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Golden Circle Distance: 5.5 miles Terrain: tarmac and gravel paths. This route involves crossing sections of road Starting point: Lee Valley VeloPark, Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3AB Total elevation gain : 82ft Cycling time *: 33 minutes Calories burnt *: around 200 calories Download route map > GPX route file available > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Great for picnics Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available At just under six miles this route starts at the stunning Lee Valley VeloPark then heads north taking in the local marshes. This route will help you discover the historical links the filter beds and marshes have for the city of London. Along the route you’ll find… Lee Valley VeloPark Built for the London 2012 games and host venue for the track and BMX events this iconic building now offers visitors the chance to enjoy four cycling disciplines, track, road, BMX and mountain biking all in one location. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre Just before you cross over the bridge from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park you’ll see the fantastic union jack hockey pitch of Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Used during London 2012 for the Paralympic tennis events and subsequently remodelled to include two water-based hockey pitches as well as indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Eton Manor The powerful poem ‘Eton Manor’ by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy adorns one of the external walls at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, bringing the rich history of this site to life. This unique sporting venue also houses a war memorial that serves as a tribute to Eton Manor Club members who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial was restored as part of the work on the venue. Hackney Marshes These marshes are steeped in history and have seen many developments over the years leaving us with the areas you can see today. The north and south marshes are renowned as the home of Sunday league football and boast 82 football, rugby and cricket pitches. The area is owned and run by London Borough of Hackney. Middlesex Filter Beds This once industrial area used to house filter beds that provided clean water for London. Following an outbreak of cholera in 1852 these filter beds, along with a sister set at the WaterWorks Centre were built to ensure that Londoners had access to clean water to help with the prevention of disease. The filter beds were in use up until 1969 when they were closed. Since their closure they’ve been turned into a wildlife haven offering a thriving mix of open water, reedbeds and wet woodland habitats. It’s a great area to spot amphibians, dragonfly and damselfly plus a whole host of different species of bird. Information boards around the site will allow you to find out more. Walthamstow Marshes This riverside nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest site and is very important for certain rare plants and other wildlife. The site today is a fragment of once extensive marshes and traces of Ice Age river channels can still be see when the water table is high. Looking to the skies you may see Kestrel, Linnet, Reed Bunting or Green Woodpecker soaring above, or on the water Grey Heron and Little Grebe to name but a few. On the ground look out for Bee Orchid, Yellow Ice, Penny-Royal and even the very rare Creeping Marshwort. Look out for our information boards around the site which will give you more information on this fantastic area. The Walthamstow Wetlands is just next door to the marshes and lets you extend your cycle ride. A V Roe - underneath these arches Sir Edwin Alliott Verdon Roe built his tri-plane and undertook flight experiments on these very marshes. In July 1909 the first all-British powered flight was made right from these marshes by A V Roe and his team. The plane used in this flight is preserved at London’s Science Museum. A blue plaque is placed on the viaduct to commemorate this achievement. Alternative starting points Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – E20 3AD - sat navs, please use E10 5SQ Toilets Lee Valley VeloPark Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – 2 minutes from the route Lee Valley Ice Centre - 2 minutes from the route Refreshments Lee Valley VeloPark Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – 2 minutes from the route Lee Valley Ice Centre - 2 minutes from the route Things to note Public transport links: There are numerous train stations close to the starting points of this route The area well served by the local bus network Plan your journey with Transport for London Car parking charges apply at the car parks listed on this route The site is within the Ultra Low Emissions Zone You can ride these routes on any type of bike but the best ones to use would be either a mountain or hybrid bike Please cycle responsibly in the park, for more information check our cyclists code of conduct. * Cycling time and calories burnt are calculated using a cycling speed of 10mph and a weight of 10 stone. 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Rambling Rivers Distance: 3 miles Terrain: all surfaced pathways including a section of towpath (steep decline onto the towpath), several bridges and kissing gates Starting point: River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A picturesque route visiting the four main rivers that wind their way through River Lee Country Park. The route travels north along the Flood Relief Channel past Seventy Acres Lake before heading south past Cheshunt Lake and Bowyers Water. Directions From the car park cross over the road and go through the staggered wooden gates, follow the pathway pass the picnic benches and cross the Flood Relief Channel via the green bridge Turn right, follow the pathways north, The Wildlife Discovery Centre is located on your left and the Old River Lee will be on the right. (The Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park is a short detour from the car park - follow the pathway in front of the toilets, and take the first right turn, signposted to the Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park and continue along the pathway to the farm car park) Follow the path through a series of bends and bear to the left at the path junction, heading to the east and then in a southerly direction Continue on the path around Seventy Acres Lake, passing Cheshunt Lock on your right At the next path junction, bear to the right and proceed up the small slope and onto the bridge crossing the River Lee Navigation At the bottom of the bridge, bear to the right down onto the towpath, turning to the right under the bridge Continue along the towpath passing Cheshunt Lake on the right Turn right along the surfaced pathway leading into Pindar car park Continue through to the centre of car park and turn left proceeding south along the surfaced path. Turn left at the end and proceed south, alongside the Small River Lee, passing through Turnershill Marsh At the small angler’s car park, take the right hand path and continue Cross over a small wooden bridge, and continue along the pathway in a southerly direction, passing Bowyers Water on your right At the junction at the end of the lake bear left, heading south and then bear left at the next fork, heading in an east direction Continue over a small bridge over the Small River Lee Follow the pathway towards the Small River Lee, over the bridge proceed up the steep bridge incline and turn right onto the bridge over the River Lee Navigation Proceed through the kissing gate and continue along the pathway across the Showground area towards the Flood Relief Channel Pass through the kissing gate and turn left onto Waltons Walk, heading north with the Flood Relief Channel on your right, passing Hall Marsh Scrape on your left, the Dave Stoker sluices on your right and Hooks Marsh Lake on the left Pass alongside the metal field gate and proceed into Hooks Marsh Car Park and through the walk-around on the far side of the car park Continue along the pathway, heading north, passing alongside Seventy Acres Lake on your left and the Flood Relief Channel on your right On reaching the green bridge, turn right crossing the Flood Relief Channel, follow this pathway to the car park through the staggered wooden gates Alternative car parks and starting points River Lee Country Park, Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ Toilets Fishers Green car park Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – 10 minutes from route Refreshments Wildlife Discovery Centre Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – 10 minutes from route Things to note Public transport links: To the starting point at Fishers Green are limited For Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks the closest station is Cheshunt, buses run to Cheshunt station Car parking charges apply at all the car parks listed for this route Previous Next

