Lee river towpath on a roadbike?

Here's another route for you to consider that will take you on quiet roads to Chingford.

Go to Springfield Park and cross the footbridge over the Lea at the marina at the end of Spring Hill, the northern boundary of the park by the riverside cafe. Follow the path around the marina, keep left to go under the railway bridge and on to Coppermill Lane. This will take you past the waterworks on a totally quiet dead end road. You can follow Coppermill Lane up to Blackhorse Road and turn left or go round the backs of the houses on Edward Road to get you to Blackhorse Road station. Go straight over the crossroads with the A503 Forest Road onto Blackhorse Lane. Follow this road all the way to the Crooked Billet roundabout, cross the A406 here and you are in Chingford. Follow Chingford Road past Walthamstow Stadium and Chingford Mount cemetery do a right on to The Ridgeway and at the end of the road do a right and left on to Station Road, keep riding and you'll be on Ranger's Road and in Epping Forest.

On another day, you could take the towpath all the way up into the Lea Valley Country Park beyond the M25 which is quite a nice trip although more suited to an MTB or something with wider tyres.

As SM said, you should be fine as long as you take it easy and be mindful of others.

http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/walking-and-cycling-in-londons-greatest-pa...

Have a great ride and feel free to let us know how you get on.

Dick Vincent
London Towpath Ranger
Canal & River Trust

It will be OK but there will be a few big puddles and there are a few gates to negotiate. Much of the path is paved but remember that you'll be sharing with dogs, joggers and families out for a walk which will slow you down especially around Springfield Park where the path gets quite narrow. Personally, I would just head up Lea Bridge Road and Woodford New Road and explore from there. If it is sunny the roads in the forest will be pretty busy with Essex man in his convertible. If you head out past North Weald to The Rodings or Hatfield Heath, you'll find it much quieter.

Have a great day out.

As Max says, it's fine. Just remember it's a shared space so if you want a quick ride then hit the road. I usually get up early to avoid the traffic on the roads out, some of which are horrible.

Yes, it's OK. Might be a little muddy, and there are a couple of sections of crazy paving, designed to slow cyclists down, but it's fine.