My Longest River Lea Walk - Leytonstone to Hertford (4K)

[@tilerman]

I live right by Enfield Lock John, would have been great to have bumped into you. In 1980 i was 14 and was fishing right opposite what is now Enfield Power Station. Back then there were 2 enormous concrete cooling towers, and the day i was fishing there was the day they were to be demolished with dynamite! A man shouted across the canal to hold my ears and to protect myself from the dust. Nowadays i would have been moved away from the area. The alarm sounded and then bang, down they came. The sound was incredible. Even more incredible was the soot! The whole area covered with black dust. Oh, and next to the little white footbridge at 21.54 is a pool called the Swan and Pike pool. People think it's because it has pike and swans in it but it's so named after the pub that sat next to the pond and which served the Royal Small Arms factory workforce. And right opposite the lock itself at 21.58 was the brewery. Sorry to rattle on!

[@mozdickson]

Great comments, keep em coming. I had a flash of Fred Dibnah in there too!

[@properkhunt710]

Myself and my brother stood at the top of the big slide in Durants Park in Ponders End the day they blew up the cooling towers. One was only partially destructed. So much industrial history in East Enfield, all gone now. Dirty and polluting, gave a very dystopian feel walking the Lea from Ponders End to Enfield Lock. Used to swim in the relief channel that runs around the East side of King George reservoir.

[@zax1972]

Alfie was the legendary lock keeper at picketts lock since the 80's, he's retired now. They renamed the lock from pickett's lock to Alfie's lock temporarily in recognition to his contribution to the Lee as lock master. He is a larger than life character and would always engage with all that crossed his path in a friendly fashion. I use to fish the lock for many hours on my way to and from work and he would always recall his pike fishing antics at the lock with me whenever he saw me fishing. Wish him the best.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much for that info Ustaadth

[@benters3509]

I admire your attitude and fortitude. Many people that live in suburbia would just complain about being forced to live in a concrete jungle. They miss all of the beauty and history that you find in inner London, and don't think to take the time and exercise to do these fantastic walks that you seem to find. This one was very impressive. Thanks.

[@Vexarax]

I'm so envious of you having so much history all around you! I'm in NZ and while there is an abundance of natural beauty, we don't have ancient ruins or riverbanks that people have been walking beside for thousands of years (the rivers have always been here, but not the people!). Thanks so much for sharing the wonders of your beautiful country with us 💚

[@lizwilliams14]

I feel exactly the same. I grew up in the UK south of London. I now live on the Canadian prairies. I miss those lovely quiet walks and the history of everything.

[@mozdickson]

Fellow Kiwi here, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Much as I love our bush tracks and deserted coastal bays, how I long to get some British dirt on my walking boots once again! Kia ora.

[@written12]

adventuresinbelieving Ah, a deserted coastal bay sounds don’t divine.

[@Vexarax]

@@written12 Deserted coastal bays are definitely stunning (I grew up on the West Coast of the South Island, which is mostly deserted coastal bays and rainforests, as well as stunning cave networks!) but gosh.. sometimes I just crave being able to stumble across ruins built by people who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago, which is something one just doesn't have here in NZ sadly.

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

I envy you for having a prime minister who actually cares about you.

[@julieblackstock8650]

Life , The Universe and Everything gets my vote

[@CruisingTheCut]

All your walks are fascinating but I do, of course, have a soft spot for anything on the towpath. Cheers for the mention 😀

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much David, I'm very fond of a towpath myself, it's about time I started exploring a few outside the London region

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

You two should collab.

[@susangustave8797]

@@RenaissanceEarCandy ohh I would definitely watch that. Love walking, history and the Canal, these two together ❤️

[@East_Anglian]

I was born in Nazeing (named for the tribe who sailed down what is now the Naze, and settled at the top of the village), and The Crown was my local for many years when Charrington sold a great pint of Bass there... The Fish and Eels was a great place for darts and pool, and the Rye House Tavern (as it was then) was a hub for new and aspiring local bands... great memories of that stretch of the Lee /Stort Navigation. As a Cub Scout we were sponsored from Spellbrook to Broxbourne alonmg the Stort - a long way for a boy of 10 - I never forgot the cows along the path, and the sense of feeling truly in the country. It really was all fields when I was a boy ! Thanks for the memories .... I seem to recall there were at least 17 pubs in Ware, when we ran pub crawls in the 80's. I bet there are half that now...

