Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness 1/10
(The longer 10.9 mile walk to Broxbourne is not recommended today as that would involve a bus on the return journey)
10:15 London Overground Cheshunt service from Liverpool Street, arriving Cheshunt 10.54 or 10.28 Greater Anglia Cheshunt service from Liverpool Street, arriving Cheshunt 11.00
Buy a return to Cheshunt (TFL zone 8) or use Oyster PAYG or contactless. Note that Freedom Pass/Oyster 60+ are only valid on the London Overground services.
There are several trains an hour back from Cheshunt.
Much of this walk is along surfaced paths, but be prepared for a few muddy stretches along the way. The route combines the extensive wetland landscape of River Lee Country Park, billed as good for bird and wildlife watchers, with a short excursion into the town of Waltham Abbey for a possible pub lunch, a peek into its fine Norman church and a circuit of the Abbey Gardens.
If you're intending to have lunch at one of the pubs, please check if they are open and if you need to book: The Crown (01992-701481), Welsh Harp (01992-711113) The Angel (01992-718671) The Sun (01992-914249). The Gatehouse Café near the church entrance looks the most appealing of the cafés.
On the return circular route it's worth popping into the Terrace Bar & Café in the Lee Valley White Water Centre for mid-afternoon refreshment or to watch the spectacle.
For full details and to download your copy of the directions see the L=swc.311.a page.