Paddle the Lee Navigation and surrounding waterways on a loop around London Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You’ll see street art, spot wildlife, and paddle past the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit – a symbol of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. (Waterways licence required. Find out more).
Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Sat Nav: E20 2AR (launch by tow path)
What3Words: ///storms.tube.palms
Find the map and route on PaddlePoints >>
Starting in Hackney Wick, this easy circular paddling route from Paddle London author Anu Aladin is the perfect introduction to paddling in East London. Ideal for paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak — no car needed!
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Credit: Anu Aladin
Head to Hackney Wick (the overground station is just five minutes away) and walk past Paddle UK delivery partner, Moo Canoes and the food boats.
Launch your paddleboard or kayak, from the towpath next to the Olympic Park.
After you get going, portage at Old Ford Lock (watch the drop!), then turn left onto the Old River Lee.
You’ll pass colourful street art and plenty of wildlife – keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, cormorants, coots and moorhens.
Portage at Old Ford Lock. Credit: Anu Aladin
Take in the varied urban scenery that makes East London paddling so unique!
Keep paddling, and you’ll soon see the ArcelorMittal Orbit come into view – the towering red sculpture that became an iconic symbol of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
Continue along City Mill River for views of London Stadium, home of West Ham United.
Then on to St Thomas Creek before turning right back onto the Lee Navigation and heading back to the start.
Paddle past the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit next to the Olympic Park. Credit: Anu Aladin
Finish with a well-earned drink in Hackney Wick – there are plenty of food carts by the water.
Don’t have your own board or boat? You can hire equipment at Moo Canoes. Inflatable kayaks and SUPs are a great option if you’re travelling by public transport.
JOIN TODAY TO UNLOCK YOUR WATERWAYS LICENCE
To download the full route and plan your paddle, visit our PaddlePoints map.
St Thomas Creek. Credit: Anu Aladin
About Anu
Anu Aladin is a SUP Instructor and author who has been paddling London’s waterways for over 10 years. She’s passionate about proving that adventure doesn’t always have to mean going far — sometimes it’s right on your doorstep. A car-free paddler herself, Anu navigates London’s waterways mainly by public transport. Proof that you don’t need one to have a great adventure!
Exploring London from the water offers a whole new perspective on the city, uncovering hidden pockets of nature, architecture, culture and art that you’d never spot from the towpath.
Her book, Paddle London, published by Adlard Coles, features 40 routes to discover around the city — from quiet canals to open stretches of river, there’s something for every level of paddler. We’ll be sharing more London routes soon, so keep an eye out.
Thanks to Anu for kindly sharing this route. You can keep up to date with her adventures on Instagram at @mysupstories.
Love this route?
Then tick off more London trails which can be found on PaddlePoints and are included in your waterways licence from Paddle UK:
– Little Venice to Kensal Green Substation taking you deep into West London’s industrial heritage, Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove.
– Hackney Wick to Clapton on the River Lee Navigation to explore London’s hip and historic East End.
– Grand Union Canal with its urban stretches making it a true hidden gem for capital-dwelling paddlers – we recommend the Paddington Arm.
– Richmond to Kew Bridge with a meander downstream from Richmond bridge passing by the grassy parklands of 17th-century Ham House.
