Lea Valley cycling - route advice?

[Glow worm]

I have a work thing on in a week or so at a place called Waterworks Nature Reserve in the Lea Valley - East London. It's in Leyton and I was planning on getting the train from Cambridge to Chesthunt and then cycling down the Lea Valley on Sustrans Route 1.

I don't know the area at all and it looks fine on the map (brilliant in fact as all off road) and prob only 12 miles or so distance. Any locals know what the route's like? I'll be going there for an evening meeting- although I'll get there in the light, the return will be in the dark (9ish) and I wondered whether that was wise for a country bumpkin to be idling along through the mean streets of E. London at night?

 

[gary in derby]

Safer at night, the local population are all tagged and under curfew lol.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I've only done that route up to Waltham Abbey and that was in daylight. My impression though was that the dodgier bits are further south than you'll be going and it seemed pretty quiet with pretty good sight lines, particularly alongside the reservoirs. Flat route, packed gravel surface, good enough to ride on slick road tyres, if a bit dusty.

Obviously it's impossible to guarantee your safety but I'd go for it.

 

[ThePenguin]

I've done it in daylight quite a few times. It's a lovely ride. Don't count on going very fast though, it's canal towpath and there are usually a few walkers about.

This time of year, I'd skip the rather dull diversion eastwards at Waltham Abbey and continue down the towpath through Enfield Lock until it rejoins NCN1.

If you find that you don't feel safe on the way back there are railway stations every couple of miles.

 

[Glow worm]

Safer at night, the local population are all tagged and under curfew lol.

!

 

[Glow worm]

.

This time of year, I'd skip the rather dull diversion eastwards at Waltham Abbey and continue down the towpath through Enfield Lock until it rejoins NCN1.

Yes I'd spotted that- the towpath route from W.A. looks much more direct so I'll take you advice and follow that. Sustrans routes do often have a habit of meandering a bit
Thanks for the advice, and DM as well- I think I'll go for it on the way home too.