Log Walk

The Log Walk near Waltham Cross is a straightforward riverside path that does exactly what it says on the tin - you walk along logs placed through a woodland area. It's the sort of thing that works brilliantly for young children who need a bit of structure and something tactile to focus on, less thrilling for teenagers who'll have it sussed in twenty minutes.

The walk itself takes about half an hour at a leisurely pace, threading through proper woodland with the river nearby. The logs are weathered and uneven enough to keep little ones engaged without being genuinely hazardous. There's something appealing about the simplicity of it all - no interpretation boards, no tourist infrastructure, just trees and a path you have to concentrate on.

It's free and unfussy, which are its greatest strengths. You won't need special boots or kit. Go early morning on a weekday if you want peace; weekends can draw families from surrounding towns.

If you're based at one of the Lee Valley parks - Dobbs Weir or Sewardstone are closest at 3-4 miles - this makes a decent morning activity before heading elsewhere. Fowley Mead Park sits just 1.7 miles away, so it's genuinely convenient for a quick stretch of legs. Don't expect drama or grand views. It's the kind of local walk that rewards you for low expectations with a pleasant half-hour in the woods. Nothing more, nothing less, and that's fair enough.