Canals and waterways

British Waterways is responsible for looking after the canals in Brent. Most canals have towpaths that were used by the horses which pulled the boats.They are very pleasant to walk along and are teaming with wild flowers and animals.
Canal walks in Brent

Cycling on towpaths
Before cycling on a towpath owned by British Waterways you need to get a permit

River Brent
The River Brent Restoration Project, a partnership between the London Borough of Brent and the Environment Agency, has restored two kilometers of the River Brent. The aim is to create more jobs and a pleasant environment where people can relax while improving safety and accessibility to the area.

Useful websites:

• Association of Inland Navigation Authorities represents the UK inland navigation authorities.
• Broads Authority is Britain's largest wetland and is a part of National Parks.
• British Marine Federation is the British boating industry's trade association.
• British Waterways is the public body responsible for maintaining and developing the waterways and their heritage for everyone to enjoy.
• The Environment Agency is the leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
• Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) is a statutory body set up under the 1968 Transport Act to advise the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Executive and British Waterways (BW) on strategic policy for the use and development of the 2000 miles of inland waterways managed by BW.
• Inland Waterways Association was founded in 1946 the association has over 50 years of successful campaigning for the inland waterways of Great Britain.
• Inland Waterways Association of Ireland is the (semi-official) IWAI homepage.
• National Association of Boat Owners promotes the interests and concerns of boaters on Britain's canals and rivers.
• Residential Boat Owners' Association acts in the interests of boat dwellers.
• The Waterways Trust promotes the public awareness and enjoyment of the UK's waterways. Works in partnership with individuals, communities and organisations to conserve, restore, improve and interpret all aspects of waterways.
• Towpath Action Group campaigns for better access on the towpaths of the country's canals.
• Waterways Liaison Service On-Line brings together waterway related organisations to promote their events to a wider audience.
• Waterscape.com for detailed information about individual waterways, news, events, places to eat and drink, dynamic mapping, holidays and things to do on and around the waterways.

Email tps@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 5210.