Bow Back Rivers
4 miles long with 6 locks

History and General Knowledge of the Bow Back Rivers

Take some time to explore Bow Back Rivers

• Come off the Lee Navigation, opposite Swan Wharf, into the Old River Lea. Here you'll find a little-known network of backwaters of the River Lee.
• Including: Old River Lea, Waterworks River, City Mill River, Old River Lea, Channelsea River, Pudding Mill, Prescott Channel, Bow Creek, St Thomas Creek, Three Mills River
• Bow Creek that runs around the Leamouth Peninsular and into the River Thames
• Pudding Mill which runs to St Thomas Creek with an inter-connecting lock to Three Mills River where there are about 20 or so Narrowboats moored to floating pontoons.
• St Thomas Creek  continues as the City Mill River and into Old River Lea
• City Mill River runs more or less parallel to Waterworks River. There looks to be some Pleasure Cruise Barges moored here.
• Prescott Channel which holds Three Mills Lock and Wier.

There are a few Pubs and Cafe's dotted about this old network with a good concentration in Hackney Wick.

History of The Bow Back Rivers

The Bow Back Rivers is a complex network of waterways in East London, England, which includes the River Lea and a series of interconnecting canals and waterways. The area has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman period.

During the medieval period, the Bow Back Rivers were used to transport goods to and from London. The rivers were used to transport goods such as timber, coal and grain, which were essential to the growing city of London.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Bow Back Rivers became an important part of London's industrial infrastructure. They were used to transport goods to and from the rapidly growing factories and industries of East London.

During the 19th century, the Bow Back Rivers were enlarged and modernised as part of a major infrastructure improvement project, which included the construction of the nearby Regent's Canal. This expansion allowed larger barges to navigate the waterways and increased their capacity for transporting goods.

However, by the mid-20th century, the Bow Back Rivers had fallen into disuse and were largely neglected. The area became derelict, and the waterways were heavily polluted.

In the 2000's the Bow Back Rivers underwent a major regeneration project, as part of the wider regeneration of East London in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics. The project included the construction of new waterways, the restoration of historic waterways and the creation of new wildlife habitats.

Today, the Bow Back Rivers are once again a thriving part of London's infrastructure, with the waterways used for a range of activities, including boating, kayaking, and fishing. The area has also become a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, with new cycle paths and footpaths created as part of the regeneration project.

The Bow Back Rivers are now a valuable part of London's heritage, a testament to the city's history and an important part of its future.