[@jburgess8318]

Just driving up to Hertford used to knacker me out

[@peterchapman2182]

You forgot to mention the famous Lea Rowing Club next to Springfield Park. World Champions and Olympians came from there.

[@mungmungie]

"Cruising the Cut" is a favourite of mine, as well. If I had a narrowboat, "Life, the Universe and Everything" would have been in the running for a name. Not that I ever will own such a vessel, but I guess I would have to find an even more epic name if I did.

[@michaelwood3099]

The building next to the Anchor & Hope pub was another pub called the Beehive, built in 1915 closed shortly after after the war.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Michael

[@ttv2951]

30 miles epic walk complete with dodgy back & wobbly knee nothing stops this man 👍😎😉

[@drewukdrew]

John, I could listen to your voice for ages, love your little snips of info you chuck relative to your past. You have refueled my walking drive again and made me see that there's more to walking than climbing mountains.. thank you.

[@frank-katieshelley2404]

I spotted a narrow boat on the Trent and Mersey in Rugeley that was called 'Butty Sark'! Well I thought it was funny ...

[@Walksandwanders]

W O W ! Not sure I could do 31.9 miles these days, even without a bad back!! We kept saying ‘he’s going to do a marathon...’ But 26 miles came and went and you kept going! Lovely video. We do find you videos and walk commentaries very calming. Thanks for sharing. Hope you slept well that night without too much pain.

[@lesliegprice6652]

Dear John that's a great day walking the Lea, my dad lived right next to it on Leabridge road, I was born nearby in Tottenham, I worked next door to Lea Enfield factory in the sixties, brings back many memories, thank you so much and I hope you get better soon, I have Sciatica so I can sympathise, I use heat patches which help relax the muscles, take care see you next one wherever that may be .....♥

[@christown2827]

I tip my hat off to you sir. I walked the 35 miles from Maidstone to Folkestone in seven stages with my longest mileage totalling a mere 14.9 miles on the day when I walked from Ashford to Chilham via Wye and Crundale.

[@johnjosephlonergan]

Incredible WALK for any human. I'm not yet capable of a walk like that I think so my son 16 and I set off about 2:45 from Wanstead by bike, cycling to chingford mount and over to the reservoirs and then along the lea and up through the lea valley country park (which is wetlands and amazing). Setting off so late we got as far as the lea fork at Broxbourne where there is a great tea and sandwich hut just on the Ware branch. Turned around after a snack and came back via the canal leaving at Tottenham Hale and back to Wanstead about 7 (dark) The Tottenham Hale route onto the canal from Wanstead is much less flat (still a bit hilly) than going via chingford and means a little less roads. Thanks again Mr Rogers!!

[@Ben_Mdws]

Bob & Brad's Physio videos on KZbin have helped me with my back pain.

[@histmanuk]

A magnificent long walk. The viewer is almost willing John on to complete it!

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Brilliant walk - but you forgot to bring a towel! Love the stop at the pub - that should be how each hike ends. Cheers.

[@MeTheRob]

Great. I will watch this after my midday nap. Sunday dinner wasn't the same with no JR walkies.

[@julieblackstock8650]

I came home from a guided local walk last night and wondered where the usual Sunday upload was!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

@@julieblackstock8650 sorry about that Julie, technical issue with the original export and as it's such a long video took a long time to re-export

[@CaroleMora22]

What a lovely walk to celebrate the end of a kind of drought, and with a draught along the way. The rivers and bodies of water are so glassy, the skies so blue, with gauzy white clouds, and all those greens all around, really wonderful. As always, thanks for sharing these walks :-)

[@Marks-Garage]

Not sure whether you are interested John but those pylons that run from Tottenham marshes all the way to Turnford are the Waltham cross, Brimsdown, Tottenham Circuits. The power comes in from the Waltham cross substation at 400kv and drops down to 275kv as passes through Brimsdown and Tottenham substation. It picks up the enfield energys powerstation output along its way. Im lucky enough to work for NG and the sites based along the river are always a nice place to be.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that info Mark, very interesting indeed

[@marciajenkins819]

