A guidebook to the Lea Valley Walk, a 50-mile route following the River Lea from its source near Leagrave to East India Dock. The route is almost entirely level and suitable for all abilities.

• Presented in 5 stages (13–28km (8-17 miles)) with an alternative finish option (Stage 6)
• Can be completed over a long weekend, over the course of a week, or across multiple weekends
• A 6km (4-mile) circular walk (Tour of the Olympic Park) is also described
• 1:50,000 OS maps feature alongside route description
• Invaluable railway links provided, offering myriad itinerary flexibility
• Facilities table to help you plan your itinerary 
• GPX files available to download

Map key

Route summary table

INTRODUCTION

Lea Valley Walk

History of the valley

Heritage

Up and down the valley

London’s greenhouse

Wildlife

Backpacking the Walk

Day walking

An almost flat walk

Maps

Using this guide

THE LEA VALLEY WALK

Stage 1 Leagrave to Harpenden

Stage 2 Harpenden to Hertford

Stage 3 Hertford to Broxbourne

Stage 4 Broxbourne to Tottenham

Stage 5 Tottenham to East India Dock

Stage 6 (Alternative end) Bow Locks to Limehouse Basin

THE OLYMPIC PARK

Circular walk Tour of the Olympic Park

Appendix A Itinerary planner

Appendix B Further information

Seasons

Late summer sees harvesting around Wheathampstead and haymaking on Walthamstow Marsh. Best Autumn tree colours are in Luton’s Wardown Park and Brocket Park Estate. Winter and spring allow for clearer views.

Centres

Bedfordshire countryside gives way to Hertfordshire villages before the Walk turns south to Waltham Abbey and Greater London's marshes above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Difficulty

Most of the route is flat and good walking shoes are sufficient. After Hertford the way is a towpath and occasionally metalled. There are many railway stations near the Walk as well as at the beginning and end. Refreshment is easily available at the start and from Hertford onwards. But a gap in food provision can occur, especially in winter, after Wheathampstead until Hertford due to pub closures – so take a picnic.

Must See

First there is Limbury's moated Tudor pub, Luton's 900 year old church, pretty Lemsford's mill, lakes and Hertford Castle. From here navigation reaches Ware’s gazebos, moated Rye House, the Olympic White Water Centre and Waltham Abbey in its green grounds. Tottenham and Walthamstow Marshes are the prelude to the Olympic legacy parkland.

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