I virtually always go on the canal now even when I'm going further into town. It takes a bit longer as it is further, but that is fine, and I can normally get from my house to Paddington without stopping, so I can ride at steady power instead of racing between red lights.
I can't stand canal paths. I'd rather do 1000W off every set of lights for 20m and then coast to the next than dodge all the bollocks on the paths. You're probably more chill than me though :)
Yes, there's not many people on it to dodge, but it gets a bit same-y.
I actually went in via Uxbridge Road yesterday and quite enjoyed it for a change. The surface is actually slightly better than the rough bits of the towpath.
I virtually always go on the canal now even when I'm going further into town. It takes a bit longer as it is further, but that is fine, and I can normally get from my house to Paddington without stopping, so I can ride at steady power instead of racing between red lights.