Discover a new side of London — hiking the New River Path

The New River Path is an adventure full of beautiful green space, majestic wildlife, fascinating history and startling discovery that reveals an entirely new side of London.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the New River is incorrectly named. Built in 1613, it’s certainly not new and it is in fact an aqueduct supplying drinking water to North London — so it’s not a river then either.

However, the New River is just as delightful to follow as any London watercourse. Taking you from Hertfordshire’s attractive countryside, through some of London’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan boroughs and into the heart of the capital, is the fantastic New River Path.

The Path is the result of a collaboration between Thames Water and local people and partners. It covers 28 miles (45 km) of fantastic walking, is waymarked throughout and follows mostly grassed riverside trails that are flat for its entire length. It is an ideal walk for anyone finding their long-distance feet and can be completed in any season.

It is also a hike with much to interest nature enthusiasts, history buffs and those wanting to get to know a new aspect of the capital. From where the New River begins at New Gauge, just to the east of Hertford, to historic New River Head on the very cusp of the City, the Path is full of surprises. Despite threading through North London, it is a very green hike. London is, after all, the world’s first National Park City.

Even once you cross under the M25, you spend a great deal of time in parks, gardens, nature reserves and green spaces. However, you’re never far from London’s exciting and varied urban environment, with excellent cafes, eateries and pubs, as well as lots of independent shops for a mooch.

There are numerous highlights along the way, including: Lee Valley’s wetlands, dotted with nature reserves brimming with wildlife; Theobalds Park, a former Royal hunting estate now home to a Georgian mansion; Myddelton House and Gardens, a Grade II-listed building and gorgeous botanical gardens; Finsbury and Clissold Parks, lovely green spaces in metropolitan North London; and Islington, one of London’s most vibrant boroughs.

The New River’s origins can be traced back to 1600, when London’s water supplies were limited, often distributed by merchants carrying buckets. Inspiration struck Edmund Colhurst, who had the idea of bringing water from Hertfordshire’s springs to the capital. King James I agreed to provide half the monies, as long as the resulting watercourse flowed through his palace’s grounds at Theobald.

Merchant adventurer Hugh Myddelton was given the authority to build it and mathematician Edward Wright plotted its course. 200 workers were put to the task of digging out the channel and in 1613, the New River was complete. Though it has seen a few changes in its 400-year history, it remains a vital part of London’s water supply to this day, representing around 8% of the capital’s daily water use.

In this Collection, I have split the Path into three leisurely stages of around 9 to 11 miles (14 to 18 km), giving you time to explore along the way. Each stage ends near accommodation and rail links to Central London. You could easily complete the walk in two days or even take on the challenge of completing it all in one go. The option of starting in Central London and venturing north into more rural pastures is also a splendid alternative.

The nature of the Path’s grassy trails mean that it can get a little bit muddy in winter. However, in summer this should not be an issue. Sun cream is vital in the warmer months and it’s worth taking plenty of water. Dogs on leads are more than welcome.

The start point New Gauge is a short walk from Hertford East station. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street take just less than an hour. Islington, at the Path’s end, is walking distance from King’s Cross, St Pancras and Euston stations. Angel is the closest tube station.