YHA Festival of Walking: London Lee Valley (9.5 miles / 15km - Moderate, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.

Hosted by Stag Walkers as part of the YHA Festival of Walking. Join us in Cheshunt on the border of Hertfordshire, Essex and Greater London for a varied walk through the River Lee Country Park, Waltham Abbey and the countryside beyond. The walk starts and finishes at YHA London Lee Valley, where after the walk we can enjoy a complimentary cuppa and cake. Along the way we’ll see lots of wildlife, sculptures, places of historic interest and a hilltop view over London.

The route takes in woodland, waterside, farmland and some urban walking, on a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced paths. Walking boots are recommended in times of wet weather as some paths may be muddy. The terrain is mostly flat but has one steep incline halfway through, followed by a gentle descent.

We begin with a loop around some of the lakes and waterways in the River Lee Country Park, including flooded former gravel pits which are now home to waterfowl, and part of the River Lee Navigation, where we should see some canal boats. We’ll pause for a snack at The Glade picnic area (public toilets are available nearby) and visit the viewpoint over Seventy Acres Lake. Our route then curves around between the lake and a stream, and past a flood relief channel, before we leave the Country Park at Fishers Green. 

Next we follow footpaths alongside and through fields, cross the Crooked Mile road and have a steep climb up Monkhams Hill. Here we’ll find a trig pillar marking 83m above sea level and have an excellent view over London. We’ll have our packed lunch stop here then walk back downhill through farmland to Waltham Abbey.

The abbey after which the town is named was the last in England to be dissolved, in 1540. To the east of the existing church are the remains of what was once one of the largest church buildings in England, and the reputed tomb of King Harold, said to be buried here after the Battle of Hastings. We’ll pause here for half an hour with options of visiting the Norman church, the abbey ruins and a nearby medieval bridge, or popping into a pub for a quick drink. There are also public toilets here next to the Tourist Information Centre.

After our break we’ll return to the Country Park, first walking alongside the canal and then past Bowyers Water. Along the route are some interesting carved sculptures, including a Green Man. We then arrive back at YHA London Lee Valley where we’ll be treated to some well-earned refreshments before heading home.

What makes this walk special:
1. A chance to see wildlife, art, historic sites and wide-ranging views
2. Meet other friendly walkers
3. Free cuppa and cake at the finish
 

Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.

For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.

Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.

Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.

If the walk is fully booked, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.

Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.