The London Loop is a walking route of 150 miles length around the outer boundaries of London split into 24 sections. See tfl.gov.uk /modes/walking/loop-walk for more details. Inner London Ramblers now produces updated guides to the walk.
Section 11 continues from Hayes and Harlington initially along the Grand Union canal before diverting through Stockley Park, returning to the canal for a while, then along the River Colne to regain the canal just before Uxbridge. Around 8 miles.
After a good journey to Feltham then the 90 bus I arrived at Hayes and Harlington around 10.15am. The canal is joined at bridge 200.
A mile of canal walking took me past three bridges.
The older bridge 197 then shortly afterwards the loop turns away from the canal for a while.
Stockley Park has some light industry, a large golf course and plenty of woodland paths.
The Orangery cafe and club house then another stretch of woodland between the links.
A large bridge supported by a single pillar takes the path over the busy Stockley Road.
After more woodland the path eventually leaves Stockley Park via a new gate.
A new path bypasses local housing and leads back to the canal via steps.
Passing bridge 193 then the new Colham bridge links to West Drayton station on the other side.
Bridge 191 then another stretch of canal.
Here we leave the canal and follow the Slough branch of the Grand Union for half a mile. An aquaduct takes the canal over Fray's River.
At the next bridge, numbered bridge 1, the Slough Branch is left.
A short woodland path along a disused light railway line then Little Britain lake is reached, named because it looks like the outline of the British Isles.
But we leave Little Britain and now follow the River Colne along the Colne Valley Trail.
Crossing one of the tributaries then a magnificent weir.
Colne Valley is left via a somewhat steep and dilapidated set of steps to reach the busy Iver Lane which had to be crossed with care.
The next section continues beside the Colne but for a while there is a high intimidating fence with industrial units the other side. Eventually back into open country, the river is largely hidden though behind the vegetation.
The path ends and emerges on roads which lead back down to the Grand Union. Work has been going on here repairing the towpath. Although the barriers had been removed it was not clear that work had ended so I took the suggested diversion into Uxbridge. First though I stopped to have a pleasant lunch in the nearby General Elliot.
The diversion took me first across Rockingham Recreation Ground then along Fray's river. I left the river and headed for Uxbridge station where I headed home on a journey that took me somewhat longer than expected but a very satisfying day.