Walking with family: Canning Town to Canary Wharf... and beyond

Bow Creek.

Sunday April 27, 2025. Another Sunday and another trip to London. 

Keilyn, my mum and I took a leisurely stroll to Watford Metropolitan station, where we caught a Baker Street-bound train to Finchley Road, from where we caught a Stratford-bound train to Canning Town. With a football match, at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon, across London, the trains were a little busier than normal, but they soon cleared after we passed Canada Water.

'After the Dance' by Colin Spofforth

At Canning Town we took the lift to Footbridge Level and made our way across to City Island and Hopewell Square, and its sculpture entitled 'After the Dance', before we explored the wonderfully landscaped green spaces along Bow Creek and the River Lea. Because we were further east, than the eastern point of the London Marathon on the north bank, City Island was deserted.

We then had a short wander around East India Basin, before heading to Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Hot chocolate time.

Our first stop was at the Orchard Café, where drinks and food were ordered, which we finished while sitting at one of the tables. The beverages and pastries were wonderful, while the service was impeccable.

Keilyn, the photographer.

On leaving the café, we kept to the wharf wall, so that we could take in the historic vessels and the various sculptures dotted around. Then we entered the Faraday Effect shed and explored a little more.

After checking out the Faraday Effect, Keilyn led us into the Bow Creek Lighthouse, clambering up the stone stairs to the first floor, excited to see, and hear, 'Longplayer' again. Mum and I soon caught up to her, before she was leading us up the final set of stairs to the Lantern Room, where you can hear 'Longplayer' a lot clearer, whilst also taking in the views along the River Thames. Another visitor, to the lighthouse, was already in the Lantern Room, listening quietly to the music, and kindly offered to take a photo of the three of us.

Just the three of us.

After the photo and we had sat for a few minutes, we made our way downstairs and out of the lighthouse to look at more of the buildings and sculptures. We then made our way into the Trinity Art Studios, where we looked at paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art.

Now, we had a decision to make. Use the Lea Crossing, and head to the Royal Docks, or head towards Canary Wharf.

Sailing boats and the O2 Arena.

We headed west, walking through East India Basin and saw some small sail boats heading up the river. From here we headed to Virginia Quay and Prime Meridian Walk, before turning onto Newport Avenue, where we stopped at a convenience store to purchase some lunch and more drinks. We ate our baguettes in the shade, below the DLR, before heading up to platform level, where we caught a DLR train to Poplar.

Reuters Plaza.

Arriving at Poplar we used the lift to reach street level, following Aspen Way until we reached Upper Bank Street. Ahead of us we could see the bustle of spectators cheering on the marathon runners, which we soon got caught up in. After watching some of the competitors, from a vantage point at the corner of Canada Square and North Colonnade, we headed along South Colonnade until we reached Reuters Plaza. I have never seen this plaza filled with so many people, as shoppers mingled with fans and residents, all heading in opposing directions.

Marathon runners heading along Westferry Road, below Westferry Circus.

We continued along South Colonnade and through Cabot Square until we reached Westferry Circus, where we sat in the welcome shade of some trees. Realising that there was no way that we were going to be able to catch a train, as the queue at Westferry was a half mile long, we decided to walk some more. This turned out to be quite enjoyable, as we got caught up in the atmosphere of the London Marathon, something none of us had ever visited, in person. There were plenty of Police officers enjoying the atmosphere, along with everyone else, while St John's Ambulance volunteers were busy with those overcome by exhaustion.

Reflections in Limehouse Basin.

Along the Limehouse Causeway and onto Narrow Street, we walked, cheering on the runners as they passed us. We cut through Limehouse Basin, then Basin Approach and could see that the queue at Limehouse DLR station was even longer than the last. After a short rest we decided that it would be easier to walk to Aldgate station, 30 minutes away. So we continued, heading onto Ratcliffe Lane and down Butcher Row, before we reached The Highway.

Running in costume.

Cleaners were already collecting the millions of plastic Buxton water bottles and Lucozade gel sachets, which were strewn across the road, as runners reached the 22-mile marker, after over 6 hours of running. Keilyn enjoyed calling out the runners names, as they were emblazoned on their tops, encouraging them on, while also being surprised by the various costumes that some of the runners were wearing. Soldiers in full gear with kit, a Narwhal, rhinos, a telephone box, the London Eye, Firemen, with breathing apparatus, and so many more. 

The Shard behind His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.

The Highway brought us to East Smithfield and, finally, Tower Hill. Because of the closed roads and pavements the 30 minute walk ended up being closer to an hour, but it had still been enjoyable.

Trinity Square brought us to Cooper's Row, where Keilyn purchased an ice cream, before we continued up Crutched Friars and Jewry Street, which brought us to Aldgate High Street and our destination.

Fire Insurance Markers

An Amersham-bound fast service train was waiting at the platform, so we jumped aboard and grabbed a seat for the few stops to Baker Street.

Treats and Starbucks were bought, before we boarded a train for home.

The journey was relaxing, and quiet, as we sped through the suburbs of Northwest London, which soon turned to green fields and moorland as we reached Hertfordshire.

As we left the train we bumped into some family friends, who had been on the same train, with one of their daughters, Deborah, whose nephew had completed the London Marathon. I had gone to primary school with Deborah and it had been many years since we had seen each other, so it was good to see her again and have a much too brief catch up.

After saying our 'goodbyes' a taxi was ordered and home we headed.

Now... according to my mum the distance travelled was 24,999 steps (11.48 miles), whereas my Google Maps Timeline calculated the distance as a little less (see below).

Either way, it was a great day out.

Distance travelled:

• Bus - 0.0 miles
• Cable Car - 0.0 miles
• Car - 0.0 miles
• DLR - 1 mile
• Ferry - 0.0 miles
• Overground - 0.0 miles
• River Boat - 0.0 miles
• Taxi - 0.8 miles
• Train - 0.0 miles
• Underground - 47 miles
• Walking - 10.8 miles