The Grand Union Canal

The Longest canal in the UK, The Grand union Canal a slightly different approach to a bikepacking adventure, no rugged epic mountain climbs on this one. Well, there was that little sting in the legs as I climbed up past all them locks. This one is on the flat side with only around, 2000ft of climbing over 147 miles. The most dangerous thing you will come across on this little flat adventure in the swans, ohh and them low narrow bridges. Try not to take a swim.

With it being the canal it can be narrow and there are often people walking and as you come through towns it’s possible for it to be busy, so you can’t really be in too much of a rush if you are going to ride this. Take it slow and just enjoy the magic of the canal. They are such strange places, they feel like they are in their own little world, but they are so close to everything else, but feel so far apart. It’s best to take this on just before the summer just as the days are getting longer, but it’s still a little fresh out there. Most of the grand union is gravel, but there are some sections that are grass or mud. The worst part is the Oxford section as it’s incredibly narrow and muddy in some parts there is only just enough room for your tyres.

Being a nice flat route that doesn’t actually mean there is no challenge because there is no rest when it’s flat you have to pedal all the time, there is very little in the way of descending some long hills to rest your legs here. Maybe a short bridge descent at most. But you don’t need any fancy bike here most bikes will cope, a little tread on your tyres though will help. Also, if you love to stop off at pubs and cafés, then there are plenty all along the canal as you come through the little villages and towns.