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Pickett's Lock (Formerly Alfie's Lock)

Pickett's Lock (Formerly Alfie's Lock)

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Pickett's Lock (Formerly Alfie's Lock)

Recommended by 93 cyclists out of 96

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Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Pickett's Lock (Formerly Alfie's Lock)

4.5

(22)

332

riders

1. Bridge Over the River Lee – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Theobalds Grove

45.5km

02:45

60m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3

(20)

152

riders

2. Hackney Marshes – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Plaistow

45.7km

02:42

100m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.4

(21)

152

riders

3. Hackney Marshes – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Mile End

44.5km

02:39

70m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Troy Mariyanayagam

June 6, 2020

It was previously known as Pickett's Lock.

Vieve

January 7, 2021

If you've not heard of Alfie's Lock, it's because this is a new name - it used to be called Pickett's Lock...here is the story (from Canal River Trust blog)

Pickett’s Lock on the River Lee Navigation, near Edmonton, has been renamed in honour of local resident Alfie Saggs, the former lock keeper at the site and all-round waterway icon.

We've installed a new sign marking ‘Alfie’s Lock’, following a request from Alfie’s family and the local boating community, to co-incide with Alfie’s 86th birthday.

He was lock keeper at the site from the early 1980s, with a typical day helping boaters through the lock starting at 7am and finishing at 8pm. A hand-painted notice on the lock requests boaters contribute a Bounty chocolate bar to Alfie, in return for safe passage. Since retiring, he’s continued to live in the lock house, and remains a hugely popular character with all those who use the river and its towpath.

Commenting on the recognition and celebration, Alfie, said: “It knocked me over with joy, it was the best day ever.”

Jacqui Shannon, who helped organise the event, said: “Alfie was utterly thrilled with the sign and we’re delighted so many people turned out to join the celebration. A good day was had by all and Alfie, exhausted and happy, went off to bed with a big grin on his face.”

Dick Vincent, Canal & River Trust towpath ranger, said: “Alfie is a legend on this part of the Lee. His family told us he’s not be very well recently and ask if there was any way we could recognise his amazing contribution to the area. Most people know this lock as 'Alfie’s Lock' anyway, so it was a no brainer. It’s been really popular with boaters and everyone who turned out to celebrate Alfie’s birthday. The sign is a temporary, it’ll revert back to Pickett’s Lock in a month, but hopefully that’ll be plenty of time for people passing through to see the signs and hopefully learn about Alfie and all that he has done here.”

K. b

July 2, 2022

Along the river and a bit narrow.

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Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 23 October

12°C

5°C

70 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 34.0 km/h

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See rides here

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Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

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Pickett's Lock (Formerly Alfie's Lock)

1. Bridge Over the River Lee – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Theobalds Grove

2. Hackney Marshes – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Plaistow

3. Hackney Marshes – Walthamstow Marshes loop from Mile End

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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