Lea River Walk: Part 1
The lockdown restrictions in London had started to ease. Travel outside of London is still restricted though, but the call of the outdoors has been reverberating in my brain for days now. Having spent practically months cooped up in the limited spaces of home and work further bolstered the need for wanderlust. Thus, one night while browsing through my feeds I came across an article about walks within the city limits. Needless to say, I set out the next day (ill-prepared I’ll have to say) for one of the walks mentioned in said article - The Lea Valley Walk.
My official start: Tottenham Hale Lock
The Lea river stretches from the northern parts of the city until it meets and joins the mighty Thames in the south. I started my journey in Tottenham Hale, where I got lost because my network had poor coverage there- so it took me a bit of time to officially start “walking”.
Some coots chilling under a walkbridge
I started my way along the river. The weather was perfect that day. It was getting too warm so I had to take off my hoodie. It was also quiet. Apart from the muffled sound of distant traffic from the main road that was slowly disappearing from the bend, you wouldn’t know you were still in London. Although in this part of the river there were still houses and residential blocks on the river bank, it was quite tranquil. Some locals were on their balconies having a drag or chomping down on a sandwich while having incoherent conversations. The river was starting to be alive too. Several coots, geese, and a couple of swans started to grace the waters. I even spotted an elusive grey heron across the river hiding in the shade. There will be more of them as I came to find out when I’ll reach the next part of the trail.
A swan gracefully glides through the debris of fallen twigs, reeds and low lying branches.
As I traversed the river further down, charming boathouses started to dot the banks. Each floating residence with its personal detail and character. There were some with a little outside space akin to a little patio complete with dainty tables and chairs and plants and flowers in containers. Smoke rose from some of the boats. I imagine the resident must be making tea to enjoy outside their little floating patio.
colorful boathouses dotted the river banks
Upon reaching Springfield park, I crossed the bridge over the water and went on to the other side of the river, and made a detour through the Walthamstow marshes and reservoirs. I didn’t think much of it. I didn’t know what is there to see in the marshes but to say that I’m glad I made the detour is an understatement. In fact, this pit stop took a good chunk of my time. It was probably my favorite part of my little expedition.
an open field with a view of the distant city
There was some scenic view of the distant city and a railway cuts through from the horizon passing by an open field. I marched on forward into the reservoirs and found solace. It was warm but breezy and the trees rustled in the wind, majestic willow trees bow gracefully by the water’s edge, their long trail of leaves flowing with each blow of the wind. All around you could hear echo of bird calls. It was a vast expanse of several watersheds. The water was peacefully flat, only disturbed as it was kissed by the wind. Coots, cormorants, ducks, geese, swans, and herons abound. I even chance upon storks flying above.
waterfowl abound the waters and the surrounding banks
All around the reservoirs, there were pathways and catwalks for visitors to follow and trace the water’s edge. Heading further down and around the corner, the path suddenly glows in color. Bright, yellow forsythias border the snaking trails and open on several spots from both sides into fishing docks or a cozy little picnic deck. Little pockets of tranquility by the river. It’s a bird watcher or an angler’s paradise. I could have stayed here for hours! The path eventually circles back into the main trail leading back to the entrance of the reserve.
bright, yellow forsythias border the snaking trails
I made my back out of the reserve and started to head back to the river Lea path. It was already two in the afternoon. I haven’t had lunch yet but I wasn’t hungry at all. I guess my mind was completely away with the sights I was witnessing.
I will end this here and make a separate post for the other half of the journey as I feel it’s a different world from this one. Overall, I can say that this length of the walk was the part that I enjoyed the most. I would definetely be coming back to the Walthawstaw reservoirs and explore it further.
