Ware to Waltham Abbey
Locks and Lakes Route Summary:
A circular river walk full of rural magic and historical charm. The route travels north along the towpath to Cheshunt before following the river south along Waltons Walk.
Distance:
4 miles
Terrain:
Surfaced pathway including a section of towpath and one bridge with a steep incline.
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 and Pindar car park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9AJ.
Follow the pathway north out of the car park, bearing right onto the towpath by the bridge. Turn left and continue north along the towpath under the bridge, passing Waltham Common Lock and continuing towards Cheshunt, passing alongside Pindar Car Park. Continue along the towpath passing Cheshunt Lake on your left. At the north end of Cheshunt Lake (The North Metropolitan Orchid Meadow is a short detour from the route – turn left after the bridge and then right, along the pathway parallel to the towpath. Turn left through the kissing gate and onto the boardwalk into the Orchid Meadow), proceed under the bridge and turn immediately left, bearing round and up over the bridge, crossing the River Lee Navigation. Exit the bridge and continue ahead, keeping to the right pathway in an easterly direction, crossing the green bridge between Seventy Acres Lake and Hooks Marsh Lake. Proceed through the bollards into the car park, turning right and exiting around the metal field gate onto Waltons Walk, heading in a southerly direction, keeping the Flood Relief Channel on the left. Continue past Hooks Marsh Lake and Hall Marsh Scrape on your right. Pass Waltham Abbey Town Lock and continue to end of Waltons Walk. (The Royal Gunpowder Mills and Waltham Abbey Town and Gardens are a short detour from the route - at Waltham Abbey Town Lock, turn left onto the roadside pavement, passing Royal Gunpowder Mills on the left. Proceed over the zebra crossing and turn left towards Waltham Abbey Town and Gardens) Turn right along the pavement and right down the slope onto the towpath. Continue north alongside the River Lee Navigation, turning left into Highbridge Street car park.
Toilets: Pindar car park – 1 minute from route Waltham Abbey town, opposite Abbey Church – 5 minutes from route Refreshments: Lee Valley Youth Hostel - 2 minutes walk from route Waltham Abbey town, opposite Abbey Church – 5 minutes from route
Get Active in the Lee Valley
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