If I had thought that Spitalfields Market was crowded last week, I was very much mistaken. In the vein of Crocodile Dundee, Camden Markets took one look at Spitalfields and declared “that’s not crowded – THIS is crowded”! On a sunny London day, we decided to visit the famous Camden Markets.
Regents Canal has a towpath running along it that allows you to walk between Paddington and the Thames – a distance of almost 14 kilometres. Not wanting to drag two complaining kids along for 14 kilometres, we opted to head for the Edgeware Road Tube and join the towpath for the Jubilee Greenway section at Lisson Grove, which is about a three kilometre walk.
As you enter from Lisson Grove, you are welcomed by these somewhat alarming signs! However, they refer to the electrical sub station next to the path thank goodness.
Danger of Death sign Lisson Grove
Copyright L Debnam 2013
This section will take you past moored canal boats overlooked by opulent mansions towering over them on the banks of the canal and the London Zoo – see if you can spot the warthog! It is a dual use path in parts, so you need to be aware of bikes suddenly appearing behind you. The first part of the walk is pedestrian only as many permanently moored boats have elements of their life spilling out on the towpath – pots of herbs, garden beds of veges, outdoor tables and chairs.
Boats moored Regents Canal
Copyright L Debnam 2013
The path will take you up to the Primrose Hill entrance. This brought back memories for me as it was here I was taken by friends for a walk after I first landed in London almost three decades ago. As I walked the same path up to Camden Lock, I reminisced about days gone past and what I felt on my arrival in this overwhelming city so long ago. This is such a pretty walk – you see a diverse range of sights from tourist canal boats, live-in canal boats, kayaks and even a punt boat!
Regents Canal towpath Copyright L Debnam 2013
Once you reach the Camden Lock, walk up onto the bridge to watch the Lock in action. The kids were fascinated by the boats being raised and lowered via the water.
Watching the boat rise in the Lock
Copyright L Debnam 2013
After watching several changes, we finally made it into the Markets. I defy anyone to not find a food that they like in this place! In addition to the usual suspects like Italian, Chinese, Indian etc, you can find Jamaican, Spanish and even US food in addition to many others from all corners of the globe.
But be prepared for an overwhelming experience if you visit on a weekend. The Markets are spread over a large area and consist of a series of winding corridors and halls with a huge range of different stalls, absolutely packed with people. In particular, you can easily get lost in the Stables section which winds and meanders underground.
There are all sorts of stalls, some with wares that are difficult to explain to the kids (“why is that shop dummy wearing a black leather mask Mum?”)! Many have amazing pieces of fashion and I envied my kids for their future outfitting in great gear that, sadly, I’m too old to wear anymore.
Food stalls at the Market
Copyright L Debnam 2013
So for a very pleasant walk, head to Regents Canal. Combine the walk with a delicious lunch at Camden Lock and brave the Markets if you’re up to it! Or if it’s all to much, you can head back out to the street to catch the Tube from one of two stations – Camden or Chalk Farm. Simples, as the Meerkat would say.
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