East End Waterways

Walk length 6 miles/9.6 km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore some of the waterways of the East End along various interconnecting canals and tow paths.

Walk Description

The walk starts from Limehouse station at Limehouse Basin and follows the Limehouse Cut East to the River Lee, before following the River Lee North and then taking the Hertford Union Canal and Regent's Canal back to Limehouse Basin and Limehouse Station.

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Limehouse Basin was a major assembly point for shipping during the 19th Century, providing a Thames connection to the canal system. The Limehouse Cut and the Hertford Canal provided a link from the important Lee Navigation to the Regent’s Canal and Thames respectively.

There are a number of interesting old wharfs and factories along this route, many have been converted into flats or offices, however a great deal of old industrial heritage is still visible.

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Close to the end of the walk is the Ragged School building, which is now a museum and was where Dr Barnardo set up a school to educate poor children. It was one of a number of so called ‘Ragged Schools’ set up across working class areas in Britain during the 19th Century.

At the end of the walk we will get some refreshments at 'The Grapes' which is a traditional old pub close to Limehouse Basin that dates back to the 18th century and was frequented by Charles Dickens.

Although not a full guided tour walk, I will be pointing out some historical sights.

Meeting

Meet outside Limehouse DLR station from 1.45pm for the walk to start at 2.00pm. The walk finishes back at Limehouse DLR. Limehouse is on the Dockland light railway See Transport for London (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/)

Limehouse station has a number of exits, meet outside the branch road exit closest to the canal basin, see photo below.

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Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help me get accurate numbers, and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681.

Weather: Updates will be posted; see also BBC Weather (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/)
Please see our weather policy (https://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/Weather/)

Walking Safety:

Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)