Clapton & the River Lea
The best stretch of the Lea before it gets to the Olympic Park: heron country, the marshes, and the best reservoir views in the east. Walked and written by the editor. https://walkwalk.org/london/walks/clapton-and-river-lea

1. Clapton station
Overground from Liverpool Street. Walk east down Lower Clapton Road to the Lea.

2. Springfield Park
The park rises steeply from the Lea; the view from the top is across the reservoirs and marshes toward Walthamstow. The White House café is good.

3. River Lea Navigation
Follow the towpath north from Springfield Park. The navigation here passes between the reservoirs on one side and Walthamstow Marshes on the other. Heron, cormorant, and kingfisher country.

4. Walthamstow Marshes
The last remaining traditional hay meadow in the London area, designated SSSI. The steam-powered aircraft that Henri Farman flew from here in 1909 was London's first powered flight.

5. Tottenham Hale station
The Victoria line and Overground back. Walk through the Tottenham marshes on the way if you have time; the view back south toward the reservoirs is worth it.

Clapton & the River Lea