Lea River : Northumberland Park to Waltham

Another weekend and another walk. In contrast to a previous walk which was themed with mud, this walk was themed with hot blistering sun and dust! Back to the Tottenham Marshes and the start near Northumberland Park.

Tottenham Marches – start of the walk

On this hos day lots of family groups were making the most of the weather, occupying the flat, shady spots along the edge of the river.

Dry grass path, Tottenham Marshes

The path starts on the western side before crossing over at Chalk bridge.

View from atop Chalk bridge

 

Looking forwards from Chalk bridge

Edmonton’s industrial estate comes into view after the marshes.

Edmonton wharf

This is followed by the first of a series of road bridges, the last one being the bridge carrying the M25 motorway.

Bleak Hall bridge

The dusty theme starts almost immediately after leaving Edmonton. The concrete gives way to dusty gravel that was stirred up by the tyres of the cyclists using the footpath on this hot summer day.

Bridge 28A and the waste incinerator

 

Welcome patches of shade

The path beside the river has earthen embankments to the east where it runs alongside several reservoirs.

Looking back along the path by the side of the William Girling Reservoir

There are long straight sections of path, and the occasional shade from an overhanging tree was most welcome.

Looking forwards along the path by the side of the William Girling Reservoir

Pickett’s Lock was fairly quiet, and indeed, there was hardly any traffic moving on the river today.

Pickett’s Lock

 

Lock gate atop Pickett’s Lock

 

Approaching Ponders End

Even the Ponders End moorings were quiet and deserted.

Boat moorings at Ponders End

 

Ponders End locks

Just after the locks at Ponders End a magnificent brick and timber building comes into view – the Navigation Arms. Tempting as it was on this hot day I resisted backtracking to the nearest bridge to cross for a refreshment. But the idea did seem appealing and was lingering in my head for the rest of the walk.

Navigation Inn – tempting…

 

Path curls eastwards by the side of King George’s Reservoir

Several water channels both full and dry intersect the river and there are drainage channels leading to/from the reservoir.

Dry spill channel

 

Dusty path, no shade

This was probably the driest hottest part of the walk, about 2/3 the way through as there was very little shade.

Water lilies

 

Under tow

 

Brimsdown

Eventually, after a few wiggly sections, the path approached a pair of trees beside a pipe bridge where a quick rest in the shade was needed.

A shady area of respite

Enfield dry dock was silent – too hot to work on boats today.

Enfield Dry Dock

The lower end of Enfield lock is a little out of the ordinary as there is a road bridge immediately after the lower gates

Lower end of Enfield Lock, under the bridge

 

Upper gates, Endfield Lock

By the look of the water in the lock, it had not been used recently.

House near Enfield Lock

 

Embankment

North of the lock the river runs in a slight embankment for a while.

Houses by the side of the river, north of Enfield Lock

 

Lea Valley sign

A new bridge stands beside the sign pointing out that this is the Lea Valley walk.

Curving eastwards after Enfield Lock

 

Approaching Rammey Marshes

 

Rammey Marsh lock

The third active water craft was seen at Rammey Marshes lock.

Rammey Marsh lock

Even the owners of the boats to the south of the lock were sheltering away from the heat, despite inviting green lawns and parasols.

View south from Rammey Marsh lock

 

View north from Rammey Marsh lock

North of Rammey lock, several people were enjoying the river, engaging in canoeing, boating and rafting. A reminder that the Olympics White Water course is nearby.

Looking back to the M25 crossing the river

Eventually the sound and then the sight of the M25 motorway, crossing over the river, greet the walker and signal that this section of the walk is nearly complete.

End of the walk nears at Holdbrook.

Another 100 m and bridge 42 and Waltham come into view. Time to ascend form the towpath and seek cool refreshment in a nearby pub. Had to walk a bit though to find one! Then back on the train and home.

Bridge 42 and the end of the walk at Waltham Town

 

Total distance: 11.86 km (7.4 mi)
Total time: 2:51:35
Moving time: 2:38:42
Average moving speed: 4.48 km/h (2.8 mi/h)
Max elevation: 82 m (268 ft)
Min elevation: 36 m (118 ft)
Elevation gain: 282 m (925 ft)
Max grade: 10 %
Min grade: -14 %

 


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