My husband I really enjoy your channel. Watching from New Hampshire, USA. We also watch Cruising the Cut as well as The Narrowboat Experience. Great way to see England along the towpath.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Marcia - I remember scoring a great goal against New Hampshire College football team when I was 15 and they were touring the UK. I had one of their t-shirts for many years until it was full of holes. Glad you enjoy exploring the UK canal network

[@crstothard]

Good lord, man! 30 miles! Hopefully, there was good tea and a hot bath waiting for you at home... Thank you for taking us on a wonderful adventure! Greetings from NYC.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I walked straight into my local pub when I got home CRS and my wife came and joined me for a pint of Camden Ale aptly enough. Hope all is well in NYC - one of my favourite cities

[@crstothard]

@@JohnRogersWalks Well, perhaps when you've got the UK sorted, you can begin an NYC walk series..... :D

[@robertstevens4697]

I was sitting in my flat pissed off cos Chelsea lost Then I found your video Adjectives escape me but Wow will do I am 67 and suffer with nothing more than legs that ache when I walk to far but thankfully I do not suffer any pain that putting my feet up won't cure You have made my life a better place than it was before

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that Robert much appreciated

[@andreasjacovides4800]

Beautiful video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thank you

[@LauraAgustinNA]

That was wonderful, though I don't think you'll see this comment. I've walked through that rusty-dusty area of Edmonton but cut off east there and wanted to see what Ponders End lock and Enfield lock look like. You've convinced me to do that walk and far above, thank you again.

[@voxley19]

Totally mesmerising. I am breathless at the distance you walked! The most I have walked in a day is 34 miles (Winchfield to Winchester on the Three Castles Path in Hampshire), but that was decades ago- I struggle to do a third of that distance now. I too suffer from back problems but I seem to be the opposite of you- no pain when I'm sitting down but agony when walking. Glad you're back on public transport- isn"t a nice long walk in the Chilterns overdue or how about another stage of London Loop? By the way, I discovered earlier this year that the Hertfordshire Way takes a fascinating route between Ware and Hertford (not just straight along the Lea). You'd need to get the Hertfordshire Way guidebook to follow it, but there is a video of it on my channel. Hope the pain in your back goes away soon.

[@john80c]

Well done John 30 miles is what IS a walk. Love the banks of the River Lea very tranquil and peaceful. Enfield looks interesting with its munitions works and famous football team. Look forward to your next walk wherever that may be. In a West Virginia context 30 miles is just short of halfway from Hedgesville to Washington DC

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that John - I like the sound of walking to Washington DC

[@john80c]

@@JohnRogersWalks I'd rather walk away lol

[@kevinkeehn4523]

Very nice. Who in the %$#!! would leave a thumbs down? This is better than anything on TV. Cheers from the West Coast.

[@cherchezlavache5183]

Well, now, wasn’t that nice! Thank you so much for the post! And Hello to Samuel Stone, I was born in Hartford, CT. It’s a small world! 👍🙋‍♀️🥂

[@AngelaHavey]

I walked from Leyton underground station to the Lee River, then continued walking the canal path to Hertford today. A gorgeous day to walk this path. Thanks to your video!

[@jacksomb1]

I believe the smallest public bar in Britain is in The Dove at Hammersmith - keep up the great work! I really enjoy your videos

[@nickname1812]

Perhaps your best vlog. Epic indeed. The absolute precise point where you stand in Francis Road E10 at the start, is where cricketer Freddie Truman would park his Aston Martin when he played at the cricket ground in the 60s. He would be mobbed.

[@christophersweeney1038]

Thank you John. Great walk which I did 40 years ago. It was a little different then. I used to know Walthamstow and Leytonstone (81 Forest Rd , perhaps the oldest house in the road) and Chingford like the back of my hand and lived in all of them but 30 miles north is the place to be. My wife covers Woodford, Wanstead and Buckhust Hill) I have to say that as your back pain receded during the walk mine increased just watching you! Are the bootsthe Merrills? A quick comment on a previous video when you were in Ware, The white building isn't the priory. It is in fact Thunder Hall and worth a google. For the future you might consider heading out from Hertford through the Beane meadows and take in Goldings. I can also recommend the Ravine walk up from Wadesmill to the west of the old A10 reaching Lowgate fFarm, Rrowney Priory with its chequered history , on to Sacombe Park back to Ware through Bengeo and Ware Park . Iguess you have studied the mammoth Epping Forest then and now with its great time travelled photographs. Aso I recall that waltham Forset Libraries published some then and now books which covered the grand old houses of the borough. Beast wishes and remember not to slouch in the armchair-sit up straight with a cushion to support your back. Never works for me but the expensive physio seems sure it will.

