Lee Valley: Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne Walk
London
The Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles north from the Thames into Hertfordshire, and this section between Broxbourne and Waltham Abbey strings together the best of the southern half: River Lee Country Park, Holyfield Lake, Cheshunt Lakes and the medieval town of Waltham Abbey. The route follows the Lee Navigation towpath one way and threads through the country park's wetland meadows and lakes the other.
Dogs are welcome throughout the regional park (with the exception of the separately ticketed Animal Adventure Park, where only assistance dogs are permitted). The terrain is flat hard surfaced towpath and grass meadow paths, ideal for older dogs and easy mileage. There is a free car park opposite the Lee Valley Boat Centre on Old Nazeing Road in Broxbourne, with paid car parks at Cheshunt and Pindar at the Waltham Abbey end. Trains stop at Broxbourne and Cheshunt.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 13.0 km (8.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, River, Park
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Lee Valley Boat Centre cafe at Broxbourne. Pubs and shops in Waltham Abbey at the south end. Toilets at country park visitor centres.
- Parking
- Free car park opposite Lee Valley Boat Centre (Old Nazeing Road, EN10 6LX). Paid Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks at Waltham Abbey end (open 09:00 to 20:00).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lee Valley: Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout Lee Valley Regional Park and this route rates a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The one exception is the Animal Adventure Park, which is a separately ticketed attraction where only assistance dogs are permitted, but this doesn't affect the main walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Lee Valley: Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne Walk?
The route passes through open wetland meadows and along the Lee Navigation towpath, which gives plenty of opportunity for dogs to stretch their legs. That said, the towpath sections run alongside the water, so it's worth keeping an eye on dogs who like to launch themselves into canals, and being mindful of wildlife in the nature areas.
What should I know before visiting Lee Valley: Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne Walk with my dog?
The terrain is almost entirely flat — a mix of hard-surfaced towpath and grass meadow paths — making it a great choice for older dogs or those who need an easier day out. There's a free car park on Old Nazeing Road in Broxbourne opposite the Lee Valley Boat Centre, and the cafe there is handy for a post-walk break; Waltham Abbey at the southern end also has pubs and shops. If you're parking at the Waltham Abbey end, note that the Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks are open from 09:00 to 20:00, and both Broxbourne and Cheshunt have train stations if you'd prefer to do the route one way.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk0.6 mi awayBroxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve
Hertfordshire
A Hertfordshire woodland walk through ancient hornbeam and oak, with bluebells in spring and good year-round conditions.
Walk2.8 mi awayLee Valley Regional Park: Fishers Green to Broxbourne
Hertfordshire
A Lee Valley riverside walk through gravel pits and watermeadows with good birdwatching and easy flat paths.
Walk6.4 mi awayEpping Forest Oak Trail
London
A walk through ancient woodland in Epping Forest with veteran oaks, surprisingly wild for its proximity to London.
Walk6.6 mi awayNorthaw Great Wood
Hertfordshire
An ancient coppiced woodland walk north of London with a timeless feel and good spring wildflower displays.
Walk7.1 mi awayPanshanger Park and River Mimram Walk
Hertfordshire
A dog friendly long loop of Panshanger Park following the River Mimram, past flooded gravel pits and the veteran Panshanger Oak.
Walk7.5 mi awayEpping Forest Extended Circuit from Chingford
London
An extended eleven kilometre Epping Forest circuit from Chingford with grazed plain, ancient pollards and Connaught Water, dog friendly with seasonal cattle.
