navigation)
OTHER WATERWAYS34 Crookham Wharf - Colt Hill (Basingstoke)
35 Colt Hill - Greywell Tunnel (Basingstoke)
36 Godalming - Shepperton (Wey Navigations)
37 Marsh Lane - Manor Farm (Jubilee River)
38 Esher - Hersham (River Mole)
39 West Reservoir Centre, Stoke Newington
40 Royal Victoria Dock (Docklands)
Beyond the Paddle
Acknowledgements
Photo credits
Index
About the author
Anu Aladin is an experienced paddleboard instructor and writer based in South West London. After a career in marketing and software licensing, Anu left the corporate world and found her true calling on London's waterways. Formerly head of Paddleboarding London, she now divides her time between writing her blog My SUP Stories and working at a small local accountancy practice.
