The streets of London in 2012 – by canal

Or in this case a trip to the "Timber Cathedral of Middlesex"

Not technically the streets this one but it started on the streets of London and ended outside a 14th century tithe barn! This is a simple ride best done on an off roader.

It begins in Brentford Docks and heads north west along the Grand Union canal, a fabulous little bit of peace and quiet that winds its way out of London. Follow the canal all the way to Horton Bridge just before West Drayton Station. Cross the canal here southwards towards our destination Harmondsworth Tithe Barn.

Now you are on tarmac on the Kingston Road through flats and small parks. Through the traffic lights, briefly on Station Road. Then right at the lights onto Harmondsworth Road. Over the M4 then right at mini round about onto Holloway Lane into Harmondsworth village.


This is actually quite a strange place. A 14th century Saxon village squished between the M4, M25 and our lovely national airport Heathrow. But the village is beautiful, with two pubs (not tried them yet!). The tithe barn is closed at present, but recently purchased but English Heritage it should be open again on 2 Sundays a month from April.

I nipped round the back where you can get a great close up view if the tithe barn is closed on your visit. Go through the village on High Street and continue on Moor Lane. On the right there is some public common land where you can ride or walk across to the back of the tithe barn.

As I said earlier it's weird looking at old 14th century barn and then turning 180º and seeing close up a jumbo landing just behind the trees – but it is an amazing piece of history within striking distance, in 1 hour by bike, from West London.

Here's the route in Google Maps: The streets of London in 2012 – by canal



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