Walthamstow Marshes and Leyton Marsh Circular
London
Walthamstow Marshes is one of the last stretches of undeveloped floodplain marsh left in London, grazed as Lammas land from Saxon times into the 20th century and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, where dogs are kept close or on a lead when the conservation grazing cattle are out in summer. This 3.2km circular route starts at the Lee Valley Ice Centre and links the two marshes, following surfaced paths and grass track past Coppermill Fields, Horseshoe Thicket and the site of Alliott Verdon Roe's first all-British aeroplane flight in 1909. The ground is entirely flat, running alongside the Lee Navigation and Coppermill Stream, and the route includes a couple of walk-around gates and a cattle grid.
This dog friendly stretch of marsh gives dogs a wide expanse of open grassland to explore, with the River Lea and its side channels offering places to drink and, in quieter spots, to paddle. Conservation grazing means cattle are sometimes present on the marsh in summer, so dogs should be kept close or on lead when livestock are around, and leads are sensible near the towpath where cyclists pass. There is no shade to speak of across the open meadow, so this is a better walk outside the hottest part of the day. Parking is at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, which also has a cafe and toilets, and the marshes support water voles, kingfishers and, in summer, breeding warblers, so dogs are best kept out of the reedbeds and ditches.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe and toilets at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, at the start of the walk.
- Parking
- Lee Valley Ice Centre car park, Lea Bridge Road, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walthamstow Marshes and Leyton Marsh Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this 3.2km circular route is a good option for dogs, rated 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The flat, open grassland gives dogs plenty of room to roam, and the River Lea and its side channels offer spots to drink and paddle along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Walthamstow Marshes and Leyton Marsh Circular?
Dogs can enjoy off-lead time across the open marsh, but there are a few situations where keeping them close or on a lead is important. Conservation grazing cattle are sometimes present on the marsh in summer, and leads are also sensible near the towpath where cyclists pass regularly.
What should I know before visiting Walthamstow Marshes and Leyton Marsh Circular with my dog?
The route is entirely flat with surfaced paths and grass track, though there are a couple of walk-around gates and a cattle grid to navigate. There's no shade across the open meadow, so it's worth timing your visit outside the hottest part of the day in summer. The marshes support water voles, kingfishers and breeding warblers, so it's best to keep dogs out of the reedbeds and ditches — and parking, a cafe and toilets are all available at the Lee Valley Ice Centre at the start of the walk.
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Lee Valley Ice Centre car park, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL
51.5636, -0.0443
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