Riding the Canals, ever do it?

My ride is actually almost twice as fast going by canal rather than roads.
25 mins via canal
25 mins by car
45 mins via road
80 mins by tube

What is a 15 minute cycle from Highbury to Mile End turns out to be 40 minutes along the canal in my experience. Just because of being considerate to the walkers. Still go down the canal though regardless.