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!
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.
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.
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.
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 💚
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 .....♥
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...
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!!
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 :-)
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
Its really funny when Aussie's hear people mention how hot the weather is at 23°. Here in Australia its not hot until it reaches 40° Love the content. Keep up the great work👍
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.
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.
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!
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
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
@@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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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 👍
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 👍
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.
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.
"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.
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!
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!
Another superlative presentation John. I've had my share of back issues so I feel your pain. Cruising the Cut happens to be one of my favorite youtube channels as well. Keep walking.
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.
Hi, I too was at New River & River Lee junction and walked into Hertford between 18:30 - 19:49 on the 21st. I'd walked the 14/15 miles of the northern section of the New River from Cheshunt. I got there just before the cows moved into the field (seen in the video) and effectively blocked the New River Path.
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.
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!
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. 🙂👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Wonderful walk again, they are so enjoyable to watch. Can’t believe you managed so far with a dodgy back, hope you’re not still suffering. Thank you for all your content on your channel.
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!
Great comments, keep em coming. I had a flash of Fred Dibnah in there too!
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.
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.
thanks so much for that info Ustaadth
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.
Beautiful video
thank you
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 💚
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.
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.
adventuresinbelieving
Ah, a deserted coastal bay sounds don’t divine.
@@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.
I envy you for having a prime minister who actually cares about you.
All your walks are fascinating but I do, of course, have a soft spot for anything on the towpath. Cheers for the mention 😀
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
You two should collab.
@@RenaissanceEarCandy ohh I would definitely watch that. Love walking, history and the Canal, these two together ❤️
Life , The Universe and Everything gets my vote
Brilliant walk - but you forgot to bring a towel! Love the stop at the pub - that should be how each hike ends. Cheers.
30 miles epic walk complete with dodgy back & wobbly knee nothing stops this man 👍😎😉
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.
A magnificent long walk. The viewer is almost willing John on to complete it!
Great. I will watch this after my midday nap.
Sunday dinner wasn't the same with no JR walkies.
I came home from a guided local walk last night and wondered where the usual Sunday upload was!
@@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
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.
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
@@JohnRogersWalks Well, perhaps when you've got the UK sorted, you can begin an NYC walk series..... :D
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.
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 .....♥
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...
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!!
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 :-)
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
thanks for that John - I like the sound of walking to Washington DC
@@JohnRogersWalks I'd rather walk away lol
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.
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
Just driving up to Hertford used to knacker me out
The building next to the Anchor & Hope pub was another pub called the Beehive, built in 1915 closed shortly after after the war.
thanks Michael
Bob & Brad's Physio videos on RUclips have helped me with my back pain.
Very nice. Who in the %$#!! would leave a thumbs down? This is better than anything on TV. Cheers from the West Coast.
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
thanks for that Robert much appreciated
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.
Great to see you John Rogers.
You done the longest walk you ever have. 😁
cheers Athos
Think you very much.
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.
looking forward to this, I just cycled up the Lee to Hertford from the Greenway at Stratford
Lovely. That was a favourite bike ride for me, when I lived in London, starting from King's Cross.
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.
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!
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!
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.
That's a heck of a long walk! Fair play!
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
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.
Thanks for that info Mark, very interesting indeed
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! 👍🙋♀️🥂
Enjoying the video, and watching previous ones too. Very chilled and relaxing.
One of my favourites is "Never Mind The Bow Locks"
@@garym0630 lol, enjoyed the Van Gogh with Ian Sinclair.
Its really funny when Aussie's hear people mention how hot the weather is at 23°. Here in Australia its not hot until it reaches 40°
Love the content. Keep up the great work👍
I remember those Sydney summers well, William. Funnily enough my Aussie wife was complaining about the heat today and it was just 35
@@JohnRogersWalks
Wow, I didn't know your wife was Australian, thats great. She is entitled to complain I suppose. 35 is starting to get hot.
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.
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.
Superb video as per usual John. Your videos are soo relaxing to watch!
thanks Gary
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!
I believe the smallest public bar in Britain is in The Dove at Hammersmith - keep up the great work! I really enjoy your videos
Epic walk John. Thanks for a great video.
Oh yes been waiting for this 👍🏻
I’m exhausted just watching John. An amazing walk I hope your back wasn’t too bad next day. Stunning 🙏🏻😔🧡
thanks Tomgirl - the back was actually ok the next day, it was my knee that was playing up next day - all better now though
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
Brilliant video John - the river looks fantastic at this time of year. Hope the back improves soon!
thanks James
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
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
@@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.
Hope your back is improving John. Thanks. Dave
Much better thanks David
Very glad to hear that John. Dave 😊👍
Congratulations on your fine walk.
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
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.
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.
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
Excellent walk .30 miles of changing scenery .Great effort with your bad back 👍
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!
30 miles , wow. Amazing effort and so enjoyable to watch as always mate.
cheers
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 👍
A fantastic walk John, the kind of film that should be made by the mainstream media but no longer is . Stay well.
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 👍
thanks for that Allen - I think the Hobbit seems to be winning so far
I’ve only picked up on these films recently via You Tube. Find them fascinating !!!! Please keep them coming .
Crackin video, really enjoyed watching it, some distance that you covered, well done John 🦸
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.
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.
What a wonderful walk very informational well done on an excellent video
Thanks Brian
"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.
Well done enjoyed every bit . Hertford on my list to visit
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!
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!
Cheers John just having a beer watching this chill video of yours sure I've seen it before but it still does it for me keep up the good work
Thanks Georgina
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
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.
Beautiful and very interesting walk many thanks 🤝
Loved this longer video, John! relaxing to watch and learn the history of the area! great job, hope knee wasn't too bad at the end !
thanks Shaun - the kneee was a bit sore the next day but absolutely fine the day after
Another superlative presentation John. I've had my share of back issues so I feel your pain. Cruising the Cut happens to be one of my favorite youtube channels as well. Keep walking.
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.
Hi, I too was at New River & River Lee junction and walked into Hertford between 18:30 - 19:49 on the 21st. I'd walked the 14/15 miles of the northern section of the New River from Cheshunt. I got there just before the cows moved into the field (seen in the video) and effectively blocked the New River Path.
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.
I love them too Jo - must be time for another one soo. Many thanks for watching
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!
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. 🙂👍
You forgot to mention the famous Lea Rowing Club next to Springfield Park. World Champions and Olympians came from there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brilliant Effort! Many thanks!👍
my pleasure Colin it was a great walk
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.
Loved watching this one John, has to be one of my favourites by you so far, hope the back is getting better too
cheers Raymond - the back is much better now thanks
Great walk John...Practically every shot a possible jigsaw puzzle scene... Look forward to the new book.
cheers Monkey Trousers
Goodness that was epic !!! You’re really inspiring in just keeping going. The scenery was very lovely as well ❤
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.
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
So lovely to relive my walks on the Lea and Stort.That was some distance,hope you were ok next day.Thanks for that,it’s a spirit raisers.
Good luck with your back, John. I hope you experience a rapid improvement! 🚶♂️
Thanks Ashley- mostly better now bar the odd twinge
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!
Wonderful walk again, they are so enjoyable to watch. Can’t believe you managed so far with a dodgy back, hope you’re not still suffering. Thank you for all your content on your channel.
Epic walk John ending in my home town
Epic 30 miles ! But I'd be so sore after! thanks John.
cheers Little Acorns
John,
A delightful journey. You kept it interesting from the first to the last step. You are a real inspiration.
Many thanks,
Carl.
Lovely video. Definitely encouraged me to do this walk.😊
I will be walking this tomorrow. Looking forward to it.