Route Section Lea Valley Walk

Section 6 (Three Mills to East India Dock - The Meridian Alternative)

Description:

Please note that prior to July 2011 this section - Three Mills to East India Dock - was called section 5.

The Meridian Alternative starts at Three Mills Lane and finishes at East India Dock, a distance of 2.1 miles. The River Lea turns into the winding Bow Creek near its mouth with the Thames, with great views opposite of the Dome / O2 Arena.

From Three Mills, walkers have a choice; to head along the towpath of the Limehouse Cut to Limehouse Basin, or to continue along the Lea Valley Walk heading towards East India Dock, the so-called “Meridian Walk” – which crosses the Greenwich Meridian Line three times!

Near the start of this section, The Mills at Three Mills used to be powered by the tides, and produced flour and then gin. Part of Three Mills is now a TV studio.

Places of interest along this section are Canning Town, Bow Creek Ecology Park, East India Dock and Trinity Buoy Wharf.

There are picnic spots along the way, a café and a supermarket near the start at Three Mills, and a café at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

From East India Dock it is possible to turn right along the Thames (walking up river) as far as Island Gardens and beyond - at this point you are on the Thames Path north-east extension.

The nearest station to the start of this section is Bromley-by-Bow (underground) station and at the end of this section is East India Dock (DLR) station. Walkers could also catch a clipper from East India Pier.

Distance:

2.1 miles ( 3.5 km)

Start:

Three Mill Lane (TQ380825)

Finish:

East India Dock (TQ387808)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Terrain and surface:

Through streets

Signage:

This section isn't signed at all and involves mostly walking through streets.

Refreshments and toilets:

Picnic spots along the way, café at Trinity Buoy Wharf, then cafés and pubs at Limehouse Basin if you choose to walk up the Thames at the end.

Public transport and breakpoints:

At start: Bromley-by-Bow; at end: East India Dock (DLR).

For more information on public transport please see
Transport for London's Journey Planner.

Links with other walks:

Thames Path - you can continue east or west when you reach the Thames.