Cicerone - National Trail - Walking The Lea Valley Walk (NT)

Cicerone - The Lea Valley Walk

This guidebook describes the Lea Valley Walk, a 53 mile long-distance path from Luton to the Thames. It follows the River Lea from its source near Leagrave to East India Dock opposite Greenwich, with an alternative finish at Limehouse and an optional tour of the Olympic Park. On the way it passes through a blend of quiet countryside, nature reserves and urban landscapes.
The Lea Valley Walk offers level, waymarked walking for all abilities. The complete trek is presented in nine stages, accompanied by clear OS mapping, with suggestions for three, four, five and six day itineraries. For those looking for an easy-to-access traffic-free day or half-day walk, the route is divided into sections with convenient railway stations close to each end.
This fine and varied walk traces the river as it passes through Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire towards the bustle of London. It takes in historical towns and villages, stately homes and castles, including Waltham Abbey and Hertford Castle, Luton Hoo, Brocket Park and Hatfield. Along with suggestions for refreshment stops and accommodation, the guidebook is packed with fascinating snippets of information about wildlife, landscape, history and industrial heritage, making it an ideal companion to exploring the river and its surroundings.

• Activities
  Multi-day low-level trek. Can be split into day or half-day walks.
• Seasons
  The Lea Valley walk can be done at any time of the year.
• Centres
  Leagrave, Luton, Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Hatfield, Hertford, Ware, Broxbourne, Waltham Abbey, Hackney Marshes, east London, Greenwich
• Difficulty
  None, except general fitness for a mostly flat, low-level, multi-day walk.
• Must See
  Surprisingly wild Bedfordshire, Waltham Abbey, the industrial landscape through east London and the Thames itself.