SPRING CITY PADDLES: 2. LONDON, LIMEHOUSE CUT AND OLYMPIC STADIUM

By Lisa Drewe

2. LONDON, LIMEHOUSE CUT AND OLYMPIC STADIUM (10.5KM RETURN)

A loop through East London’s waterways linking the Limehouse Cut with the Bow Back Rivers around the Olympic Stadium. Historic canals, industrial relics and Olympic landmarks combine on this distinctive urban paddle.

This route begins on the Limehouse Cut – London’s oldest canal – before threading into the Bow Back Rivers, a network of channels revitalised for the 2012 Olympics within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Start at Limehouse Basin, joining the Limehouse Cut. Pass Ropemakers Field on the right before going under a railway bridge and Kings Wharf Park. Continue straight, flanked by apartments, warehouses, and bridges, heading toward the A12.

At the canal’s bend, stay left at Bow Locks, avoiding the locks and entering the River Lea Navigation under road and rail bridges. Pass Bow Free Wharf. Before Old Ford Lock, turn right under the footbridge to follow City Mill River around the London Stadium. Look for the ArcelorMittal Orbit and London Aquatics Centre, then pass City Mill Lock into the Bow Back Rivers.

After St Thomas Creek footbridge, turn sharply left under the A118 to rejoin the River Lea and follow your route back via Limehouse Cut.

Licence: Required, included in Paddle UK membership.

Starting point: Limehouse Basin, Pinnacle Way, E14 7PB (TQ 363 810; 51.51193, -0.03651).

Launch: From the north side, off the concrete platform by the lock, into Regent’s Canal.

Pitstops: Quirky café Great atmosphere and food. The Yurt Café. Short walk from Limehouse Basin www.rfsk.org.uk/yurt-cafe.

Special points: In summer, invasive weeds can slow progress. Always wash gear thoroughly before entering other waterways to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Note: There are no locks to portage.

Getting there: From Limehouse DLR, exit Branch Road, turn left, and follow the arches 250m to the canal launch.

Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-limehouse-cut-and-olympic-stadium/

After exploring London’s waterways, head north to the industrial heart of Birmingham.

Lisa’s Bio
Lisa is an award-winning outdoor writer, paddler and guidebook author, best known for her Paddleboarding book series published by Wild Things Publishing. She has explored hundreds of routes across Britain by paddleboard and kayak and writes regularly for outdoor and paddlesports publications.
https://www.islandeering.com