Filtering Back in Time

Starting point: Lee Valley Ice Centre car park, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL

n intriguing historical circular route exploring the urban and rural diversity of the area. The route heads north, circling Springfield Park before returning south to Hackney Marshes along the Lee Valley Pathway and west through the Middlesex Filter Beds.

Directions

• From the car park head north to the left of the Lee Valley Ice Centrepassing through the double gates and past a wildlife and heritage information panel

• Continue north along the path, on your left is the Lee Navigation and on your right Leyton Marsh

• Proceed over the cattle grid, entering Walthamstow Marshes

• Continue north passing under the railway bridge, the AV Roe Arches are located on the right, continue along the pathway

• Turn left over Horseshoe Bridge and continue left, passing through the walk-around gate, before turning right into Springfield Park, Hackney

• Proceed along the surfaced path up the slope

• Turning left at the next junction, proceed up the six steps and to the viewpoint

• Continue along the path, passing in front of the buildings and a shelter on the right

• Proceed to the roadside fence and turn right down the hill, following the path to the corner of the park

• Proceed over High Bridge and continue along the road passing Lee Valley Marina, Springfield on the right

• Continue over the bridge crossing Coppermill Stream and proceed along the tarmac road, keeping the stream on your left

• Proceed under a low bridge and turn right in to Coppermill Fields car park

• Proceed through the walk-around gate and follow the Lee Valley Pathway south through Coppermill Fields

• Follow the pathway under the railway bridges and continue south, past the wildflower meadow on your right and Lee Valley Riding Centre on the left

• Continue through the Lea Bridge Road underpass, following the pathway passing the WaterWorks Centre nature reserve on the left towards the river

• Cross Friends Bridge onto Hackney Marshes

• Continue ahead on the surfaced path, in a southerly direction

• Turn right onto the grass path and proceed to the black double gates at the entrance of the Middlesex Filter Beds

• Continue through the gates and follow the pathway. Proceed around the edge of the site passing wildlife and heritage information panels and continue to ‘Natures Throne’ artwork and the weir at the western edge

• Follow the right hand path and turn right at the information panel, out of the Middlesex Filter Beds

• Turn right onto the towpath and proceed, crossing the river and past the Princess of Wales pub

• Proceed through the underpass bearing to the left onto Lea Bridge Road

• Turn left onto the pavement, leading back to Lee Valley Ice Centre car park