Some days ago we explored the stretch of the Grand Union Canal, which passes near us in Brent, leading into central London. We found the towpath very much in use with several cyclists, most of whom were courteous enough to warn us of their approach else one of us might easily have finished in the greenish canal waters!

I wanted to find the spot where the waters of the Brent River feed into the canal but was unable to locate it precisely. I wonder how the canal gets its refill from the river.

Of particular interest is the canal’s bridge over the North Circular Road with its stretch of ‘dual carriageway’. The divider between the two branches has a shield displaying the arms of the vanished county of Middlesex which has been absorbed by Greater London.

I always find it extraordinary when a canal crosses a road.

The North Circular was itself quite busy although not yet reduced to gridlock as it often is under ‘normal’ conditions. Traffic is, nevertheless, increasing with a loosening of lockdown regulations and doubtless the cleaner London air we breathe now may again recede in quality.

The canal was clearly less busy than the road but there was time to spot a longboat resembling a Viking ship, this time transporting not horn-helmeted warriors but a Hindu religious group singing to the accompaniment of drums. What a relaxing way to spend an afternoon!

It’s a real pity that this otherwise idyllic part of London’s backwaters is often badly littered largely by beer cans and spirit bottles. It seems that it’s difficult for some people to openly consume alcohol in their family homes, let alone take their litter home with them!

Volunteers should be encouraged to collect the cans: after all a deal of money can be made out of this material not only for the metal contained in them as suggested by this firm:

https://www.brysonrecycling.org/recycling/cash-for-cans/

but also because some people actually collect them as seen at https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Collectable-Beer-Cans/3919/bn_78214574

Some beer can labels are rather rare and can sell for over £10 even when empty!

Let’s hope that more beer can collectors will be conscripted.