Walking and Rambling in London Lee Valley

Enjoy a walk through the country park and spot the local birds, or explore the historical village of Broxbourne and Waltham Abbey just a few miles away.
 
 
Cycling
  
 Hire your bike from Broxbourne and ride around the village or come back into the country park to explore the landscape and wildlife of the area. Alternatively, take the cycle route right down to the London Docklands - there's no congestion charge when you do it this way!
 
 There are miles of traffic-free cycling routes across Lee Valley Regional Park covering 10,000 acres in London, Essex and Hertfordshire. It's perfect for family cycling or for those who want more than just a leisurely ride over 27 miles of pathway are linked to Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 1.
 
 Whether you’re decidedly sporty or just thinking about getting a little fitter, if you’re looking for fun activities for all the family or interested in taking a little gentle exercise, Lee Valley is the perfect place to start. Cycling or walking on traffic-free country trails, boating, climbing, horse riding, golf, athletics, even white water rafting – you can do all this and more in the Lee Valley. 
 
 Cycling - Choose your trail!
 
 Otter Discovery Trail:
 
 Distance: 1¾ miles
 
 A circular route around the glorious Seventy Acres Lake. Discover the habitat and behavior of one of England’s best loved mammals
 
 Valley Views
 
 Distance: 8 miles
 
 A scenic circular route with stunning views across the Lee Valley. The route follows the pathway north to the viewpoint at Clayton Hill. It continues onto Meadgate Road before returning south along the towpath to Wharf Road. The route then follows the railway south before turning east at Turnford Brook back across River Lee Country Park.
 
 Waders and Waterfowl
 
 Distance: A 2 mile scenic route exploring the southern habitats and spectacles of River Lee Country Park. The route travels north along the Flood Relief Channel, passing the north of Hall Marsh Scrape, returning via the western edge of Bowyers Water.
 
 Lakes of the River Lee
 
 Distance: 7.5 miles
 
 A scenic circular route with stunning views across the Lee Valley. The route heads north past Bowyers Water then follows the railway to Wharf Road. It turns south down the towpath passing the east side of Seventy Acres Lake and continuing along the Flood Relief Channel.
 
 Farm and Wetland Trail
 
 Distance: 3 miles
 
 A circular route linking the Lee Valley Park Farms 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.
  
 
 Urban Oasis
 
 Distance: 3.5 miles
 
 A figure-of-eight route through Tottenham Marshes discovering the diverse wildlife of this urban jewel. The route loops north around Wild Marsh West and over the river before heading south through Clendish Marsh returning back along the towpath.
 
 Walk on the Wild Side
 
 Distance: 1.5 miles
 
 A circular route discovering the ‘wilds’ of Tottenham Marshes. The route heads north around the perimeter of Wild Marsh West before crossing the river and returning along the towpath.
 
 Gunpowder Woodland Trail
 
 Distance: 1.3 miles
 
 A circular route exploring the wet woodland and wildlife of Gunpowder Park. The route heads west along the high path before turning south through the woodland boardwalk and returning along Sewardstone Road.
 
 Art on the Marshes
 
 Distance: 1.5 miles
 
 A circular route highlighting the community art of Clendish Marsh. The route heads south towards Ferry Lane, turning west at the allotments and circling the perimeter of the marsh.
 
 Marshes and Meadows
 
 Distance: 5 miles
 
 A circular route discovering the rich grasslands and wildflowers of this historical site. The route travels south through Gunpowder Park and Sewardstone Marsh, following Section 18 of the London Loop to Swan and Pike Pool. It continues north through Rammey Marsh to Highbridge Street before turning south back to Gunpowder Park.
 
 Rockets to Woodland
 
 Distance: 3 miles
 
 A circular valley route discovering the explosive history of Sewardstone Marsh’s wet woodland. The route travels west, following the perimeter of Gunpowder Park down to Sewardstone Marsh, looping around the woodland area before heading north back through the centre of Gunpowder Park.
 
 
 
 Additional activities
 
 Ride the BMX track at Lee Valley VeloPark!
  
 From beginners to professional BMXers
 
 Lee Valley VeloPark's BMX track provided an incredible showcase of this massively exciting adrenalin fuelled sport during the London 2012 Games and now you can experience the thrills of this world class course for yourself!
 
 The Olympic BMX track has been remodelled and improved to make it ready for use by thousands of riders from BMX beginners to professional riders. During the Games every one of its big bumps and jumps had to be ‘cleared’ in order to reach the next one but now the 390m floodlit course is entirely ‘rollable’. This means that as a newcomer to BMX you can ride the course safely without having to leave the ground and then progress to jumping as your skills and confidence improve
 Tackle world class mountain bike trails in London!
  
 Enjoy the thrills of mountain biking
 
 Whether you're a keen mountain biker or want to try it out for the first time our skills section and five miles of brand new trails, the likes of which have never been seen in a capital city, are for you! You'll set off from Lee Valley VeloPark on one of our graded trails and experience the excitement riding off-road.
 
 Graded like ski runs into blue, red and black these trails will help riders build off-road riding skills gradually and also challenge the most advanced riders. Every minute detail of the trails has been designed by one of Britain’s top trail builders to maximise thrills as you safely progress through the different grades.
 
 Hiring Information
 
 Lee Valley Cycle Hire:
 
 You can hire bikes for all the family at Lee Valley Cycle Hire, Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7AE. There are also seats for children under 4 years, baskets and helmets for hire. Call 07747 873831 or visit www.lvcc.biz.
  
 Exploring the Lee Valley by bike:
 
 For a more extensive ride why not cycle the whole Lee Valley tow path? A good day’s cycling will take you through Hertfordshire and Essex down to east London and past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
 
 More Lee Valley Cycle Routes
 
 YHA London Lee Valley is perfect for families and groups
 
 The YHA (Youth Hostel Association) has a long history of providing affordable accommodation in special places, and YHA London Lee Valley is just such a location.
 
 Six Scandinavian-style lodges offer en suite rooms in twin, double and family formats. You’ll find Sky TV laid on, plus a licensed restaurant, comfy lounges, laundry, internet access and bike hire. If you’re planning a family get-together, private use of the facilities can be booked in advance.
 
 YHA London Lee Valley is in the River Lee Country Park, so as far as bird and wildlife watching, walking, cycling, fishing, and generally enjoying wide open spaces are concerned, you’re in the perfect spot. You’ll also find swimming and leisure facilities, boat hire, a multi-activity centre, Lee Valley Park Farms and orienteering course all nearby.
 
 And don’t forget that all the attractions of central London are just a 20 minute train ride away.
  
 Watersports

 Join us every Thursday morning for some super high speed sightseeing on the Thames! For thrills, spills and high speed, there's only one way to see London from the water - the Thames Jet! There’s limited spaces so sign up at reception or call us in advance to book your space on the Thames Jet. It’s only £17.50 for YHA Guests (usually £35) so you get a great discount, just for staying with YHA! A fantastic way to meet other travellers and a great way to see our beautiful city."