The Lea Valley Walk is one of the finest and most varied walking routes around the capital, and an excellent way to get out of (and into) London. It offers 50 miles of traffic-free walking, tracing the route of the River Lea from its source at Leagrave near Luton to where it meets with the Thames in east London. As it follows the river it undergoes a fascinating metamorphosis from rural pathway to urban trail. So whether you choose to walk for health, fresh air or views of wildlife and countryside, to visit friends, to explore heritage attractions, to escape or simply to explore your surroundings, the Lea Valley Walk offers it all.The Prince of Wales, making his maiden speech in the House of Lords in1974, described the Lee Valley Park as 'a classic example of what couldbe done with derelict land if impetus and determination was there'. Aquarter of a century later the Lea Valley, once London's market garden,is again recognised as a rich green lung running down the east side ofthe capital. Some ofthe sections are very short. Yet these stretches often contain muchheritage and countryside to enjoy such as the one mile betweenCheshunt and Waltham Abbey.

Thanks to the many railway stations alongside thePark, between Ware and London, the Walk can be reached easily. This is a walk that can be enjoyed by everybody from the keenlong-distance walker to those with young children or those new totaking exercise.