The River Lea is one of the longest, and most important tributaries of the Thames  – taking a 42 mile journey from Bedfordshire to join the Thames at Bow Creek in East London. The Lea has formed the boundary between Saxon’s and Danes, been home to medieval mills, London’s furniture industry and flows through the Olympic Park. This series of walks will look at the history of the River Lea, tracing its course on its way to the Thames.

Starting the journey at Leagrave Station, to the North of Luton, this first walk starts at the source of the River Lea, and visits Waulud’s Bank – the remains of a prehistoric settlement built at the same time as Stonehenge. Walking through water meadows and parkland that cuts through Luton’s suburbs, there is a break at an old thatched pub that was once a moated farmhouse. With herons, egrets and possibly the odd kingfisher the walk follows the Lea to Wardown Park, a Victorian mansion that now forms Luton Museum. From there it is a short walk to Luton station.

The walk is about 5 miles in total, mostly level ground but on occasion there are muddy paths so boots are recommended.

Leagrave is about 40 minutes from Central London by Thameslink train.

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