Welcome to the Lee Valley park website

There are various walking opportunities in the Lee Valley Regional Park. From flat surfaced way-marked paths, to grass country tracks, the Regional Park has a variety of routes and pathways for all abilities.

 

 

 

The Lee Valley Pathway is a long distance path (shared use) linking the entire length of the Lee Valley Regional Park. The Pathway is 28 miles (45kms) and various sections of it crosses land that is not owned by the Authority.

 

 

The Lea Valley Walk is one of the jewels in the Regional Park's crown. 25 (40kms) of the 50 (80kms) mile route, which stretches from the source of the Lea at Luton to the Thames at Bow, are within the Regional Park. By following the swan symbol, which marks the route, you will discover the vistas of a bygone age and have the opportunity to breathe the fresh air of this rural idyll which the Regional Park has become.

 

The sections of the walk that fall within the Regional Park boundaries are mainly managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and British Waterways, other sections are managed by the local authorities for that area.

 

The Lea Valley Walk book is available to buy through our Information Service and provides full details and information about the entire walk.

 

 

River Lee Country Park is a great starting place for discovering the joys of walking. Many of the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Specially selected walks help you discover different birds, flowers and insects through the seasons. Just follow the posts marked with coloured symbols to find your way. If you follow the walks during the recommended months you will discover some of Lee Valley Regional Park’s finest wildlife.

 

River Lee Country Park stretches along both sides of the River Lee between Waltham Abbey and Broxbourne. Most countryside areas have car parking facilities and toilets. Paths and tracks have been created for walking and cycling. Bridges, seats, signposts and picnic tables are provided. Information boards introduce the local history and show circular and linear walking routes.

 

 

There are a number of places to walk in the Regional Park. Many maps, walking routes and individual site leaflets containing useful directional details described in this walking section can be found by contacting our Information Service. Most copies can also be downloaded from our leaflets page.

 

 

As part of the 'Walking the way to Health' Initiative (WHI) you can download nine walking maps for free, which include a 1 mile, 2 mile and 3 mile route in the north, central and south areas of the Regional Park.

 

Lee Valley Regional Park has developed links with the 'Walking the way to Health' Initiative (WHI) to help encourage people from our region to walk in their local communities for the benefit of their health.

 

Each map points out interesting things to see and indicates where you might spot a variety of wildlife. The maps have been designed for use by individuals, walking groups and GP referral schemes.

 

 

 

The Regional Park has been divided into 3 sections, north, central and south. The north of the Regional Park includes areas such as Dobb’s Weir, Glen Faba, Silvermeade, Admirals Walk, the New River and the River Lee. Central area walks allow you to explore River Lee Country Park, which covers1,000 acres (400 hectares) on either side of the River Lee between Waltham Abbey (Essex) and Broxbourne (Herts). The south area maps take you on routes through Walthamstow and Leyton Marsh, rich in flora, wildlife and history.

 

Download these maps and other walks from our leaflets page.

 

 

With so many walking opportunities on offer, it is worth taking time out to discover other routes that are available throughout the Regional Park. Why not explore the Regional Park's Greenway, situated in northeast London where the sights and sounds of Stratford mingle with the ancient, but restored Tidal Mills and magnificent Victorian architecture of Bromley by Bow?

 

By following the public rights of way from Epping Forest in Essex you will discover tranquil viewpoints which give magnificent vistas of the entire Lee Valley. The rights of way in Hertfordshire are also well worth exploring and include the route of the old Buntingford Railway line, which passes through the beautiful countryside of the Ash Valley and the ancient ash and oak trees of Easneye Woods.

 

The London Outer Orbital Path, promoted by the London Walking Forum, provides a new regional walking route and crosses the Regional Park at Sewardstone close to the M25. On the Path you will see the remains of the Enfield Small Arms Factory which once supplied the famous Lee Enfield rifle to the British Forces as well as Gilwell Park, home of Baden Powell and headquarters of the scout movement he created in 1907.

 

Thames Water created the New River Path running from Ware in Hertfordshire through rural landscapes and into urban north-east London. There is also the Capital Ring Walk, London Loop and some Olympic Walks too.

 

Visit the leaflets page to download walks or contact our Information Service.