City Island and Bow Creek Ecology Park, 3 miles

We will meet outside the Canning Town tube station to explore this part of the Lea Valley. Please take the lift to your left as you exit. City Island is a new regeneration project in Docklands but it also contains the London’s only lighthouse. Built in 1864-66, the purpose of the lighthouse was originally as a testing venue for new types of lamps and lighthouse technology. At one time even Michael Faraday, one of the most influential scientists of all time, carried out experiments in the lighthouse. In fact, Faraday’s only invention ever to be patented – a new type of chimney designed to stop lamp gases combusting – was designed in this very place. Also within the lighthouse is situated the Longplayer. Longplayer is a one thousand year long musical composition. It began playing at midnight on the 31st of December 1999, and will continue to play without repetition until the last moment of 2999, at which point it will complete its cycle and begin again. Wonderful photo-opps with a number of unusual sculptures in situ. We will then make our way via the East India Dock to arrive to arrive at Bow Creek Ecology Park and finish our walk at the Canning Town tube station. Optional drinks/lunch at the local pub after the walk. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 events per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). 'No Show' Policy: If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.