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The Fringe...
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Martin Rowson
News in Brief
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Park Life
News in Brief
Dissent
Tapas Time
Back to the Fringe
Straight to the Point
Royal Bengal
Handy Contacts
Summertime Blues
Summery Justice
Up the Junction
Books/Poetry
The Factory
Summer Allergies
Farmers Market
The Arts
Away Days
A Royal Visit
Coffee Corner
Surfing N16
Man in North Bank
XWord
View from the Lane

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away days

Anthony Johns

Go on, admit it: when was the last time that you used Stoke Newington Station? For many residents of the area, the answer is probably never. And yet, it is a quick and efficient way to get out of town and it will very quickly whisk you away from the heart of the city into the Lee Valley Park, Hertfordshire and beyond.

A few days ago, I took my two kids out for a leisurely walk from Broxbourne. We left Stokey on the 10.57am train and by 11.30am we had climbed the short flight of stairs outside of the station and on to the pathway along the New River. Heading north away from Broxbourne the path is very level – no problems for a buggy. Crossing a small road you continue along the river until you come to a Public Footpath on your right, sign posted to Dobb’s Weir. To reach it you have to cross the railway line at a foot crossing. The track is very straight at this point so you have a good clear view in both directions. Almost at once, you enter the Lee Valley Park and crossing a busy minor road you get your first view of Dobb’s Weir.

At any time of the year it is an impressive sight with thousands of gallon’s of water cascading over the weir. This first stretch of the walk had taken about half an hour, not exactly a tasking challenge for anyone. There is plenty of space to have a picnic, but on this occasion Sunday lunch beckoned at the Fish and Eels pub. With main courses at about £8 and lunch taken on the large sunsoaked waterfront garden, it’s a good excuse for a bit of pampering.

Lunch enjoyed, it’s a simple stroll down the River Lee past Dobbs Weir Lock and the Carthagena Lock were you can pick up an ice cream or soft drink and stand slightly gob smacked as you look at some of the huge carp that local anglers have caught and are recorded in proud photos in the little shop. Taking it steadily, I had just about finished my lolly by the time that Broxbourne came back into view.

Our final treat was a half hour electric boat ride. Built for five people and costing £10.50 for half an hour (£17.00 for an hour) it’s well worth the money and a great way to round off a Sunday escape from town.

There are a couple of points to bear in mind about trains from Rectory Road, Stoke Newington or Stamford Hill. One is that very often the ticket office is unmanned. So have a few coins with you to pay for a permit to travel, and then purchase a cheap day return at your destination. The second point is that the main printed timetable from West Anglia Trains does not include stations on the Stoke Newington loop. There is only one train an hour on Sundays at 57 minutes past the hour and two at 21 and 51 minutes past the hour on Saturdays.

Useful web addresses:
www.leevalley-online.co.uk
www.leevalleypark.org.uk

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