7k Run East Hertfordshire: Scenic Journey Along River Lee

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.5km out-and-back route offers a pancake-flat running experience through the heart of the Lea Valley. Starting from St Margaret's, you’ll follow the well-paved towpath of the River Lee Navigation toward the historic town of Ware. With zero elevation gain and a completely paved surface, it is an ideal choice for interval training, tempo runs, or a relaxed recovery jog where you can settle into a consistent rhythm. Runners can expect a peaceful atmosphere dominated by the gentle flow of the canal, passing colorful narrowboats and local birdlife like kingfishers and herons along the way.

Steeped in industrial heritage, this stretch of the River Lee was once a vital artery for transporting malt from Ware—formerly the premier malting town in England—down to the London breweries. As you navigate the path between St Margaret's and Ware, you are following a waterway that has been canalized since the 18th century. Today, the area serves as a green corridor within East Hertfordshire, providing a seamless blend of rural charm and historical architecture, including the iconic gazebos that overlook the river in Ware, providing a picturesque turnaround point for your run.