2 miles (3.2km)
The early view is of the townscape on the side of Stamford Hill before the towpath switches sides to run along the edge of Walthamstow Marsh, where Britain’s first air flight took place over land which still yields a hay crop.
Refreshments
Tottenham Hale: The Ferry Boat Inn, Ferry Lane. Cross the bridge at the lock and follow the road to a third bridge spanning the Old River Lea. Open all day.Spring Hill: Riverside Cafe. 8am-5pm (Tue & Thu 7pm).
Markfield Park: Pistachios in the Park. Open 9am-6pm.
Transport
Tottenham: National Rail or Underground (Victoria Line) to Tottenham Hale.Lea Bridge: National Rail to Clapton Station.
Tourist Information
London: www.visitlondon.com
Map
OS Explorer 174 (Epping Forest & Lee Valley)
I grew up in the 1960’s and the river Lea at Tottenham Hale was a magical place where children could loose themselves in all sorts of adventures from morning to night. One of my favourite experiences was calling out the the boat owners and asking to come aboard for a “lift”, then myself, my brothers and our friends swamped these poor people for a ride along the Lea, then we would jump off and walk back to the beginning again. Catching tadpoles and tiddlers was another wonderful occupation. I could probably wax lyrical for hours as I have not been back to the Lea since 1980 when my husband and myself emigrated to Australia. Thank you for the memories.