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Waterways Trail
Length: 6.5km Estimated Duration: 1.5 hour
Take time out to recharge on one of London’s most uplifting nature trails. This free loop walk guides you around five of the Bow Back Rivers and through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park wetlands – a calming escape where water, greenery, and fresh air come together to support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Starting opposite the London Aquatics Centre, the trail follows peaceful stretches of water, with plenty of moments to pause and enjoy the natural surroundings. Along the way, you’ll also pass landmarks from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the Olympic Rings, London Stadium, the former Media Centre (now Here East), and the striking ArcelorMittal Orbit – the UK’s tallest sculpture.
With options to stop for a drink or bite to eat at Hackney Bridge Food Market and Barge East, a 125-year-old Dutch barge, this is an everyday activity that anyone can enjoy – completely free, whether for exercise, relaxation, or simply spending time outdoors.
Did you know?
As part of the 2012 London Olympic legacy, the Bow Back Rivers were brought back to life after decades of decline. A major £50 million restoration project transformed these neglected waterways into a vibrant network of clean, accessible canals, creating green spaces, boosting biodiversity, and providing lasting health and wellbeing benefits for East London communities.
