4.5 miles (7km)

This stretch takes the Walk past Waltham Abbey where the Norman church divides the market town from the rich watermeadows. The river here was first improved for navigation in the late 12th century by the Abbot. Further south the route passes into Greater London. Ponders End does not have a Sunday train service but a new bridge at Mossop’s Creek provides a route to Brimsdown Station where trains stop at least hourly.

Refreshments
Cheshunt: Tea Room at YHA Lee Valley Village. Open some weekends and most days in school holidays.
Cheshunt: The Windmill. Next to station. Food 12-2pm.
Waltham Abbey: The Gatehouse Cafe. Next to Tourist Information Centre in Highbridge Street. Tue-Sun 9am-4pm.
Waltham Abbey: Tony’s Pie & Mash, Market Square. Mon-Sat 11am-5pm.
Waltham Abbey: McDonald’s, High Bridge Street. Just east of river. Open all day.
Rammey Marsh Lock: Narrowboat Cafe.  7am-7pm. Showers and launderette.

Enfield Lock Island Bridge: The Greyhound. Open all day.

Accommodation
Cheshunt: YHA Lee Valley Village EH9 9AJ (01992 628392). www.yha.org.uk
Cheshunt: 14 Ashdown Crescent EN8 ORE (01992 628853). Turn off the towpath at the first Cheshunt signpost after Cheshunt Lock. Beyond the level crossing go right into Elm Drive.
Rammey Marsh: Innova Park Premier Travel Inn, Solar Way EN3 7XY (0870 238 3306). At Enfield Lock Island Bridge turn right to pass the Greyhound, cross the main road ahead and go right into Electric Avenue.

Transport
Cheshunt: National Rail.Waltham Abbey: National Rail from Waltham Cross Station.

Tourist Information
Waltham Abbey: 4 Highbridge Street EN9 1DE (01992 652295). For accommodation email [email protected]

Map
OS Explorer 174 (Epping Forest & Lee Valley)