[@philipbond9896]

As a kid growing up and living in Chingford Essex I’d ride my push bike up and down the river lee . I have fond memories of them days . I now live in Australia . Thank you for this beautiful video

[@paulmorris3613]

I find it amazing how many narrowboats are moored up the Lea,Well done you have done well and once again reminds me of my failure to get out and explore, Exceent wander John.

[@ST-pn7ph]

Brought back so many memories from going past my old school on Marsh Lane (was Church Mead School) to Hertford where I went to university. Many familiar places along the way. Thank you!

[@brentonbish]

About 15yrs ago I lived in London and I walked everywhere my longest walk was lewisham to lewisham via Greenwhich , North London, Chelsea and Croydon, it took me 30 hrs and I grazed mostly on cheap £1 pizza slices, I also walked extensively around Leytonstone and Walthamstowe and regularly walked from the Lea river industrial estate home to Leytonstone also worked at TCR in Bloomsbury and occasionally walked the length of mile end rd through Stratford along Leytonstone high st

[@loughtonfolkclub827]

HI John What an epic walk. Fantastic with a dodgy back. The barges were spritsail barges. The walk from Fieljds Weir to Hertford is a lovely stretch of river. I did a Kingfisher breeding survey for Lea valley Park some years ago and that stretch was unsurprisingly the most productive. I must go to Hertford I have not been there for ages, though I will get the train, but will walk back some way to Leytonstone, with a few pubs thrown in. My first pints in a pub were in the Red Lion last week. Very enjoyable and no hassle. How did you feel the next morning? Thanks for the video it has got planning some walks in the next few weeks. Gary

[@essextrails]

A really enjoyable walk John. I loved every moment. So glad your back held out for the distance. I had to laugh at the "real dedication to do a walking shot at this stage". I have a channel for my runs around the Essex countryside and know that after a good few miles, the desire to stop and film a bit of running evaporates. It is nice to be recognised and meet with viewers though. I did empathise with the "footpath closed" part, had this happen to me right at the end of my country run yesterday. Keep up the good work, I love your videos and hope you get out in the Essex countryside sometime soon.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that Essex Trails, glad you enjoyed that comment, had to have a couple of those shots in there whatever the pain. Can't wait to get back out into Essex

[@LotsofJourneys]

That's a heck of a long walk! Fair play!

[@jamiemorris5177]

Oh yes been waiting for this 👍🏻

[@tomgirldouble3249]

I’m exhausted just watching John. An amazing walk I hope your back wasn’t too bad next day. Stunning 🙏🏻😔🧡

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Tomgirl - the back was actually ok the next day, it was my knee that was playing up next day - all better now though

[@johnusher1921]

John, the 'Lee'' in Lee Enfield rifle was named after the designer of the mechanism, James Paris Lee, and not the river - always a point of confusion,The barrel desigh was named after Enfield and the Royal Small Arms Factory (now Enfield Island Village) didn't actually make any of the rifles in WW2!

[@dougzirkle5951]

After watching this rather epic walk of yours, I fully expected a crowd of well wishers and an award ceremony at the end. Under any circumstances a monumental achievement in my book. I fully appreciate, admire, & enjoyed it in its entirety!

[@boltsy23]

Thanks for this video. Last year I walked Enfield to Ware on the Lea navigation and doing the same tomorrow. Im going to make it an annual jaunt. This video gave me inspiration it was possible.

[@russellsprout2223]

Superlatives fail me - what a fantastic walk and video. Nice to see the 'Fish and Eels' at Dobb's Weir, again - one-time favourite watering hole of Gazza (and myself, in a former life). Excellent work. Atb 👍

[@athoshadjiantoni6403]

Great to see you John Rogers. You done the longest walk you ever have. 😁

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Athos

[@athoshadjiantoni6403]

Think you very much.

[@samskidoodle4768]

Late joining the party, I realise, but this was a joy to watch earlier today. Thank you, John - your walks have helped sustain and inspire me through the bleaker days of this most recent lockdown. I'm really keen to explore again when conditions allow (on the same day last year, a friend and I met for a meander in Clapham Old Town and north Battersea). When you mentioned your father driving down to collect veneer for fine furniture, I wondered if he'd worked for Ercol in High Wycombe? Somewhere I have their 1964 catalogue with a suitably jaunty 60s version of their Lion logo. PS The bird around 10 mins in puts me in mind of a mini pterodactyl!

