New river walk along the Lee
Route facts
Waterways:
River Lee »
Distance: 4.23 / 6.8
Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
Circular route from: Broxbourne Railway Station
This is a relaxing circular walk on the Hertfordshire and Essex borders. You will be able to discover Nazeing Meadows with its thousands of gulls, Dobbs Weir with its fast flowing water, and the New River, which has a fascinating history.
The walk is a mixture of surfaced paths and grass tracks. The towpath is muddy in wet weather.
You can start at whatever point is more convenient for you. There are picnic tables, a snack wagon, cafe and pubs along the route. Toilets are located at The Old Mill and Meadows and Dobbs Weir.
Getting there
Parking: There is parking at various points along the route.
Public transport: Broxbourne is the nearest railway station and buses 392 and 393 stop here.
Waypoints
2. Broxbourne Railway Station to Admiral's Walk Lake
The route begins at Broxbourne Railway Station and, from here, you will need to walk up the stairs from the car park up to the New River Path. Follow the route of the New River, an artificial waterway which was dug in the 17th century to supply the City of London with drinking water. As you walk along the path of the river, you will come to Broxbourne Pumping Station, which was built in 1886 and is now a Grade 2 Listed Building. After a while you will come to Admiral's Walk Lake which, between late May and August, has bats swooping over the surface of the water in search of insects. The lake is one of the best feeding sites for bats in the Lee Valley.
3. Admiral's Walk Lake to Nazeing Meads
From the lake, you will continue along the path of the river, before turning right near the top of the lake. Shortly after turning you will be crossing private land where you may see horses grazing. Dogs must be kept on a lead. You will also have to cross a railway line here, so you will need to be careful. You will also cross the Meridian Line, an imaginary line which runs from pole to pole from Greenwich. The next thing to look out for along your route is Dobbs Wier - a refreshing site and a favourite spot for fishing. There are picnic tables here, a cafe and the Fish and Eels Public House where you can sit outside, overlooking the weir. Further along you will come to Nazeing Meadows. Thousands of gulls roost on these two large lakes or lagoons in the early evening. The waters support Carp, Pike and Eels.
4. Nazeing Meadows to Crown Public House
As you walk along the side of the meadows, you will pass Broxbourne Sailing Club and East London Windsurfing School. Shortly after this you will walk through the 'mystical' living tunnel, a complete contrast to the open view of the Lakes at Nazeing Meadows. Further along, you will cross over the Prime Meridian Line once again. Walking just a little further along, you will be able to watch the narrowboats navigating Carthagena Lock on the River Lee Navigation. The Crown Public House is not too far from here!
5. Crown Public House to Broxbourne Railway Station
Close by to the pub is the Lee Valley Boat Centre, River Cruise Boats, Lee Valley Cycle Hire and Lee Valley Leisure Pool. Also nearby and along the route are The Old Mills and Meadows. The Mill had stood at the site for more than 900 years until it was destroyed by a massive fire in 1949. Looking down at the millrace, you can see the restored mill wheel and some of the old mill machinery. In 1644, the mill was described as 'three mills under one roof' which gives us a hint to the size of the original building. Follow the Lee Valley line pavement markers and finger posts over the Mill Stream and under the road into Broxbourne Station car park.
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