< Back to What's On Food Growers Join our women-only Food Growing sessions every Sunday and get ready for the spring/summer growing season! Date: 9 August Time: 11:00 - 15:00 FREE Cody Dock Location: Book your space > Join our women-only Food Growing sessions every Sunday and get ready for the spring/summer growing season! It's the perfect time to start seedlings and transplant them into our urban garden's planters. Help us create a beautiful and sustainable vegetable garden inspired by nature, with the goal of growing enough produce to share with the community. These sessions offer a chance to learn about companion planting, crop rotation, and sustainable gardening practices, including permaculture. We also explore ways to introduce biodiversity to the garden. Beyond gardening, we incorporate crafting and making activities, such as small repairs, painting, or making signs, so you can get creative and sustainable with us. Join us and gain a deeper understanding of gardening while contributing to a greener community! Previous Next

< Back to What's On Deadly Dozen The race that started it all. 12 Runs. 12 Labours. Endless challenge. Date: 25 April Time: 09:00 From £30 Lee Valley Athletics Centre Location: Book your space > The race that started it all. 12 Runs. 12 Labours. Endless challenge. Deadly Dozen began in Macclesfield as the world’s first fitness racing Track Race . What started as a single event has grown into a global movement, now racing across multiple countries while staying true to the same accessible, universal, and scalable format that defined the original. Previous Next

< Back to What's On Wonderful Wildlife Weekends Drop in for free, fun, family nature activities at Walthamstow Wetlands. Date: 19 July Time: 13:00 - 15:00 FREE Walthamstow Wetlands Location: Book your space > Join us to explore our pond and surrounding areas to discover the wildlife that lives at Walthamstow Wetlands. Toads, tadpoles, woodlice and worms are just a selection of the animals that you might discover here! Activities will include using nets to look at animals found in the pond and looking under logs to see what minibeasts we can find. Meet at our outdoor classroom, beside the Engine House. This session will be led by Dhush (he/him) or another member of our Learning & Engagement Team. Sessions are aimed at children of all ages and parents/carers together. All children must be accompanied throughout the session by a responsible adult. No need to book, just drop in on the day. No equipment needed. Dress suitably for the weather. This is a free event, but donations are welcome. All profits are invested into London Wildlife Trust’s conservation and education work and the care of its nature reserves. Previous Next

