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 Luton Airport Parkway Station, this part of the walk follows the Lea Valley south, with views across to the Capability Brown designed Landscape at Luton Hoo. The walk mostly follows a solid path, some of which was an old railway line. The walk crosses into Hertfordshire and finishes at Harpenden station. There will be a short pub stop on the way.

The walk is about 5 miles in total

Luton Airport Parkway is about 35 minutes from Central London by Thameslink train.