Paddington Basin

Weather gradually getting cooler and an extra layer was needed today. After a cloudy start, most of the day was pleasantly sunny (apart from one sudden shower in the afternoon) but a cool breeze kept temperatures down.

Overnight mooring

We were not far from Bull's Bridge junction where there is a convenient mooring alongside a large Tesco - had we known that there were to be even better opportunities for Sainsburys later we might not have stopped here! As it was, we topped up our stores with at least enough to keep us going until the end of the trip (unless we change our menus, that is!

Tesco Mooring at Bull's Bridge

Litter Collection

When the store was built, Tesco retained an old dry dock although it claims not to be operational. Sadly, it is an effective litter trap. As it happened, a worker from the store came to do a weekly tidy and said that some weeks it is much worse, depending on the wind.

Bull's Bridge Junction

There were no locks today as the Paddington Branch is a long, level pound right into London. Nevertheless, there is plenty to see whilst cruising along and the whole stretch is generally clean and tidy. Although there are some places with a line of residential boats, and some continuous moorers in others, it did not seem as oppressive as at times yesterday. Also, there was a lower proportion of really decrepit boats.

Nestle Factory

Nicholsons indicates that there are plenty of food factories alongside the canal and even before we hit Bull's bridge we were treated to the gentle aroma of coffee from a large Nestle factory.

Just as Mike was making the turn under the junction bridge, Christine reported that the gas had run out so we had to pull in to the side to make a quick changeover.

Most of this blog will turn out to be very brief comments but a lot of pictures! (Probably too many and leaving nothing for the return trip!)

Sadly this attractive development is private mooring only. Visitors not wanted!

We called at High Line boatyard for a replacement gas bottle and also used their elsan disposal facility whilst we were there. A little later we stopped for lunch alonside Perivale Wood.

 This wooden footbridge has been damaged by fire in the middle and is supported by scaffolding, but closed to pedestrians.



  A modern and attractive footbridge.

North Circular Flyover

 We crossed over the North Circular where the canal flyover is divided with a central island - reminsicent of the BCN.

Kensal Green Cemetery is shielded by well-developed trees that line the canal bank, making it difficult to see much of the cemetery. Opposite, these spectacular trellis structures for gas holders dominate the skyline. The actual holders themselves would rise up from underground as they filled with gas.

There is a wide variety of architectural styles lining the canal, some are attractive . . .

. . .  and some not so!

The elevated Westway motorway partly extends over the canal. This was the first time that we really began to notice the impact of urban noise although the ability of some vehicles to scream along at speed adds to the mix.

Elevated Westway

Little Venice

Eventually we arrived at Little Venice which was double berthed for some stretch and we began to be concerned about our overnight mooring. Also, this area is perhaps a bit over-rated which makes it more popular for visiting boats.

Approaching Paddington

Moored in Paddington Basin

However, we turned down into Paddington Basin and found that there were several choices for mooring. We winded at the end and ended up on an outside pontoon for the night. The surrounding buildings are impressive.

14 miles - 0 locks