Join us for this fabulous walk from the Lea Valley back to east London. We will start our walk in Cheshunt, following part of the long-distance path that starts at the source of the river in Leagrave, near Luton, and ends in Limehouse basin. Along our way, we will find many reminders of the many uses this river has served in history. There is evidence of its use for transport as early as the Bronze Age. The river was increasingly heavily used as a water supply, but also industry – such as small arms manufacture, gunpowder mills and furniture-making.

Our walk ends in the East end, where we will sure to find a nice pub to reminisce about our achievements of the day!

We will walk at our usual pleasant pace, so don’t expect a super-fast walk, but -be warned- it is a slightly longer walk than our usual 7 miles. With those short winter days, it is even more important to spend time in nature, get plenty of daylight and enjoy the friendship and company of others. So, come on a walk with us – we promise we will help you feel absolutely fabulous, both mentally and physically!

Will you join us on this walk?

How to get there:

We aim to take the 8.45 am Overground from Liverpool Street station to Cheshunt where we aim to arrive at 9.24 am.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us in Cheshunt. If you do get the train at a different station, please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that, and then again once you are on it, and in which carriage you are, so we don’t get all worried that you are not there! 🙂

All stations are within the Oyster and 60+ Freedom card zone, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance. But if you are using Freedom Pass then make sure you do not take the train instead of the Overground, as this will take you out of the Freedom Pass Zone!

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 13.5 miles/ 22 kilometres. We will walk on a variety of terrain, with some uneven grassy paths. It is February, so puddles and mud can be expected. Please bring good footwear.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy your lunch outside. It is a great idea to bring a flask, so you have something warm to drink for on the way if you get a bit cold. There are a few café’s and pubs along the route, so if the weather isn’t attractive enough to eat outside, we could stop at one of those to eat inside and warm up.

I have a reputation to uphold, so I am counting on sunny weather, but this walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and shoes with a good grippy profile. Waterproof trainers are highly recommended.

Clothing recommendations:

My recommendation for cold weather is to wear plenty of layers. I like wearing 2 thin merino wool t-shirts with long sleeves, covered with a warm fleece sweater and a Gore-Tex rain jacket. I also like to bring a thin Puffa jacket, which I can slip on during breaks, or when my layers are not warm enough. I also wear insulating tights underneath my walking trousers. And because I like to be toasty, I tend to wear waterproof over trousers when rain might be expected, or when the temperatures are low.

Puffa jackets are thin insulating jackets. Sometimes filled with down, sometimes with man-made fibres. Nordic Walking UK members have 15% off at Cotswolds Outdoors, (https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/) so that could be a good place to look, but other good places to look for budget options: TK Maxx, Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/) and Uniqlo. I can also highly recommend Uniqlo’s heat tech underwear. (https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/innerwear-and-loungewear/heattech) Lasts forever, soft, warm, even when you get a bit sweaty. If you don’t mind buying online, then I can highly recommend the Sportpursuit (https://www.sportpursuit.com/join/Ailien_Rhijnsburger_d64cd9) website for great reductions on the best Outdoor brands.

(There are lots of good waterproof shoes and great walking clothes available. They don’t have to be expensive. Get in touch, I would be happy to share my favourites that fit your budget).

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 12 km. Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walker or not, you are very welcome to join us, with or without poles, as long as you are Fit (enough) and Happy. 🙂

Cost:

£10 or, if you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers, one stamp on your 10 session card. (£89 for ten walks)

If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5

(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)
Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

Joining A Walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form:

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