London Loop Adventure: Little Britain Lake Flooding, Grand Union Canal, and Heathrow Airport Highlights
Section 10 and 11
Date: July 2024
Start: Houslow Heat, 11.00
Finish: Uxbridge, 19:00
Duration: 7h 15’
Distance: 27.00km
Elevation Gain: 200m
Route Type: Point to Point
Weather: Showers (several), bits of sun .
Companions: Natalia
Another glorious hiking day, starting exactly where we left off last time near Hounslow Heath. The start is rather tragicomic; as soon as we step off the bus, it starts pouring rain. But it's British Summer and within minutes the sun is back, a jest that stays with us throughout the day, to the point where I lose count of how many times I put on or take off my jacket.
Hounslow Heath is quite spectacular, a green area just before (or after, depending on which way you're doing the LOOP) Hatton Cross. Shortly after, there's another green area along the Crane River, which is paradoxical, much like London; it almost feels like planes are landing on your head, but in those quiet moments, it's incredibly peaceful.
The rest of the hike mostly follows watercourses, primarily the Crane River but also long stretches along the Grand Union Canal.
One of the most spectacular points is Little Britain Lake, shaped like the British Isles. However, the trail on its western side is completely flooded, so we have to return to the canal to continue northward, towards Uxbridge.