The route takes you through a blend of quiet countryside, historical towns and villages, stately homes and castles, nature reserves, and urban landscapes. It’s a fascinating journey into London’s past. Ambling along peaceful towpaths that were once busy with horses hauling barges, you feel the history of the place at every turn—from the monks of Waltham Abbey changing the course of the river, through the Industrial Revolution, to post-war industrialisation, and the 2012 London Olympics regeneration.

Follow the swan logo signage all the way from Luton, through Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Welwyn, Hatfield, Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, Cheshunt and Waltham Abbey. In the Greater London section, you’ll go through the Boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.

The trail can be broken into shorter, more manageable stages, that can be enjoyed in a leisurely afternoon—the nearby railway runs parallel to the river, so it’s easy to join or leave the walk at different points. The 15.6-mile London part of the route is split into six sections:

1: Waltham Abbey to Ponders End 2: Ponders End to Tottenham Hale 3: Tottenham Hale to Lea Bridge 4: Lea Bridge to Three Mills 5: Three Mills to Limehouse Basin 6: Three Mills to East India Dock.

Each section has its own character, so choose the one that's most interesting and convenient for you!

For more information, go to: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/lea-valley https://www.walkingenglishman.com/ldp/leavalleywalk.html