[@danielboulton98]

looking forward to this, I just cycled up the Lee to Hertford from the Greenway at Stratford

[@MeTheRob]

Lovely. That was a favourite bike ride for me, when I lived in London, starting from King's Cross.

[@garym0630]

Did exactly the same as you, but done it a few years back. Rode all the way back as well but came back a slightly different route as it was getting quite late.

[@kidreality]

Excellent walk John, last year I attempted a walk from Dalston to Cambridge, busking in the towns along the way, made it most of the way under my own steam but resorted to hitching when I got too worn out. The stretch out of London and up to Hertford & Ware was one of the highlights, and I spent a memorable evening on a narrowboat shown in this video moored by Waltham Common lock with two chaps called John and Ky I had met whilst walking. Will be exploring the River Stort navigation soon on your recommendation!

[@jandell1568]

Wow . Hi John just watched your Leytonstone to Hertford walk. May I say firstly it was fantastic to watch and helped my husband so much to relax after a 7 week nightmare that he has just gone through. We were out in Southend on Saturday and very proud of the 14 mile walk we completed.........30 miles?? Put us both to shame😳😳

[@annenewton5403]

Thank you so much for your walks,you are keeping are sane in Lockdown 3.We only discovered you last week.You are a breath of fresh air .I was born in London my husband in Waltham Cross. We now live in Sussex.

[@mandylovett3980]

I enjoyed this video immensely, firstly congratulations on such a lengthy walk, well done. The river Lea is so close to my heart. I grew up in Enfield lock, my mothers sister lived in the lock house itself, her husband worked for British Waterways so they were able to rent it, her in-laws lived in lock cottage next door. My grandparents lived in the cottages in government row my grandfather was a military policeman and manned the gate to the royal small arms. I now live in Ware and spend much of my spare time walking the river. Thank you x

[@MrChristhemusiclover]

Hi John Rogers, this is in my opinion your most epic walk. I'm just watching it again now and really love it. I live in Leytonstone and often walk the lea. Thankyou for this brilliant journey and all of your videos.

[@geoffbrooks5502]

Hi mate, great video! Regarding the spelling of the Lea/Lee, the natural river is spelt Lea and the canalised sections are spelt Lee. Hope that’s answered that question for you lol 😂 Will get round to watching your other vids, keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@stashedawayman1521]

The building at the start of The New River is called 'The Gauge House' - when I was at school in the mid 1960's a girl (Susan) in my class lived in that isolated building but then it had a garden with fruit trees. At school there was also a boy (John) who lived on a large houseboat at Hertford Lock. I will be seventy in a twelve days; Where are you now Susan and John? A truly wonderful walk John after 'back trouble' - I have been there too and done great cycle rides the following day on a fully laden tandem.

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Epic 30 miles ! But I'd be so sore after! thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Little Acorns

[@streetrambler134]

Enjoying the video, and watching previous ones too. Very chilled and relaxing.

[@garym0630]

One of my favourites is "Never Mind The Bow Locks"

[@streetrambler134]

@@garym0630 lol, enjoyed the Van Gogh with Ian Sinclair.

[@elainenapier4034]

Great video! My dad was born in Leyton and, years later when he was the manager of Ware Flour Mills, we lived in Ware very close to the start of the New River. If you find yourself in Ware again, you might like to take a look at the beautiful pool at Great Amwell. Also, when the walk along the towpath towards Hertford from the bridge in the centre of Ware is open, there used to be some amazing old gazebos belonging to the old houses on the main street. The gazebos were at the end of their gardens and suspended over the river. Thanks again, really interesting! PS Hope your back is better.

[@davidfrancis2756]

Hi John, found your walks on here by accident. Love them. I grew up in Leytonstone and Walthamstow. I now live in Hertford. Moved here when I was 10 in the 70’s. Great walks. I will definitely going to do the walk or bike ride Hertford to Walthamstow.

[@stevec00ps]

I'm glad for one the camera didn't capture the sewerage treatment smells :) A fellow back sufferer here :( Same though - moving helps! All lock down I'm working from home so barely walking anywhere. I need to do some walks!

