The Lea Valley Walk : One-week walk from Leagrave to the heart of London

Almost entirely flat and suitable for all abilities, this long-distance walk transforms the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside into a perfect introduction to multi-day walking—ideal for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a trail that can be completed over a long weekend, a week, or multiple weekends. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook is your essential companion for planning and navigating the walk. Split into five manageable stages of between 13 and 28km (8–17 miles), you can combine them flexibly to create a weekend itinerary or walk the full route as described. Detailed route descriptions are complemented by 1:50,000 OS mapping so you can navigate with confidence, while downloadable GPX files offer digital navigation options for smartphones and GPS devices. Railway stations are highlighted at key towns and villages—including Leagrave, Harpenden, Hertford, and Tottenham—so you can easily begin, end, or break up the walk at any stage. The route combines riverside paths, historic towns, and urban parklands just outside London, culminating at the historic docks. There's also a bonus 6km circular walk around the Olympic Park, which you can explore as a standalone route or as an additional highlight. Perfectly suited for first-time long-distance walkers and weekend adventurers seeking a relatively easy route near London, The Lea Valley Walk delivers big rewards with minimal demands.