Hackney / Waltham Forest · managed by London Borough of Hackney and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Springfield Park to Walthamstow Marshes
out and back · moderate
Off-lead rules
Off-lead in designated areas
Always keep dogs under close control and in sight, so they don't disturb wildlife. There are some areas where dogs do need to be kept on a lead at all times, these will be clearly signposted.
visitleevalley.org.ukChecked 19 July 2026
This is the evidence for off-lead rules at Springfield Park to Walthamstow Marshes. It was read from visitleevalley.org.uk on 19 July 2026.Off-lead permitted in Springfield Park outside the excluded areas; Lee Valley Regional Park Authority permits off-lead on the marshes provided the dog is under close control and recallable.
On-lead areas: Dogs are not allowed in Springfield Park's play area or sports facilities. On the marshes there are some areas where dogs need to be kept on a lead at all times - these are clearly signposted. Dogs should be on a short lead when passing cattle or horse riders.
Seasonal: A conservation herd of Red Poll cattle is on Walthamstow Marshes until October.
A Public Spaces Protection Order applies here. Hackney's dog control PSPO (updated 18 March 2024) applies to Springfield Park. Waltham Forest's Dogs on Leads Order schedule does not include Walthamstow Marshes, so no blanket lead requirement applies there.
The walk itself
- Start point
- Springfield House, Springfield E5 9EF
- Nearest station
- Stamford Hill / Clapton
- Terrain
- hillside park descending to river marshes
- Surface
- surfaced park paths, then riverside towpath and rough marsh tracks
- Accessibility
- steep in the park
- Mud
- high
- How quiet
- high
- Suits a reactive dog
- moderate
- Water access
- Yes
- Swimming allowed
- Not stated
- Livestock
- Yes
- Wildlife
- high
- Stiles
- Not stated
- Gates
- Yes
- Lighting
- No
- Toilets
- Not stated
- Waste bins
- Yes
- Parking
- Yes
- Café on site
- Not stated
“Not stated” means our source did not cover it. We leave gaps rather than fill them.
Notes
Walthamstow Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Grazing cattle present - keep dogs on a short lead when passing them. Springfield Park has 2 disabled parking bays at the main entrance.
Rules changed?
PSPOs get renewed and amended. If the signage on the ground disagrees with what is here, the signage is right and we are wrong — please tell us.
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