[@davidsanders8687]

Fascinating walk you made it very interesting surprised we didn’t see a single fisherman on the whole of that walk down the Lea 😮

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

I really enjoyed this john, I have only recently discovered your channel and I am now hooked... I'm so happy that you have so many walks for me to join you on, thanks so much, I love the history and your thoughts, and the beauty you capture in these wonderful videos!

[@sallyhuggett9915]

Amazing ..i know that feeling walking through that route I remember when i lived in Harlow The 'Say No to Stansted ' signs every where .1960s and now its one of ""London's"' ? biggest Airports

[@skeembot]

Hi John, just a quick comment to let you know that I find your videos so interesting but more so for me, so relaxing also! Thanks again John

[@pauljones5066]

30 miles in a day, Jesus man that is going some, wow. The reference to Edith walks is so much appreciated. I have been thinking of camping down the Lea valley and cycling on that path, summer 2021 for sure.

[@Mick_Holland]

Walking-off a bad back, what a great idea. I had to pause at around 8 and a half minutes in ... the barking dog set my three off! 😀

[@skyboswell]

After finding your channel a few weeks ago I've finally subscribed! Husband and self watch your videos on our TV, and it feels like I'm walking with you when I watch. As a South Londoner (Croydon) born and bred, and now living in rural North Cornwall, I so miss the freedom of London and the many places to walk and explore. Nothing like it round this way; just farmland with blocked access ways and removed public rights of way signs, dangerous narrow lanes with speeding traffic, no parks unless you want to drive 10 miles to the nearest town. As Joni Mitchell told us, 'You don't know what you've got til it's gone.' Appropriate that I'm watching this video (for the second time in a few days) as it's now Lughnasadh/Lammas, and this morning my partner will be driving out a few miles to celebrate with some members of his Druid Grove. Thank you for these wonderful videos and your amazing knowledge of local history. I have friends in Walthamstow so next time I visit I'll be looking to follow some of your footsteps. Until then, I have your videos. xx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for your comment Sky, so glad you're enjoying the experience of coming out on the walks. Druids celebrating the Lammas in Cornwall is a wonderful image

[@skyboswell]

@@JohnRogersWalks It was a distinctly soggy one, John! Always assured of rain down here. I've not seen all your videos yet but wonder if you ever point out the fading painted wall advertising signs of bygone years? When I lived in South London I always thought it would be a great project for a photographer to capture these images before they fade away completely, get painted over, or the buildings they are on are demolished.

[@paulsnow8209]

Hi John. Love your walks, particularly the river walks. May I suggest you take a holiday on the lovely Isle Of Wight and walk the river Medina (east, there are two Medinas on the island, east and west) from Niton to where it enters the Solent at Bembridge. You won't be disappointed because the Island is mostly rural with lovely footpaths and lanes. Regards Paul.

[@mikesaunders4775]

A fantastic walk John, the kind of film that should be made by the mainstream media but no longer is . Stay well.

[@Isaaccummins]

Epic walk John. Thanks for a great video.

[@davidh3333]

Excellent walk .30 miles of changing scenery .Great effort with your bad back 👍

[@mariaherbert1469]

Highly recommend a book called 'treat your own back' by Robin mckenzie. Hope your back is better soon. Sounds like sciatica

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Maria

[@rubbberrobbie]

wow... Where I first lived in Leyton and where I first cruised on my narrowboat. You are so relaxed delivering information. A real joy to watch.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Beautiful walk. Your stamina is amazing. I hope the long walk cured your back pain. I always find it helps me, although I don't walk anywhere near as far as you do even in your shorter walks!

[@Mouxbar]

Did this walk many years ago to er, Tottenham Hale. Luckily was on the right side of the river to enjoy a pint in the Hope and Anchor. Which became more than a pint... Grand afternoon chatting with strangers, one of which gave me advice on building wooden staircases. Not that I needed a new one. Roast potatoes on the bar as well so must have been a Sunday. It was a grand afternoon anyway :-)

[@tallpojjy]

I adored this video - I have only just found it. So relaxing, very gently presented with a lot of good historical information. Thank you for posting it, it is wonderful.

