Best walks from Heron Quays

Liverpool Street Station to Heron Quays Station

An urban walk through the City on quiet lanes and back roads south of Aldgate, passing pocket parks and green spaces, then dockside pathways at Tobacco Dock and Shadwell Basin, Thames-view detours and into Docklands with public art. Some road walking around Cable Street; the Thames Path access can be changeable. Plenty of transport links (DLR, Overground, buses, river ferries) and many small shops and places to eat. The route passes a Hawksmoor churchyard, St George's Gardens, Tobacco Dock and Shadwell Basin, plus an abundance of public art in Docklands.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

Public access to the Thames Path is changeable, with fingerposts sometimes contradicted by padlocks; signs and infrastructure works (due to end summer 2025) may alter the way through. A King Edward Memorial Park diversion is in place.

Lunch stop: the Prospect of Whitby.

Many small shops and places to eat in the Canary Wharf area, including dockside bars and coffee vans.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Heron Quays Station to Stratford Station

One of my favourite urban walks. An interesting urban route entirely on hard surfaces, much of it along riverside paths and canal towpaths through the Docklands and Poplar and with cobbled sections and a floating pontoon at Bow Locks. Steps down to the canal and a steep bridge; the towpath can be muddy and puddly after rain. Passes the Museum of London Docklands, Poplar Recreation Ground (which may close after dark) and Chrisp Street Market. Lots of statues, artworks and memorials throughout.

6km.

The Limehouse Cut towpath is narrow with an unprotected drop to the water, and access involves steps with no level alternative. Much of the canal section is unlit and feels unsafe in the dark given the deep water; cyclists use the path.

Lunch: Cafes and pubs close to or on the route, with plenty of options at either end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Heron Quays Station to Cutty Sark for Maritime [Greenwich Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/kent/cutty-sark-for-maritime-greenwich)

Epic views back across the docks to the Docklands towers and across the Thames. A direct, fully pedestrianised waterside route through Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, crossing under the Thames via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Flat throughout and with some uneven paving where tree roots lift slabs; the foot tunnel has long spiral staircases with lift alternatives.

Easy: 3km, gentle ascents.

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel lifts are sometimes out of service, adding a long flight of steps.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Cambridge Heath Station to Heron Quays Station

An interesting walk through London's East End and Docklands, balancing aesthetics with easy navigation and avoiding most main roads. Mixes wide flat streets, a stretch of Regent's Canal towpath, riverside Thames Path and a park; the canal is largely unlit. Good for wheels and with some steps near the building works at Canary Wharf that have a lift alternative. Passes the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster memorial (Stairway to Heaven), Stepney City Farm (cafe and Saturday market), and the Ragged School Museum. Staying on the canal through Mile End Park makes the walk greener.

Easy: 4km, gentle ascents.

The Regent's Canal towpath is largely unlit and feels uneasy in the dark. There may be access issues where the route passes through a building at the Canary Wharf end if it is closed; a temporary closure of the riverside path beyond Canary Wharf Pier requires a short signed diversion.

Lunch: Food and drink at various points around Stepney and Mile End Road, plus at both ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route