Route Developer: DT
Route Checker:
[1] Turn left out of Anchorage House main exit, opposite Capstan House. At the end of the colonnade, continue across the road into Saffron Avenue past the 277 bus stops, following the pedestrian sign to Royal Docks. When convenient cross to left hand side. Cross Rosemary Drive, turn left into Oregano Drive, then immediately right into Sorrel Lane. At the main road, cross by the controlled crossing, pass under the brick arch and across the next road using the controlled crossing. Continue straight ahead, going between the concrete pillars, following pedestrian signs to the River Lea walkway. Follow this path until you emerge at a quiet road with the River Lea opposite.
If you need refreshments, instead of going ahead between the pillars, turn right into the Esso garage where hot and cold snacks, sandwiches and drinks are available.
Continue on to the river and and turn left at the black railings, following the pedestrian sign to Bow Creek Ecology Park. When the path meets the main road, turn sharp right past an electricity pylon and continue to follow the signs to Bow Creek Ecology Park. This leads to a blue pedestrian bridge across the River Lea.
[2] Once across the bridge, turn right to reach the Bow Creek Ecology Park (open daylight hours).
(A) Bow Creek Ecology Park is a small open space in Newham in London, run by Lee Valley Park. It features small streams and ponds, an external classroom, footpaths, observation points and seating. it was created by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1994 after a survey identified rare and unusual plant species in the area, presumed to be carried in by shipping, such as Hairy Buttercup, Walthamstow Cress and Unreel’s Wormwood.
Follow the gravel path, pausing to read the plentiful information signs. After passing under the DLR bridge, continue straight ahead along the wooden walkway down to the large pond. At the bottom, turn left up the concrete steps to rejoin the main path. The path continues for a short stretch (shown as an alternative route on the map), to the railway bridge, where as of August 2011 it currently finishes. Future regeneration plans for the area include its extension.
[3] To return, you need to retrace your steps through the park. After leaving the park, turn left on to the blue bridge. Keep left at the main road to follow the path by the river. Pass between the large concrete blocks on the path, and before you reach the Esso garage, turn right across the road into a private car park. Cross the main roads at the controlled crossings, following signs to East India Dock. Walk back along Sorrel Lane, Oregano Drive and Saffron Avenue to reach the centre.