This is a flat route with no difficulties. Wheelchair users note there is a bridge to push over and one section of round ground which may not be suitable. Please note no dogs are allowed in the Wetlands Park - although fine along the towpath and connecting parks.
Start by getting a Tube to Tottenham Hale on the Victoria line. When you exit the station turn left along Ferry Lane. After a few minutes walking, you'll get to the bridge by Tottenham Lock. Go down to your left (if you are on the left side of the road) then go under the bridge. The river is the Lee Navigation which stretches down from this point to the River Thames at Limehouse.
You are soon away from the busy main road and pass under a railway bridge which supports the London Overground. There are lot's of waterfowl in the area and here on the river bend, you might see the Grey Heron which hangs out for food from the neighbouring houses. When you pass under a second railway bridge you'll see the entrance to Markfield Park on the right.
At Markfield Park you can take a small diversion to check out the Markfield Beam Engine and Museum (https://www.mbeam.org/) There is also a cafe in the park.
Carry on walking in the same direction - east. You'll pass many brightly coloured narrowboats on the way - a nice area to get some photos. Along with the narrowboats, you may well see some rowing teams. When you get to the Lee Rowing Club you'll see a footbridge on your left - this needs crossing. There are a few steps to navigate if you have a wheelchair.
View below is from the bridge looking west, to where you have come from.
Once you have crossed the river you will lose sight of it for a while. Follow the track until you reach a turning left or right. Follow it round to the left towards a low railway bridge. Don't go under the bridge, instead, go right into the field and walk diagonally through the centre. This is Walthamstow Marsh - worth noting that in the winter and spring, this can flood. If it is flooded, go under the low bridge instead, this leads to the Walthamstow Wetlands entrance. Wheelchair users may prefer this route.
However, most year-round the marsh can be crossed easily and is firm underfoot. When you get through you'll pass an open gate and under another railway bridge to your left. Here the trail gets rough with loose pebbles underfoot. When you get to the footbridge on your right, turn left and follow the path at a right angle. Make another left at the end and you'll head down a tarmacked path with Blackberry Bushes on either side. Eventually after going under a couple of bridges you'll end up at the low bridge, this time on your left. There is a car park here and you'll need to turn right and walk over to the (rear) entrance of Walthamstow Wetlands.
The Wetland is a collection of large reservoirs made into a nature reserve. Thousands of birds live and migrate here. There are many routes you can take through - see the map for more details but basically follow your nose through in the same direction along the lakes and pylons. Waterfowl include Swans, Egyptian Geese, Grey Heron and the wonderful Tern. There are many species of duck found here too. As said at the top of this blog, make sure you check opening time before you visit.
Look out for the Engine House with its distinctive chimney, this is a nice place for a coffee and a rest at the end of the walk. However, if you prefer a pint, leave the park to Ferry Lane and find the Ferry Boat Inn on the other side of the road. From the Ferry Boat, you can find your way back to Tottenham Hale Tube for your trip home.
I hope you have enjoyed this read and you get to try the walk - please have a look through my blog for some other trips around London.
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