The walk was circular, about 4.5 miles, and took Bromley-by-Bow station as its start and finish point. The route took us along the River Lea, the Hertford Union and Regent's Canals, detouring to Limehouse Basin (where boats enter and leave the Thames) and winding up along Limehouse Cut.
In the mid-19th century the banks of the River Lea were lined with flourishing industries. Because it was then deemed to be outside the City of London with its pollution regulations, the water and surrounding air quality were dangerously poor. How times have changed! Now this area is a clean, peaceful haven which in just a few months (and don't we all know it!) will play host to the greatest sporting event on earth. Rock on London!
