Diversion: Old Ford Lock to Bow

The towpath is now closed just south of Old Ford Lock and Bow Flyover.

This is not caused by the Olympics but the construction of Crossrail which will not be ready for 2012.

After Old Ford Lock you cross the Old River Lee and pass under the Northern Outfall Sewer, better known now as The Greenway. As soon as you have passed under this low bridge you now go left away from the river and up a slope to the top of The Greenway.

Turn right and enjoy the view of the Olympic Stadium on your left. Ahead is the excellent Container Cafe (9am-4.30pm). But just before the cafe bear right down a slope to Pudding Mill Lane where the security guard will direct you across the road. Turn left to reach the main road. Go right to rejoin the Lea Valley Walk opposite McDonald’s.

The diversion will remain in place at least until December.

See pages 115-116.

Jim Lewis’s Lea Valley lecture in April

Here is early notice of an interesting event after Easter.
Jim Lewis, author of several books on the Lea Valley, is giving a talk in central London on Wednesday evening 21 April.
He will be speaking about the industrial archaeology of the valley as guest of the Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society.
The venue is the Morris Lecture Theatre in the Robin Brook Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in Smithfield.
Go into the hospital from West Smithfield and after the second archway turn immediately right. Enter via the small flight of steps at the front. The lectures start at 6.30pm. Admission free.