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Lea Valley walking and cycle route

Route facts

Waterways:
River Lee »

Distance: 3.98 miles / 6.4 km

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Circular route from: Waltham Town Lock

Waltham Cross train station is half a mile east of the start of the route. This route follows the
towpaths of the River Lee Navigation and surrounding marshland. It is mainly a gravel surface. It has excellent facilities and transport links. The combination of open space and abundant wildlife makes it hard to believe it’s only seventeen miles from central London.

Download British Waterways’ latest guide to walking and cycling the canals for further information on this and other routes.

 

Waypoints

1. Start

The route begins at Waltham Town Lock.

Easting: 537482, Northing: 200599

2. Waltham Town Lock to Cadmore Lane Bridge

Continue past the lock along the towpath and you will shortly arrive at Cheshunt where the Herts Young Mariners are based. Colourful narrowboats moor along the towpath, following the course of 13th century grain traders on their way to Hertford.

Easting: 537078, Northing: 202817

3. Cadmore Lane Bridge to Hooks Marsh Car Park

At Cadmore Lane Bridge, leave the towpath and turn right over the bridge towards Fishers Green. The wetlands on the left are part of Seventy Acres Lake. Close by is Fishers Green, home of the National Bittern Watchpoint. At the fork continue straight, following the signs for Hooks Marsh car park.

Easting: 537646, Northing: 202641

4. Hooks Marsh Car Park to Royal Gunpowder Mills

Go through the car park and follow the signs to Waltham Abbey situated opposite the information point. On your left is the flood relief channel, also known as Horsemill Stream. Carry on along this path and before long you will be able to make out the Royal Gunpowder Mills on the opposite bank.

Easting: 537504, Northing: 201041

5. Royal Gunpowder Mills to Start (and sightseeing)

About a mile further than this you will emerge next to your starting point at Waltham Town Lock. From here you can make a detour east to Waltham Abbey, the last Abbey to fall due to the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. You can also visit the Royal Gunpowder Mills by making a short detour north from the road bridge.

Easting: 537592, Northing: 200199