The Lea Valley Walk by Leigh Hatts

2 miles (3.2km)Navigation on the Lea begins at Hertford and from here the Walk is on the easy to follow and sometimes metalled towpath. Hertford Lock affords a magnificent view across floodplain meadows towards Ware. But before reaching this small town the path passes the feed of the man-made New River. Ware is recognisable by its unique waterside gazebos.RefreshmentsHertford: Black Horse, West Street (where Walk enters town). Mon, Wed & Fri 12.30-2pm & 5-11pm; Sat & Sun open all day.Hertford: The Old Barge, on towpath. Mon–Fri 11.30am–3.30pm and 5.30–11pm; Sat & Sun open all day. Sun and Mon night no food.AccommodationHertford: 19 Greenways SG14 2BS (01992 302538). Smoke free.TransportHertford: National Rail to Hertford East Station. (Trains to Hertford East Station run through the Lea Valley from London’s Liverpool Street Station. Hertford North Station, some distance from the town centre, is served by King’s Cross trains.)Ware: National Rail.Tourist InformationHertford: 10 Market Place (01992 584322).MapOS Explorer 174 (Epping Forest & Lee Valley).