CouncilBow Lock to Three Mills & Old Ford locks
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Walking North from Bow Locks you will arrive at Three Mills Island.
Three Mills boasts hundreds of years of industrial heritage and is mentioned in the Doomsday book.
Built in 1776, the House Mill is Britain's oldest standing mill and together with the Clock Mill, re-built in 1817, they remain two of the most elegant waterside buildings in London. Tours of the House Mill are held every Sunday between May to September.
This is a good place to stop and have a rest, why not have a picnic or explore further into the Bow Back Rivers.
The Bow Back Rivers are a three and a half mile system of tidal and semi tidal waterways which feed the River Lee Navigation.
Their fascinating history dates back to Alfred the Great and the invasion of the Danes and records show that they were used to ferry food and fresh water into the city from the 12th Century.
While in the area, it's worth making a detour to The Abbey Mills Pumping Station which is a mid Victorian listed building. Designed by Joseph Bazalgette to overcome the 'Great Stink' of 1858, the pumping station was built in an elaborate Byzantine style that earned it the nickname 'Cathedral of Sewage'.
The original Moorish chimneys were demolished in WWII to prevent detection from German bombers.
Back on the towpath heading north you will cross the A11 - following the walkway signs in the footpath - and rejoin at the other side. Continue to walk northwards, crossing paths with the Greenway, a six mile green corridor linking Hackney and Beckton.
Just ahead to your left is the old Bryant and May match factory, built in 1911 it has now been converted into luxury flats.
You have now arrived in Old Ford Locks, once home to the Big Breakfast TV show.
