Ware to Waltham Abbey
Lakes of the River Lee Route Summary: A scenic circular route with stunning views across the Lee Valley. The route heads north past Bowyers Water then following the railway to Wharf Road. It turns south down the towpath passing the east side of Seventy Acres Lake and continuing along the Flood Relief Channel. Distance:
7½ miles
Terrain:
Surfaced pathways and towpath throughout, several bridges (one with a steep incline) and several walk-around and kissing gates.
Starting Point:
Vehicle access will be restricted from Highbridge Street during the construction of the White Water Canoe Centre for the London 2012 Games. Alternative car park/starting points along the route are: Hooks Marsh car park, Fishers Green Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey EN9 2ED Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF Turnford Brook car park, Cheshunt Wash, Turnford EN8 0XG Pindar car park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9AJ
Follow the pathway north out of the car park. Take the left hand path, bearing around the steep bridge incline. Proceed along the surfaced path, across the wooden bridge over the Small River Lea and continue west, bearing to the right at the pathway junction. Proceed north, keeping Bowyers Water on the left. At the pathway junction, bear to the left and continue north through Thistly Marsh. Turn left along the gravel path, bearing right onto the access road continuing north with the railway line on the left. Proceed around the gate and turn left. At the railway crossing, proceed over the road into Cheshunt Country Walk car park. Exit the car park through the walk-around and follow the surfaced path, keeping left, alongside the railway line. Continue north along the pathway (North Metropolitan viewing area is a short detour from the route – turn right at the signposted crossroads. The viewing area is located on the other side of the bridge) and over the red brick bridge, crossing the Small River Lea. Turn left at the end of the bridge and proceed north between the river and North Metropolitan Lake, passing Nightingale Wood on the right. Turn left across the small bridge, crossing the Small River Lea, heading towards the railway bridge. Turn right at the bridge and continue north along the surfaced pathway alongside the railway line. Remain on the surfaced path, bearing to the right and proceed north alongside Ashley Lake on the right. At the top of the lake, remain on the surfaced pathway, continuing in a northerly direction. Continue over Slipe Lane crossroads proceeding north to Wharf Road. Proceed through the walk-around to the road. Get Active in the Lee Valley
Page 1 of 2
Ware to Waltham Abbey Turn right along the pavement to Wharf Road car park and proceed onto the towpath. Turn right and follow the River Lee Navigation south, passing Aqueduct Lock. Proceed under the bridge and continue south to Cheshunt Lock (North Metropolitan Orchid Meadow is a short detour form the route – turn right onto the pathway and proceed down the slope to the fence. Continue through the kissing gate and proceed onto the boardwalk through the orchid meadow). Proceed over Cheshunt Lock and follow the pathway to Seventy Acres Lake. Turn left and continue north around the lake. Turn right at the Old River Lea and continue south, following the river on the left and passing Seventy Acres Lake on the right. Continue past the Bittern Information Point and the green bridge. (Lee Valley Park Farms are a short detour from the route - follow the pathway over the green bridge into Fishers Green car park. Proceed past the front of the toilets, and take the first right turn, signposted to Lee Valley Park Farms and continue along the pathway to the Farm car park). Proceed through the walk-around and head south along the pathway, keeping Seventy Acres Lake on the right and the Old River Lea on the left. Proceed through the walk-around gate, into Hooks Marsh car park. Continue towards and around the metal field gate opposite, onto Waltons Walk, heading in a south direction, keeping the river on your left. Continue past Hooks Marsh Lake, the Dave Stocker Sluices on the left and Hall Marsh Scrape on the right. At the south end of Hall Marsh Scrape, turn right following the pathway. Turn left signposted Highbridge, crossing the large wooden bridge and proceed through the kissing gate. Continue along the pathway across the Showground to the bridge. Proceed through the kissing gate, crossing the bridge over the River Lee Navigation. Turn left, down the slope and follow the pathway back to the car park.
Toilets Fishers Green car park – 2 minutes from route Pindar car park – 1 minute from route Lee Valley Park Farms – 5 minutes from route
Refreshments Lee Valley Park Farms - 5 minutes from route
Get Active in the Lee Valley
Page 2 of 2