Romantic Trip Along The Lee River

You don't always need to go somewhere to the edge of the Earth to plunge into the world different from daily routine. In London, there are enough parks, where you can escape from the busy and crazy life of the European capital. One of them is Lee Valley Regional Park.

It's located in the north of London, near Tottenham, on the swampy terrain, through which flows the Lee River - one of the tributaries of the Thames. The park is sandwiched between typical residential districts and industrial zones, and therefore, when you suddenly find yourself on the bank of the river surrounded by pure nature, the contrast may seem really stunning to you.

The park stretches from north to south for 42 kilometers along the Lee, but we'll show you only the small area, known as Tottenham Marshes.

At first, the path runs along the gardens where local people grow their own vegetables and root crops. In recent years, gardening has become even more popular than in the previous years, particularly due to the increased demand for bio products.

After a while, the path reaches the water.

Some time ago, the Lee River was one of the main waterways connecting the capital with its province. Lots of barges sailed its waters heading straight for the London docks.

But now you can see only pleasure boats here.

Some of them look so comfortable that seem to be a very nice place to live in.

Unfortunately, your eyes can't help avoiding the traces of electrification. But at least, the park has not disappeared off the face of the earth in the process of suburbanization and now is maintained in good condition. 

The canal flowing parallel to the river.

Someone bought an area right near the water.

And now deters intruders.

The cross of St. George fluttering on some masts seem to be saying: "We are not just the British, we are the English."

The park houses several nature reserves which help to maintain the original habitat of many species of birds.

Golden Fall.

One of the gateways which regulate the water level in the river. When looking at this picture, "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome comes to the mind (though they were floating along the Thames).

The workplace of its supervisor is empty.

The map of the area in unusual design. Here, one pays great attention to the small details which make the setting in the park even more beautiful. Besides maps, there are also information boards, picnic tables, toilets and various signs...

Typical park landscapes are depicted on small medallions (on the previous map).

Cycling and cycle tourism are very popular here. Tracks are not always perfect, but quite decent and well marked on the maps which can be downloaded from the Internet.

The footbridge across the canal. Instead of returning on the same road, it's better to cross the bridge and go through the sleeping areas with squat brick houses. They aren't devoid of certain charm either!

Boats are "parked" on both sides. A typical boat is long and low, with the roof on which different utensils are usually kept.

Small boats are also met sometimes.

As well as the sailing schoones of decent sizes.

And such original variants.

But this one is the most common type of boats here. It seems to be more comfortable than all the others. How do you like lace curtains on the windows? And the English flag?

One more example of English patriotism.

A boat without a name is not a real one. Let's look at the titles.

We wonder, in honor of whom it was called? A wife, a daughter or a beloved grandmother?

Significantly...

Here, people usually warehouse the roofs of their boats with various stuff like buckets, chairs and bicycles... And this one is decorated with flowers. Very beautiful!

Someone dries his clothes here...

And someone remembered childhood and raised  "Jolly Roger".

The navigation season hasn't yet started, and no one passes through the gateway.

Beautiful fall.

The park in the Lee Valley is a perfect place for birds, which are unlikely to enjoy very much the urban environment.

A Nile goose, brought to Britain in the 18th century.

A Canadian goose.

A little dabchick.

A black-headed gull.

If you turn off the path, you will see some pagan or even alien motives.

The huge column depicts the flora and fauna of the Lee Valley, and short stories about the area. All this is done by children from local schools under the guidance of their teachers. They must be very proud of what they have done all together.

This story is about Dick Turpin, a robber.

The path along the river is a part of the network of British roads for cycling, and equipped with special signs. They show the number of the track, so that you will be able to find it on the map.

The ad from the company specializing in repairing and renting bikes. Photographed a square black-and-white pattern with a special program on the phone, you can get information about the company or even know your current location. Progress does not stand still!

The town of Cheshunt located in the north of London.

Cheshunt has nothing to be popular for, except for the fact that there is located the headquarters of the supermarket chain called Tesco. This is a low-rise town with lots of neat little houses.

Lee Park starts just behind the railway.

On the left is Cheshunt, on the right - the park.

A lovely place!

But the look still stumbles on protruding power lines from time to time.

The path along which earlier walked horses hauling barges, is now put in order, and used by strollers and cyclists.

Some pictures of the boats.

The park has several lakes where you can observe waterfowl.

Mallards, the most common wild ducks. A female and a male.

A coot.

Coots build large nests of twigs and plants, sometimes right on the water.

A Canadian goose is one of the most common birds in British waters.

These birds can walk and swim very well, but fly worse than other geese.

Some abstractionism.

And a romantic shot in the end.

via omnesolum