We are the North East London Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Angus A.
Please be aware that there are no convenient toilets on or at the end of the walk. Although the OS guide book refers to toilets facilities in Memorial Park and Beckton District Park they were closed on the day of the walkover and appear to be permanently closed.
We meet at 10.30 am at the entrance to Hackney Wick Station which is on the Mildmay Line with frequent trains from Stratford and Richmond.
We follow the Lee Navigation to its meeting with the River Lea at Old Ford Lock. We then walk along the Greenway until we turn off towards Beckton District Park. We walk though the Park before reaching Royal Albert Station, which is on the Docklands Light Railway. Hackney Wick and Royal Albert Stations are within Zone 3.
Most of the walk is along the Greenway that is perhaps ironically named. It runs over the Northern Outfall Sewage Embankment that forms part of the sewerage system designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and built in the 1860s. It is a bit of a route march not least because because "improvements" being undertaken by Thames Water necessitate two rather tedious diversions. Perhaps the improvements will eliminate the smell emanating from the various inspection hatches. We pass the listed Abbey Mill Pumping Station that formed part of Sir Joseph's immense scheme but unfortunately it is currently shrouded in scaffolding.
The initial section of the walk offers extensive views over the Olympic Park whilst the walk ends by the Royal Albert Dock on the other side of which is London City Airport.
There is no convenient place to stop for lunch. At the end of the walk a short walk leads to a an outdoor coffee bar although food is not served. The intention is to complete the walk with only a "banana break" along the way.
