Walthamstow Wetlands & Lea Valley

This is a train-assisted ride exploring some wonderful green spaces in North East London.

Starting from Paddington, we ride through the Royal Parks and follow Cycleway 3, across Parliament Square, along the Embankment, and into East London as far as Limehouse. Here we turn northwards, through Mile End Park and Victoria Park, to reach the Olympic Park and the Lea Valley. We follow this lovely green route up to the Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/walthamstow-wetlands , where we will stop for refreshments. The café offers a limited range of food https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/Engine%20House%20Menu_OCT24.pdf , or you can bring your own food for a picnic.

For our return, we climb out of the Lea Valley and up Stamford Hill, then follow quiet roads through Clissold Park and Highbury Fields. We make our way to Camden Road for London Overground Mildmay Line train services. If you prefer, you could take the train from other stations, e.g. Highbury & Islington, Canonbury, Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, which are all on the same line; at the moment, there are problems with lifts at some stations.

Train-assisted ride to North East London, riding up the Lea Valley to the Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve.

Cycle tracks, shared traffic-free tracks, quieter roads where possible. Some short stretches on busier roads.

Lunch stop at Walthamstow Wetlands.

Snacks & water for the ride. Money/card for rail fare & cafe. Lock for your bike. Sunscreen.

First-timers welcome!