[@allannewson1461]

Wanstead park down to barking lived that as a boy .teenager fishing. Loved your filming 78 now .will follow you from now on ..thank you

[@allenwhitehead6561]

Love your laid back commentary John and obvious your great love for the Lea Valley Navigation , continue what you do , which is thoroughly entertaining , hope your back gets better, The Hobbit gets my vote by the way 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that Allen - I think the Hobbit seems to be winning so far

[@lesgoody3141]

I feel for you! What would we do without painkillers!

[@GWJUK]

My exploration of the New River was bourn out of back pain. Walking helped but as you say wasn't a cure! I had the op in the end!

[@michaelcrump6192]

I’ve only picked up on these films recently via You Tube. Find them fascinating !!!! Please keep them coming .

[@kaysridgedell3404]

Congratulations on your fine walk.

[@BritishBoy1971]

I was sorry to hear that you were in pain with your back. It's not nice, I know. Try lying on your back, on the floor for one night. It will be uncomfortable trying to get to sleep on the floor, but when you wake up in the morning, your back will feel relaxed and more subtle. Give it a go! Well done on your 30 mile walk, that's a great achievement with your bad back! Good luck to you. 🙂👍

[@itssafeinthecity]

What a great walk that was John. Thank you for taking us along. I used to live on the top floor of Watermint Quay (09:47) back in the 80’s. Great sunrises over the river and the reservoirs. I regularly used to see the great actor Ken Campbell on the other side of the river. He had (possibly lived in) a narrowboat moored there. He was one of a kind.. Hope the back’s feeling better. Love & carrots. Martin.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

That was a really lovely walk, John. I know all about bad backs. I’ve suffered on and off since the mid 80s. I have some exercises I can do, when it gets really bad. Like you said... It got better as you walked and the best of a river or canal walk is that it’s by and large on the level. All in all, that was very picturesque and it was great that various people stopped to talk.

[@rosswebster7877]

Looks like a fantastic day out on the Lea, John! I will never tire of your traversing it. Hertford has to be the most delightful looking English town I’ve ever seen. I knew there had to be a Hartford CT connection.

[@mariana4059]

I had to laugh when you talked about drawing some sacred healing energy from the River Lea, John. Because just tonight I watched Episode 1 of Season 2 of Unforgotten, the crime series, and it starts with a lovely shot of the river (subtitled River Lea, North East London) with a footpath next to it which I am sure you have walked. And then the dredger draws from the Lea's waters not sacred healing energy, but a suitcase, with rather gruesome contents. Anyway, I trust that you had a good sleep after that long walk, and that the backache has disappeared.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I think they may have lifted that gruesome story from a real incident that happened on the Regents Canal near our flat when we lived there. I heard the young lads who fished it out telling the shopkeeper all the gory details of what they found inside later that day. Sad story

[@ashleysgaze]

Good luck with your back, John. I hope you experience a rapid improvement! 🚶‍♂️

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ashley- mostly better now bar the odd twinge

[@LordHeath1972]

Again, a place I am familiar with. That bridge at 3:48 goes over the train tracks towards what used to be the pitch & put golf course. Walked across it many, many times. And yes, at 16:12 you are correct - that is the North Circular. I live in Chingford now (used to live near Hackney Marshes) so it is quite fascinating finding your channel and watching your adventures.

[@luluandmeow]

We were with you all the way! I did this walk in several stages years ago and it's been great to redo it with you, thank you

[@juzma94]

The Lee Enfield rifle is named after James Paris Lee who invented the bolt action and Enfield style rifling of the barrel (compared to the preceding Lee Metford with Metford style rifling).

[@gmdavies6758]

Again, a real pleasure to watch - a beautiful and truly epic walk. Agree, Ware and Hertford are highlights of the Lea. Loads of delightful walks all around there. Hope this didn’t leave you in more pain!

[@jotruby7707]

Love your towpath walks. Glad I found you. That was brilliant John. Was born in London N.20. Now in Wales.! Loved your Shoeburyness walk too. These walks around London bring back so many memories of Middx.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I love them too Jo - must be time for another one soo. Many thanks for watching

[@garym0630]

Superb video as per usual John. Your videos are soo relaxing to watch!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Gary

[@timamor915]

What with abandoned buildings, pylons, magnetic searching for prehistoric metal work and Dobb's Weir (almost Hobs), you should be focusing on a Quartermass adaptation rather than a Heart of Darkness one.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha, I think you're right Tim