And as long as we’re at it: here’s the full menu of Regent’s Canal & Inland Waterways Walks this autumn and winter (and a bonus, a couple of additional “reasons why”).
This walk has started before it begins. We might be extras in The 39 Steps – bit-part players in one of Hitch’s most dramatic chase scenes. Because we’re meeting right where Richard Hannay, disguised as a milkman, abandons his milk float and, hotly pursued by German spies, rushes into the station to board the Flying Scotsman. Hannay’s narrow escape rings a dramatic change in the film. Moving off from the station we ring a pretty dramatic one ourselves: welcome to the Granary Building! Built to trans-ship grain into canal barges, it’s now totally re-fitted – home for that hub of the fashion world, Central Saint Martins College. It’s the centre-piece of an astonishing transformation of the area – out of the chrysalis of old 19th-century industrial London into the buzz of a new London, the very latest London. It’s rich fare – makes for a fascinating preamble.
But now it’s time to get down to business, get onto the towpath. Not least because in no time the canal opens out into a basin full of boats, some of which once traded commercially along these very waters. Lots of great visuals, lots of contrasts. Over there the headquarters of two newspapers; here, original 19th-century buildings, including the one that now houses the London Canal Museum. Moving on, when the canal burrows underneath Islington we take the path the barge-horses followed. Again, rich fare here. Famous London pleasure gardens, a vibrant street-market, Upper Street and then the New River and back onto the tree-lined canal towpath. Then two more canal basins, one used for canoeing, the other a nature reserve. We towpath it a bit further through north London and we’re there. We’ve arrived at Hitchcock’s Hackney. Arrived at the site of the famous studios where The Master of Suspense was “discovered.”
And, as usual, specialist, expert knowledge on these walks – because they’re guided by Rogerand his team of IWA (Inland Waterways Association) members. They all have boats and years of experience on our Inland Waterways. They know where to look, what to look for, know whereof they speak.
THE REGENT’S CANAL King’s Cross to Hitchcock’s Hackney – THE PRACTICALS
The Regent’s Canal – King’s Cross to Hitchcock’s Hackney walk takes place at 2.30 pm on Sunday, April 7.
The meeting point is by the taxi rank, next to Pret-a-Manger, just outside King’s Cross Railway Station and King’s Cross Tube.
LONDON WALKS HORS D’OEUVRE
The Regent’s Canal – King’s Cross to Hitchcock’s Hackney walk is one of a series of Regent’s Canal and other Inland Waterways walks that we conduct in partnership with the IWA (Inland Waterways Association). There are getting on for a dozen different canal and Inland Waterways walks in their repertory. The Canal Walks’ regular slot is the 2.30 pm Tour du Jour offering on the first and third Sunday of every month. And there are usually a handful of “guest appearance” canal walks that run as “Specials” on selected dates in any given Summer or Winter London Walks programme.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
There’s more. The guides are all members of the IWA. They have some formidable expertise – know the canals better than “ordinary mortals” And – how special is this – they donate their fees to the IWA. So you’re supporting a good cause – doing a seriously good turn – when you go on one of our canal walks.
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, The Regent's Canal – King's Cross to Hitchcock's Hackney it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the The Regent's Canal – King's Cross to Hitchcock's Hackney walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
4 reviews for The Regent’s Canal – King’s Cross to Hitchcock’s Hackney
Rated 5 out of 5
Josie Morgan –
Unique wonderful walk with expert guide Charlie.
Treat yourself !
Rated 5 out of 5
Josie Morgan –
Such an interesting enjoyable walk. Our expert guide showed how man’s ingenuity could adapt the environment and use resources in challenging times to further progress for all- this encourages hope for the future!
I learned so much … wished it had gone on….
Rated 5 out of 5
Phillip –
Fascinating walk today with knowledgable Charlie brought Regent’s canal and Alfred Hitchcock to life. Stories of days gone by along the tow paths with locks, basins and factories are illuminating, As a cricket follower I discovered a very interesting fact about cricket on this walk (you have to go to find it out). A tunnel for the canal boats also led to another very interesting saying the origin that then becomes apparent when explained. All in all a lovely two and quarter hours spent with Charlie. Go on the walk.
Rated 5 out of 5
John –
Great walk, expertly led by knowledgeable guides from the Inland Waterways Assoc. Starting and ending with references to Hitchcock, the walk along the towpath takes in the contrast between classic industrial Georgian buildings, now largely re purposed and the modern redevelopments. Past the traditional Locks and Basins and an interesting wander through the streets of Islington in order to bypass the Islington Canal tunnel. A great way to spend a couple of hours.
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Josie Morgan –
Unique wonderful walk with expert guide Charlie.
Treat yourself !
Josie Morgan –
Such an interesting enjoyable walk. Our expert guide showed how man’s ingenuity could adapt the environment and use resources in challenging times to further progress for all- this encourages hope for the future!
I learned so much … wished it had gone on….
Phillip –
Fascinating walk today with knowledgable Charlie brought Regent’s canal and Alfred Hitchcock to life. Stories of days gone by along the tow paths with locks, basins and factories are illuminating, As a cricket follower I discovered a very interesting fact about cricket on this walk (you have to go to find it out). A tunnel for the canal boats also led to another very interesting saying the origin that then becomes apparent when explained. All in all a lovely two and quarter hours spent with Charlie. Go on the walk.
John –
Great walk, expertly led by knowledgeable guides from the Inland Waterways Assoc. Starting and ending with references to Hitchcock, the walk along the towpath takes in the contrast between classic industrial Georgian buildings, now largely re purposed and the modern redevelopments. Past the traditional Locks and Basins and an interesting wander through the streets of Islington in order to bypass the Islington Canal tunnel. A great way to spend a couple of hours.