Pathfinder Walk: early 2006
Most recent walk: summer 2006
Bow Creek is one of the few remaining overground rivers to pass through central(ish) London. At its lower reaches it reminds one of London’s industrial past, passing into Hackney marshes further up. Never has the rough blended so well with the smooth.
Details:
Starting from Greenwich, the route passes under the foot tunnel to Island Gardens. It then strikes east, following the east bank of the Isle of Dogs until it meets the Bow Creek at Blackwall. (1 hour)
After some wandering around industrial estates in Bromley-by-Bow we come to the London Gas Museum. A short dogleg brings us onto the river by Limehouse Cut (left)
and from there we can follow the river/canal up past Lea Bridge road into Hackney Marshes. (3 hours plus)
Length: 3-4 hours depending on full details of route.
Travelling:
Greenwich is easily accessible by DLR or train from London Bridge. Blackwall is on a DLR line if you prefer the shorter walk.
Hackney is well-served by buses and overland trains to Liverpool Street Station.
Notable features:
Cutty Sark and Maritime Greenwich (optional)
Docklands
Majestic views of the Millenium Dome
The Bow River
Hackney Marshes
Drawbacks:
Bromley-by-Bow really is quite boring, and surprisingly hard to navigate. It’s a lot like walking through Hortonwood in Telford.
Because it’s a canalside for much of the walk, it is a daylight walk only.
