Exploring the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal
A Brief History of the Paddington Arm:
Opening in the 19th century the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal played a crucial role in the industrial development of London. At a later date the Regents Canal was constructed to link the Paddington Arm to the River Thames at Limehouse Basin. Today the canal has transformed into a leisure hub rich in heritage.
Exploring the Canal:
At 13.5 miles (22km) long the lock free Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal runs from the west of London at Bull’s Bridge in Hayes to the Paddington Basin, a short distance from Paddington Railway Station. The Paddington Arm then connects to the Regents Canal at a junction in Little Venice.
Canal Wildlife:
One of the major draws of the Paddington Arm is its stunning natural beauty and break from the rush of city life. With lush greenery lining its banks to graceful swans and waterfowl gliding across the water’s surface it’s a place to escape and enjoy. An abundance of wildlife call the canal home, including ducks, geese, herons, and even the occasional kingfisher.
Local Attractions and Activities:
The Paddington Arm offers more than just idyllic views, it also provides access to a variety of local attractions and activities. Leading to the famous Little Venice, this charming canal junction is home to a wide range of vibrant cafes, art galleries, and houseboats. There are also plenty of opportunities for recreational activities like cycling, fishing, or paddleboarding, making the Paddington Arm an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Moorings and Marina:
There are a number of mooring options available along the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The type of mooring that is best for you will depend on a number of factors. Do you want to live aboard or use your boat for leisure only? Would you prefer to be moored in the same spot over a long period of time or if you have no ties to a particular location, would you like to continuously cruise? Are you out exploring and visiting an event and therefore require a short-stay mooring? Do you want a winter mooring, which typically run from November to March, to make life a bit easier during the colder months? Do you prefer the comfort of being close to facilities and services such as pump-out, fuel, water, electric points, showers and laundry rooms?
Depending on your answers to the questions above will determine the type of mooring you need – residential, leisure, pied-รก-terre, short stay or winter moorings and also where would suit you best to moor – along the canal or within a marina, such as Willowtree.