Best walks from Walthamstow Central

Dalston Junction Station to Walthamstow Central Station

An accessible East London route mostly through green spaces and back roads, along the River Lee and past the marshes and with some rough ground beside the river. There are steep ramps over footbridges and a low bridge (about 1.5m) to duck under near Coppermill Lane.

Easy: 8km, flat terrain.

A low bridge (around 1.5m) at the marshes end of Coppermill Lane means many walkers will need to stoop.

Lunch: Plenty of refreshment stops at either end and in Clapton Village.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Walthamstow Central Station to Stratford Station

An almost entirely hard-surfaced, flat urban-and-green walk down the Lea valley. Busy at both ends but quiet through the middle, on well-maintained paved footpaths and shared cycle paths and with an optional muddier footpath alternative through Hackney Marshes. Follows national cycle route paths for much of the central section; the route can be picked up or left at Lea Bridge Road (buses) and Lea Bridge Station.

Easy: 8km, gentle ascents.

Lunch: Plenty of places to stop for a snack along the busy shopping streets at each end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Walthamstow Central Station to Ilford Station

A green urban walk through quiet streets, cycle paths and parkland, including long stretches of park and woodland paths that can be muddy in places and with busy-road sections at each end. Take the underpass beneath the Green Man roundabout. Wanstead Park has sometimes grazing cattle and a bluebell display in spring; look out for wildlife.

8km.

Can be muddy.

Lunch: Wanstead Park has a tea hut and toilets.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Enfield Town Station to Walthamstow Central Station

A largely flat, low-lying London walk mixing quiet and busy roads with long off-road stretches alongside Pymmes Brook, the River Lea Navigation and the open marshes. Surfaces range from pavement and tarmac to gravel and rougher towpath; some riverside sections can be overgrown and with canal overflow channels that flood and turn slippery after rain. Follows much of the Lee Valley. Tottenham Marshes has a surprisingly wild, rural feel. Can be broken at Ponders End, Tottenham Hale or Blackhorse Road stations.

14km. Flat terrain.

Some busy road sections, particularly near the Walthamstow end and in the final third. Canal overflow channels near Alfie's Lock can flood and become slippery after rain. Riverside sections are unlit and feel isolated after dark.

Lunch: Small shops and takeaways near Blackhorse Road and Ponders End in the last third.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wood Green Station to Walthamstow Central Station

A good suburban walk, tarmac and pavement throughout, that skirts tantalisingly close to green spaces but stays mostly on roads. There are no major inclines (only a slight one up Downhills Park Road) and no notable gates or stiles and making it good for wheels. The scenery is varied. For more greenery, follow the path up through Downhills Park parallel to the route. Belmont Recreation Ground has a picnic area, Downhills Park an ornamental garden, plus a wetland with wildlife off Forest Road.

Easy: 7km, gentle ascents.

Lunch: Lots of shops to grab a bite on the pedestrianised Walthamstow high street at the end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route