History and path

The New River is an artificial waterway (aqueduct) in England that is not new or a river, opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from the River Lea (near Hertford) and also from Chadwell Springs (near Ware) and, originally, Amwell Springs (closer to Stansted Abbots), as well as other springs and artisian wells along its course down the Lee valley.

The river follows the land contours (almost completely flat) and relies on gravity to convey the water southwards into London, on terrain that drops only five inches per mile.  At one time the New river was threatened with closure, that decision was reversed and the waterway continues to supply 8% of total water needed to the capital to this day. 

The design and construction of the New River is often attributed solely to Sir Hugh Myddelton. But it was Edmund Colthurst who first proposed the idea in 1602, obtaining a charter from King James I in 1604 to carry it out. After surveying the route and digging the first 2 miles (3 km) stretch, Colthurst encountered financial difficulties and it fell to Myddelton to complete the work between 1609 and its official opening on 29 September 1613. The entire length being dug by hand by two crews, one working from London and the other working down from Hertford.

New River Path

There is a designated walking route along the canal called the New River Path. It is a 28-mile (45 km) long-distance footpath which follows the course of the New River from its source at the New gauge House on the river Lee (nr Hertford) to its original end in Islington, London.  The route follows, wherever possible, the historic water channel, as well as some straightened and piped sections along with occasion road and nearby footpaths.

My father Peter Gatens was employed after national service as a fitters mate, working for the Metropolitan Water Board (MWB), which became Thames Water in 1973 and worked 30 years for them before retiring.

Further reading about the route can be found here -
https://www.shelford.org//walks/newriver.pdf

Final distance and walking time

Walking the New River path

Saturday, 4th May

Weather forecast 

Sunny, but cold with chances of some showers later in the day.

After getting off the train at the Angel it was a short walk to the start and we were on the road by 7:30am

A quick team photo at the start, showing left to right (Paul, Steve, Garry, Adam, Suzina and Woody.

This is the best photo I could get of the pumping station.

Out of the gate and off we go!

As mentioned, lots of sign posts, but care still needs to be taken to follow this part of the route.

Many parts of this route follow pretty areas of tree line rural gardens that run down the centre of the streets.  We all assumed that perhaps the original river was under these areas.  Occasionally, the river could be seen.  At the part of the river it is very small as most of the river water is taken out further up stream.

 In to Clissold park

Nice cafe and toilets here, but as we were early, both were closed.

Stoke Newington pumping station

A Victorian era water pumping station built in the Scottish Baronial manner. Although it ceased to operate by 1942 – and is now home to a climbing centre – its turrets and battlements remain thrusting into the sky, a testament to the Victorian zeal for industry and development and a love of all things flamboyant.

From here the New river becomes more obvious and easier to follow as this is the current end of the river.

Woodberry Wetlands

Woodberry Wetlands is a nature reserve and designated Site of Metropolitan Importance on the site of the East Reservoir in Stoke Newington, Hackney, London. The site opened to the public for the first time in 200 years on 1 May 2016.  Lots of new flats and development in this area.

 Cafe stop

Alexandra Palace

North Circular crossing

Quick drink for Woody

Lots of wildlife to see along the river.

Heading into Enfield

The end of the walk. New gauge house on the River Lee

Heading back to Hertford for a pint!