Grebes and Gravel Distance: 2 miles Terrain: all surfaced pathways and several bridges Starting point: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire EN9 Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A circular wildlife and wildflower route exploring Bowyers Water and its natural inhabitants. Directions Follow the pathway north out of Lee Valley White Water Centre’s back gate Take the left hand path, bearing around the steep bridge incline Proceed along the surfaced path, across the wooden bridge over the Small River Lee and continue west, bearing to the left at the pathway junction Proceed along Trinity Lane, turning to the right just before the railway line Continue north and pass through the kissing gate Follow the pathway north, keeping the railway on the left, passing Bowyers Water on the right Cross a narrow wooden bridge and continue, passing a bat hibernaculum on the right Proceed over another wooden bridge and turn right to follow the surfaced path around the north of the lake At the next junction, follow the right hand path, passing the entrance to Bowyers Orchid Meadow Turn right and continue south alongside the edge of Bowyers Water on the right At the junction at the end of the lake bear left, heading south and then bear left at the next fork, heading in an east direction Follow the pathway towards the river, bearing to the right around the steep climb to the bridge and continue to the car park along the pathway Toilets Lee Valley White Water Centre Refreshments Lee Valley White Water Centre Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Waltham Cross Buses stop outside Lee Valley White Water Centre Car parking charges apply at Lee Valley White Water Centre car park Previous Next

Three Hidden Gems Distance: 2.5 miles Terrain: surfaced paths including roadside pavements, steps and a road to cross Starting point: Canning Town Tube Station, Silvertown Way, Canning Town, London E16 1DQ Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Great for picnics Public transport closeby Route - running Route - walking This linear route discovers three hidden wonders steeped with history and wildlife. The route heads south on the road to Bow Creek Ecology Park. Following the pathway through and back, the route then continues south, crossing the road towards the river and Trinity Buoy Wharf (off Orchard Place) before doubling back to East India Dock Basin. Directions From Canning Town Tube Station, turn left along Victoria Dock Road, and proceed up onto the A13 slip road Follow the road and turn left down a set of steps and right onto the Bow Creek Ecology Park Road. Follow the road, passing a blue bridge on the right and enter Bow Creek Ecology Park through the multi-coloured gates Continue through the park along the surfaced pathway to the gate on the River Lea Retrace the route back to the blue bridge and cross over the RiverLea Follow the pavement, bearing to the left Turn left onto the riverside pathway, keeping the river on the left At the round-about, cross over the road and turn left along the pavement following the Lower Lee Crossing slip road Turn right onto Orchard Place, passing the entrance to East India Dock Basin on the right and proceed along the road to Trinity Buoy Wharf Retrace the route back to the entrance of East India Dock Basin and turn left through the brown gates Follow the pathway to the jetty on the River Thames Cross over the dock gates and follow the path around the woodland, turning right back towards the Basin Continue along the pathway to the left of the Basin to the gate on the north-west corner of the site. Cross over the road at the mini round-about and continue along Blackwall Way to East India DLR station on the right Toilets Canning Town station Trinity Buoy Wharf Refreshments Canning Town station Trinity Buoy Wharf Things to note Public transport links: The closest stations are Canning Town and East India DLR Buses run along throughout the Canning Town area Plan your journey with Transport for London Previous Next

< Back to What's On Pondlife Workshop See some pond life under the microscope and discover how you can make a wildlife pond at home, even if you don’t have a garden! Date: 12 April Time: 10:00 - 12:00 £21.68 Walthamstow Wetlands Location: Book your space > Ponds contain an amazing array of life and are hugely important for wildlife. In this workshop you’ll go pond-dipping, look at some freshwater invertebrates under the microscope, and find out about making a pond at home. This is a beginner-friendly event led by London Wildlife Trust staff. It's perfect for anyone curious about what lives beneath the surface of our waterways. From water scorpions to dragonfly nymphs, life underwater is complex and fascinating, and this is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into this hidden world. The workshop will last approximately 2 hours and will be partially outdoors, so dress for the weather! This event is aimed at adults aged 18+, but can be inclusive for young people aged 11 and above, who must be accompanied by an adult. Further information will be sent out prior to the event. What to expect 🦐 Pond dipping session in our wildlife gardens. 🔬 See the animals we catch under a microscope. 🪣 Find out how to make a wildlife pond at home. The animals in our ponds are wild, so we can’t guarantee we’ll find any particular species. However, this unpredictability is all part of the joy of nature! This event is aimed at adults. If you'd like to take your kids pond dipping then come along to our drop-in session on the same date. All proceeds from this event enable our mission of nature recovery for a thriving city. Previous Next

< Back to What's On Mind in West Essex: Walk & Talk at Waltham Abbey Gardens Join Mind every week for this great Walk and Talk session Date: 6 May Time: 10:00 FREE Waltham Abbey Gardens Location: See more > Looking for a friendly way to connect with others, enjoy nature, and get some gentle exercise? Mind in West Essex invites you to join our Walk & Talk sessions held every Wednesday at 10:00 in the beautiful Waltham Abbey Gardens. This weekly community event offers the perfect opportunity to take a gentle stroll among the stunning gardens while engaging in friendly conversation with others. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, enjoy fresh air, or simply take a mindful break from your week, Walk & Talk is here for you. Event Details : When: Every Wednesday Time : 10:00 Where : Waltham Abbey Gardens – meeting point: Waltham Abbey Church, Highbridge Street, EN9 1DG Who : Everyone is welcome – no booking needed! Why join? Relax and unwind with a scenic walk Meet new people from your local community Boost your wellbeing through light exercise and conversation So, lace up your walking shoes and come along – we’d love to see you there! Organised by Mind in West Essex in partnership with Kinder Essex. Previous Next

