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 south passing the east side of Seventy Acres Lake and continuing along the Flood Relief Channel, then turns west across the Park, before turning north past Bowyers Water following the railway to Wharf Road before returning south along the towpath and back to the farm.
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:
Lee Valley Park Farms Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EG
Proceed across the extended car park and join the surfaced pathway on the left. At the field gate turn right and continue, turning left at the signpost to Fishers Green. Cross the car park and proceed into the Park through the walk-around gates Cross the green bridge, over the Flood Relief Channel and turn left 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. Continue straight ahead, down the slope 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.
Get Active in the Lee Valley
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Ware to Waltham Abbey 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 the Slipe Lane crossroads. Turn right on the next surfaced pathway and through the walk arounds on either side of the road. Follow the path straight ahead until it meets 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 turn left over the green bridge. Cross the car park and proceed through the walk around by the toilets and follow the pathway bck to the Farms. Toilets Lee Valley Park Farms Fishers Green car park Pindar car park – 1 minute from route
Refreshments Lee Valley Park Farms
Get Active in the Lee Valley
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