Enfiwal one

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I walked from Walthamstow to Enfield during a heat wave. There is no need to add detail to other reviews but I loved the variety of neighbourhoods and the bits of nature which persist in the midst of urban development.

I walked from Enfield to Walthamstow.
A good start quickly moving away from the town through passages, then suburban streets past Bush Hill Park Station. More suburban streets to a large open field alongside a noisy A10, Over the A10 using a foot bridge with steps then along increasingly busy streets to Edmonton Green Station. After a shopping precinct there is a long litter-strewn path next to a cemetery which was away from the traffic at least. Then some bleak pavements next to busy A roads, I envied the cyclists zooming past. The smell of the recycling plant south of Angel Road added to the car fumes. An all too brief respite through Tottenham marshes gave shade and some quietness. Then more suburban busy streets and a circuitous route through to Walthamstow stations.
I wonder if a longer route via the Lea Valley might be nicer? Certainly this route could be shortened. It was a hot day and there was a lack of shady outdoor spaces to rest but there were lots of pubs, cafes and shops along the way for refreshments.

This is a well-considered route which has a mix of pleasant off road paths, residential roads and some hard core major A roads. There are lots of refreshment opportunities on route.

There are some big obstacles which have to be crossed - railway lines, the A10, the North Circular, and the River Lee valley - and the route has been well thought through to keep directness, enhance connectivity by passing railway stations, and give refreshment opportunities.

I enjoyed the long run of footpaths at Enfield Town, passing the cricket ground, and felt I was making good progress towards my destination.
The route line at Bush Hill Park (coffee shop) is a bit abbreviated, but with careful attention I found the correct road out.
Cross the A10 (busy dual carriageway) by bridge - I mistakenly went onto the footpath alongside the A10 for around 300 metres - this isn't necessary - stay on the grassy area at King George's field and walk parallel to the A10 - there is a gate just before the bridge, this will be much nicer than walking along the roadside.

I took a refreshment break at the 'Rising Sun' at the junction of Bury Street and Winchester Road. They didn't do lunchtime food but they did do excellent cask beer; its an old fashioned two room local - a carpeted lounge and a wooden floored bar.
If you want something to eat then carry on down Winchester Road and you will soon find Turkish-style refreshments on Church Street, or continue to the big Edmonton Green shopping centre which has the usual chains.

After Edmonton Green there's another good stretch of off-road path, its well used which is nice to see.

The only improvement to the route that I found is the next section, along the B137 Montagu Road, which can be avoided by continuing straight on along the off-road path along Angel Walk, instead of turning right along Montagu Road. This would cut about 300 metres off the extremely busy section of this part of the route, and make it pleasanter overall imo.

The next section along Conduit Lane and Meridian Way (about 800 metres) passes the North Circular intersection, and I found it a bit unpleasant, best walked fast.

After the torture of the big A roads the next section across the Lea valley and marshes is a lovely respite, and would be an interesting area to detour and spend some time.
Coming away from the marshes the route climbs up hill through an estate and eventually comes out high up at Higham Hill. There is a very good pub here, the Tavern on the Hill, which serves beers from the local Wild Card brewery.

Downhill to Walthamstow - this part of London has a pleasant community and family feel, and would be a good place to spend a summer evening. Excellent choice of meeting place in the Town Square.

All in all I thought this route deserved 4 stars - the very busy roads and scope for some improvement (as described) holds off the final star. I admired the directness, refreshments, and connectivity with railway stations along the way.

Accessibility - bridge with steps.
Probably wouldn't walk this route after dark, its mostly lit on the footpaths, but the marshes area is dark.

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