It was a fairly murky start to the day with the high rises obscured by the clouds. By 0730h I had begun my first steps on this pilgrimage.
From the church of St. Magnus the Martyr, the route followed the Thames, skirting around the Tower of London, through wharfs that have now been converted into swanky apartments, leading me to the Limehouse basin.
The difficult part of the navigation over with at this point – no more winding streets or traffic to dodge. From there on out I followed the towpath for a while until Victoria Park, where I joined the Hertford Union canal and onto the river Lea. I followed its banks all the way into Waltham Abbey.
I stopped at Tottenham at a busy little cafe for a break, before heading through the Tottenham Marshes – the locals were grumbling over the recent football score.
The path wound through the marshes always with the river in sight. Blossom on the trees acting as a distraction from the industrial scenery around.
The birds were in full song and waterfowl paddled the river, eyeing me as I passed. Once I reached Enfield Island, the rain arrived forcing me to don the waterproofs.
4km more and I arrived at the church in Waltham Abbey – the end point for day one. I popped inside to get the stamp and have a look around the beautifully decorated building. The ceiling had the signs of the zodiac and an eloquent carving behind the alter.
My stomach was rumbling at the point, and I had spotted a little pub on my way in – perfect end to the days walk. Warm, dry and a pint.
Stu's Camino 