Waltham Forest Wanders – new walking and cycling trails launched
A new series of walking and cycling trails has been launched to help people find out more about the famous people and places that put Waltham Forest on the map, as well as revealing some of the borough’s lesser known secrets.
Waltham Forest Wanders is made up of six different routes which each focus on a different part of the borough, with details of history, famous people and local landmarks being brought to life along the way.
Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment said: “The new Waltham Forest Wanders trails are a great way to get out there and learn more about the borough while enjoying our great outdoor spaces and finding new favourite places either on your own or with family and friends.”
There are six exciting routes to choose from-
• Murder and the Orient
• Planes, Bikes and Automobiles
• Swimmers, Bakers and Olympic Games Makers
• Arts and Crafts
• A Wander Down the Hill
• Leyton and Leytonstone – A New Route
Each guide includes details on cycling and walking conditions, public transport links and how long it should take complete, so you can prepare before you set out. Each guide is available to download here. You can also pick up a guide at the Council’s summer events including the Leyton Get Together on Sunday 3 July.
Waltham Forest is encouraging residents to walk and cycle more as it contributes to living a healthy and active lifestyle. Each trail features a different route and theme to enjoy and explore. Planes, Bikes and Automobiles looks at famous residents who influenced transport in the country, while Swimmers, Bakers and Olympic Games Makers travels through the heart of the borough along Lea Bridge Road and its borders with the Olympic Park. Arts and Crafts takes explorers on a route through some of the borough’s most iconic buildings, and A Wander Down the Hill follows a scenic route through Chingford and Highams Park. Leyton and Leytonstone – A New Route goes past the homes of some of the borough’s most famous and influential people, including David Beckham, Damon Albarn and David Bailey. Murder and the Orient travels through the backstreets of Leytonstone and Leyton, including the house where Alfred Hitchcock was born and Coronation Gardens, where the Council is planning to erect a statue of trailblazing footballer Laurie Cunningham, who started his career with Leyton Orient. Residents can donate to the ‘Laurie’s Legacy’ statue campaign here.