Keep ahead along the path that crosses wasteland towards Greenford Road. The path curves left to follow the line of the road, making for the raised railway track ahead. When you get to the footbridge, cross it (to rejoin walkers who stuck to the canal). At the end of the field go left into the trees to cross a narrow stream.Turn right and follow the edge of the next field to a gap in the trees on your right. This leads to another field, where you stick to the left- hand edge until you come to a low plank bridge on your left, by a post with a white arrow.

Cross the bridge and you will soon find yourself on the canal bank.Turn right and keep as close to the canal as you can, although the path will sometimes take you into the fields. When you get to a drive, walk straight across it to a surfaced downhill path and, after 50 yards, turn left to a distinct wooden barrier, crossing Horsenden Lane to a similar barrier opposite and entering the woods.After ten yards, turn left on a path through the trees Keep right at the next junction and go up four wooden steps Further on you descend three steps to reach an open field. Take the path that cuts off its corner, then keep to the right of the trees along the left-hand edge of the field. Here the path goes left but, being so near to the top of the hill, it is worth detouring right up to the summit, with its good view of Harrow to the north-east.Now turn back down the wide grassy path, heading towards rugby fields. Keep straight on uphill, a view of Greenford on your left, and at a crossing keep ahead on a clear path between brambles.The next grassed area is bounded by logs laid end to end. Walk through the gap in them and make for the matching gap on the other side.

(If you want to omit the hill climb, stay on the towpath to the next footbridge.)After 50 yards, take the footpath on your right through a brown metal gate, and fork right, away from the road on to a path that goes uphill through trees Soon it opens up into a grassy area with coppiced trees. It is nearly a mile to the next bridge, and immediately in front of it you leave the towpath by steps on the left and turn right to cross the canal into Horsenden Lane North. On the right, the Pleasure Boat pub appears, with a waterside garden that would be tempting in summer. Several canal boats are moored here, awaiting the start of the season.On the left is a large Sainsbury's supermarket, with moorings for waterborne shoppers. Just beyond it, after passing beneath a brick bridge, the surfaced path ends and you walk on a track of stone and earth that can be muddy in places.Now the outlook is distinctly greener, with Sudbury golf course on your right and a range of low hills ahead.