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Hackney
Marshes Loop

By GorpGirls

London, UK Country Flag

GorpGirls is a community focused on making women feel welcome and comfortable within the outdoors. They run events in both London and Los Angeles through their hike, run and climb clubs.

Route

Try this 7.2km circular trail through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Hackney Marshes in London. The trail heads along the River Lea, visits several pools in the park, and passes by London Blossom Garden before heading across to the Hackney Marshes. Here, it meanders along the River Lee Navigation to Middlesex Filter Beds nature reserve and follows the River Lea back to the trailhead. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead. Get coffee at the Timber Lodge.

Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >
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3-4 hours going at a slow pace with lots of cute stops.

The trail is relatively flat throughout, though some parts of the path can get muddy after rainfall.

Friends, plenty of water, comfortable clothing and shoes fit for walking.

Hiking Key
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The Look

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They were super comfortable and the perfect shoe for both the trail and everyday use. They have become our go to sneaker to both run errands and lead hikes.

SpeedArc Matis
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Field Notes:

I try to walk around Hackney Marshes every day - it’s a convenient nature space in London and a great place to clear my head in the morning. This route is steeped in London history. The Lee River used to diving east and west Saxon territory - with the east now called Essex and the west Middlesex. The marshes and the canals create lots of lovely pathways to follow. You end and begin in the Olympic park, designed for the 2012 London Olympics and still full of very active sports centres and facilities.

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Good To Know

If raining the previous day the marshes may be a bit muggy despite having pedestrian paths. We would recommend coming equipped for wet ground.

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"I wanted to create a space for myself and others to connect with like-minded women, and have companions to explore nature with!"

When To Visit

All year round! However this walk is particularly lovely on a spring sunny day!

Q&A:

Why do you love urban hiking in London?

I love that it allows me to be mindful and connect with nature in the city, even with my busy schedule.

3 favourite places to hike in the UK:

Seven Sisters (accessible in a day from London), Box Hill (also accessible from London) and anywhere in the Lake District if you’re able to get there for an overnight stay or camp trip!

Why did you start Gorp Girls and what are your most proud of achieving?

I started GorpGirls because I noticed that there lacked a spotlight on women within the outdoors, even though I knew so many amazing women doing great things in the space. I also wanted to create a space for myself and others to connect with like-minded women, and have companions to explore nature with!

What would you say to someone who needs encouragement to get out on their first hike?

Don’t let social media make you think the outdoors is intimidating or that you need to have the best hiking outfit or kit to go outside. The outdoors is for everyone, as long as you respect the nature around you.

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HIKING TIPS

  • Be safe and plan your route ahead
  • Be weather wise, check the forecast
  • Take the correct clothing and provisions
  • Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
  • Take your litter with you
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Have fun!