Stop 5 - Old River Lea

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Show transcript

The Old River Lea feels much more enclosed and private here, as the footpath is enclosed on this side by a high wall with greenery growing on it. The London Stadium looms up above and beyond. The other side of the footpath ends in a sheer concrete drop down to the river’s water level, and no barriers to stop you from falling in. The far bank of the river has natural earth sloping down to the water, and old trees providing shade.

There is a concrete island in the river with grooves running vertically down into the water. Going forward from here, the river has the beginning of a branch off towards the London Stadium, but it ends abruptly after a few feet with a concrete wall. At the right time of the year there is tall sedge grass growing, ducks swimming and birds flitting about.

The path is even here, but there is no barrier between you and the edge of the river. Going forward, the path slopes down and gets a bit narrower and rougher.