Grand Union canal routes

Canals are fucking unpredictable. Went on a 20mile canal ride the other day, took the mtb yet well sketchy, long sections were actually more challenging than when I have actually gone 'mountain biking'. Maps give you no idea of what to expect.

Expect mud, lots of mud. Very bumpy dirt surfaces, very bumpy brick surfaces, uncleared leaves, flooded sections, awkward stairs & ramps, multiple bridge crossings where the paving runs out. Low tunnels.

Crazy people, crazy animals etc.

Think you can check with British Waterways about maint' works / collapsed paths etc when planning a journey along the canals.

No use if you're just exploring of course, but useful if you know upfront where you want to go.

This is the boating link, I'm sure there's a pathway one too if you click around - my mate mentioned it to me after he wrote complaining about bits of the canal path up here being un-passable on a ride and they wrote back telling him there's bits out of commission from time to time.

http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/boating/stoppages