Enfwal one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Enfwal here.

I walked from Enfield to Waltham Abbey.
There is suburban street walking through Enfield uphill towards Forty Hall. There seemed to be a path through Forty Hall then through woods running alongside the marked road route but signs indicated the path past the Hall was not open at all times. But you join this path Westward alongside Turkey Brook for a while. Steps over the A10. Past Turkey Street Station to Albany Park. The route is a little off here as the Brook has been removed from its concrete drain and put in a more natural setting. I walked between the old straight drain and the new meandering brook. There are more steps over the rail line. Then soon after head North along the River Lee Navigation (Canal) towards Waltham Abbey. There is a short busy road section before arriving at a nice pedestrianised precinct with Pubs and Cafes.
A good walk with lots of variety, steep bridges(17%) and stepped footbridges make it difficult for wheels.

I enjoyed this route, with about two thirds off-road and most of the rest on fairly quiet roads.

The first 2km follow the A105 main road, which is not very pleasant, but there is an alternative along quieter residential streets: from directly opposite Enfield Town station take St Andrews Road, then Churchbury Lane as far as Canonbury Road, then straight across and follow a footpath (a bit narrow and uneven in places) through to Middleton Avenue, across again into Hallside Road and rejoin the original route on Forty Hill.

When the route reaches the A10, there is a high footbridge with steep steps and no ramp (photo 1). Alternatively, there is an underpass 200m to the north, which crosses into Turkey Street.

Next point of note is Albany Park, and from here until very nearly into Watham Abbey the route is all off-road. On entry to the park, there is an awkward dog-leg barrier that is only 74cm wide at the base (photo 2). Beyond this, the Council is constructing a new wetland area as part of a flood protection scheme. Once complete and as it matures it should attract wildlife and become a good spot to pause for a mid walk breather. Unfortunately, just beyond this is another stepped footbridge over the railway line (photo 3). To avoid this, turn left onto Standard Road then right onto Ordnance Road and over the level crossing then drop down onto the Lee Navigation tow path before you get to the bridge onto the Island. The tow path itself is interesting and straightforward, apart from one rather steep bridge (photo 4: ramp gradient about 1 in 5).

Then it's just 350m along the main road into the town and the finish (photo 5). The Gatehouse Cafe, outside the Abbey entrance, is good for coffee and lunch.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.