The Lea River Park is the name given to six new parks which together connect Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the Royal Docks and the River Thames, linked by the Leaway. The project completes the 26-mile long Lee Valley Regional Park which cumulatively connects Ware in Hertfordshire to the River Thames.

The redevelopment of the Lea River Park opens up 45 acres of new space creating walkways and cycle paths. It takes an hour to walk the entire Lea River Park with the opportunity to stop off and learn about some of the area’s rich history, including:

• Three Mills – a beautiful and historic area which is home to the world’s biggest tidal mill (which was listed in the Domesday Book) and 3 Mills Studio, a film studio which is now home of MasterChef.
• Bow Ecology Park – a thriving wildlife sanctuary with newts, water scorpions and flocks of wading birds.
• Trinity Buoy Wharf – home to London’s only lighthouse.
• Cody Dock – a formerly derelict dock which is being transformed into a thriving creative community space.
• The banks of the Lea at the Bow Brewery where India Pale Ale was first brewed.

 Download a map of the Leaway walking and cycling route here.

The Odd Guides 

Throughout London’s history, the River Lea has brought food, jobs, dirt and energy to the city.

To celebrate the area’s remarkable history, arts organisation Create has commissioned three Odd Guides to navigate the important contribution the River Lea has made to the lives of Londoners, past and present. Artists Gayle Chong Kwan, Leigh Clarke and Dash N’Dem have worked with teenagers living nearby to make these guides as a way of exploring the River Lea.

You can pick these Odd Guides up along the Leaway route (map here) or download them below.

                                      'Dirt'                                   'Nature and Food'                     'Trade and Industry'

For more information about the work of Create, visit www.createlondon.org/event/the-odd-guides/