< Back to What's On Tea, Talk and Walk Join our team for these great walks to improve you health and wellbeing Date: 27 May Time: 09:30 FREE Lee Valley Ice Centre Location: Email the team > Would you like to connect with others? Join us for a leisurely walk around various areas within Lee Valley Regional Park. These sessions feature a short, gentle walk combined with an opportunity to socialize in a café afterward. The inclusive routes follow safe and accessible paths, such as park trails and canal paths, suitable for different fitness levels, with benches available for resting. To register and be included in the monthly schedule, please contact us at activation@leevalleypark.org.uk . Previous Next

Farm and Wetland Trail Distance: 3 miles Terrain: surfaced pathways, several bridges (two with steep inclines) and several walk-around gates Starting point: River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Accessible Dog friendly Great for picnics Parking available Refreshments available Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A circular route linking the Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park to the wetlands of River Lee Country Park. An ideal route for all ages and abilities throughout the year. The route travels west across the three waterways before turning south around North Metropolitan Pit and returning along the east side of Seventy Acres Lake. Directions Follow the pathway in front of the toilets which takes you to Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park’s car park Keep on this path following it round until you get to the Fishers Green overflow car park Proceed through the car park and turn left onto a stony grass path alongside the Flood Relief Channel , heading south Proceed through a walk-around gate onto the road, turning right over a bridge across the Flood Relief Channel to the two field gates Proceed through the walk-around gate on the left and continue along the surfaced path passing the National Grid sub station on the right Turn left, over the metal Bailey Bridge, crossing the Old River Lee , heading south Turn right at the wooden Otter sculpture , over the wooden bridge, crossing River Lee Navigation and proceed along the causeway dividing North Metropolitan Pit Bear to the left, heading south past Nightingale Wood and Pochard Viewpoint. Turn right over the red brick bridge crossing Small River Lee , turning left and heading south Turn left, signposted Hooks Marsh, continue east over a metal bridge, crossing the Small River Lee Continue past the North Metropolitan Pit viewing platform on the left and proceed over the bridge crossing the River Lee Navigation Exit the bridge and continue ahead, keeping to the right pathway in an easterly direction, crossing the green bridge between Seventy Acres Lake and Hooks Marsh Lake Proceed into Hooks Marsh car park passing the bollards and exit through the walk-around on the left side of the car park Continue along the pathway heading north, passing alongside Seventy Acres Lake on the left and the Flood Relief Channel on the right At the north end of the lake, continue through a walk-around gate and turn right over the green bridge crossing the Flood Relief Channel. (The Wildlife Discovery Centre is a short detour from the route – remain on the pathway passing the bridge, to the information point) Continue ahead through a walk-around gate into Fishers Green car park Toilets Fishers Green car park Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – short distance from route Refreshments Wildlife Discovery Centre – short distance from route Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – short distance from route Things to note Public transport links to the starting point are limited Car parking charges apply at Fishers Green car park Previous Next

< Back to What's On Dawn Chorus Walk at Walthamstow Wetlands Start your day with nature and join London Wildlife Trust to discover the amazing sound of the dawn chorus! Date: 3 May Time: 06:00 - 08:00 £16.37 Walthamstow Wetlands Location: Book your space > About the event Our birds are at their most vocal during early spring mornings, and experiencing this stunning serenade is well worth the early start, trust us! Your guide will take you on a golden-hour tour of Walthamstow Wetlands before it’s open to the public. You'll listen out for songbirds, spotting as many species as possible along the way. This is a beginner-friendly walk and our knowledgeable guide will be happy to answer any questions. The walk will follow reserve paths and there may be some slight inclines. Strong stout footwear is recommended. It will last approximately 2 hours and will be fully outdoors - so dress for the weather! We have a limited number of binoculars to lend; please bring your own if you have them. What to expect 🐦⬛ A barrage of beautiful birdsong from many species. 🔍 Tips for bird ID using both sight and sound. 🌅 Early morning access to the reserve. Want even more dawn chorus action? Join us at Woodberry Wetlands for our Dawn Chorus Walk on Saturday 2nd May . This event is aimed at adults aged 18+, but can be inclusive for young people aged 11 and above, who must be accompanied by an adult. Further information will be sent out prior to the event. The birds on our reserve are wild, so we can’t guarantee sightings of particular species. However, this unpredictability is all part of the joy of birding! All proceeds from this event enable our mission of nature recovery for a thriving Previous Next