Route Section Lea Valley Walk

Section 1 (Waltham Abbey to Ponders End)

Description:

The first London section of the Lea Valley Walk is three and half miles long stretching from Waltham to Ponders End Lock. There are fascinating traces of gunpowder heritage here, as well as some wonderful wildlife-spotting locations.

Highlights before the start of the walk include Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest Museum, the Cornmill Meadows with its dragonfly reserve, and the Royal Gunpowder Mills which is now a great place for bird-watching.

On this section of the Lea Valley Walk, walkers can also see Rammey Marsh, Enfield Island Village on the site of a former Arms Factory, and Mossop’s Creek.

At Enfield Lock the Lea Valley Walk joins the London LOOP, walkers can follow this for 1½ miles west to visit Myddelton House with its famous gardens.

The route is clearly marked and is one linear route running alongside the River Lea and on towpath. There are plenty of opportunities along the route to take in a break with several picnic spots.

The nearest station to the start of this section is Waltham Cross and at the end of this section is Ponders End.

Distance:

3.5 miles ( 5.5 km)

Start:

Cheshunt Station, or Towpath off A121 Highbridge Street (TL375005)

Finish:

Wharf Road (TQ364954)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Refreshments and toilets:

There are cafés in Waltham itself or the Riverside Café on route. There are picnic spots along the way.

Public transport and breakpoints:

Cheshunt or Waltham Cross train stations are at the start (note, is not covered by the Travelcard zones, you may have to pay extra to get here – plus if you start at Cheshunt the walk is actually 2.3km longer!) and Ponders End at the end of this section. Or walkers can continue along to Tottenham Hale.

For more information on public transport please see
Transport for London’s Journey Planner.

Links with other walks:

London LOOP

If you would like some short, easy walks in this area, download this map with 7 fun circular walks on it!