This walk uses quiet park paths and canal towpaths. These are frequently shared with cyclists and joggers and the canal waterfront is unfenced. Be alert for other users, especially those coming from behind.
[1] At St Mark’s Gate continue into Victoria Park. At crossroads continue straight on and shortly, at tennis courts, turn left, towards boating pool. At One O’Clock Club bear right. Shortly you come to a large children’s play area with paddling pools on the left and a formal garden with seats on right.
Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria, was laid out between 1842 and 1846. At the time it was built, there was great concern about overcrowding and industrialisation in East London. It became known as the ‘People’s Park’ and was an essential amenity for the East End working classes as well as a centre for political meetings and rallies.
[2] Continuing straight on, at main path crossroads, turn left and immediately right, to head alongside lake, with lake on left. Turn left at end of lake to continue alongside lake. At next lake corner, turn right and shortly turn left ,towards the Drinking Fountain. (photo).
Clean drinking water was scarce in London in the mid nineteenth century so public drinking fountains were constructed throughout the city. In 1861 Baroness Burdett-Coutts (of the Coutts Bank family) gave Victoria Park an ornate, sculpted drinking fountain (designed by H A Darbyshire). (Grade II listed) It is said to have cost £6000, a fortune in those days.
[3] At fountain, bear left and take second left path, effectively going straight across, towards the periphery of the park. Turn left at main path, heading for main park gates. Use zebra crossing, at the Royal Gates, to cross into the west section of the park. Shortly at children’s playground turn left, towards lake and Pavilion Cafe and Toilets.
[4] Go behind Cafe and turn right following the lakeside. As lake approaches the Regent's Canal turn left up slope to leave Park at Arcade Gate and immediately turn left to go along Canal past lock.
The Regent' s Canal (1820) starts from the River Thames at Limehouse. It passes through Kentish Town and Regent's Park to join the Grand junction Canal at Paddington, where there are connections to Brimingham and the North.
[5] Go past locks and under Old Ford Road Bridge. Continue up and down slope (actually a bridge over the Hertford Union Canal ) and then turn left away from canal into a small park. Turn right at Addidas basketball and trim equipment. Follow path down towards canal and use the tunnel on left to pass under Roman Road. Shortly turn left at a black, white and reddish-orange column and then right at path crossroads into Mile End Ecological Park. Cross Pond and pause at information board.
Mile End Park has been 50 years in the making, resulting from Abercrombie’s post war plan for a park stretching from Victoria Park, in the north, to the Thames. The park has been created from land brought into park use over 50 years - much of it formerly housing and industrial buildings. The Ecology Park, within the main park, includes ponds, an earth sheltered pavilion and wind turbine. It is also home to rare orchids, moths and spiders. This part of the park also includes a Climbing Wall and a surviving east End Pub with a musical tradition– the Palm Tree.
[6] Continue straight on towards the Pub and then head towards apartments and new pedestrian bridge (using a short section of wood chip path if pub gate closed).
The 65 tonne Meath Bridge, opened Oct 09, was assembled off-site in sections and craned into position. It was funded by the National Lottery 'Big Lottery Fund' after locals chose the bridge in a vote when asked what new local facilities they would like. I
[7] Continue down to canal and go under railway. Continue along canal until just before lock. Fork left and follow path to right with Mound on left past New Globe Tavern Information Board.
The New Globe Tavern dates from 1821 and at that time there were extensive pleasure gardens where the Victorians would stroll under 10,000 coloured lights, take tea or be entertained by ballet, concerts or balloon flights.. By 1860 the gardens had been sold and were redeveloped as housing. Part has now been turned back into park. (see information board for more detail and photo)
[8] Follow gravel path as it bears right and climbs. Fork left by Security Camera, towards green tiled viewpoint, overlooking the Mile End Road. Follow viewpoint terrace round and then use steps to return to main path. (or retrace route to avoid steps). Turn left at main path and complete climb. You are now on the Green Bridge and you will see Mile End Underground Station below to your left.
The Green Bridge (also known affectionately as the Banana Bridge, due to its yellow underside) joins the north and south sections of the park into a single park.
[9] Just after the top, by metal pyramid, use steps to descend to green tiled terrace (use next right to avoid steps). Follow terrace back to main path. Take next right (or continue along main path and turn right at bottom to avoid steps) to go down Terraced Gardens towards the lake.)
The planting of the Terrace Garden (photo) is designed to maximize sensory enjoyment and was originally planted in 2000 with the help of children and young people
You may now wish to relax by the lake or explore the terrace gardens before going the short distance to the underground station.
[10] Turn right towards main road and then right to go under the Green Bridge. At traffic lights (cafes) go straight on for the Underground Station.