Rye Meads Hoddesdon
This RSPB bird reserve in Hoddesdon has some nice nature trails to try.
There's a number of lakes and other waterside trails along the River Lea which runs through the area. Look out for birds including herons, kingfishers, snipe, green sandpipers, shovelers, gadwalls and tufted ducks.
The reserve has a car park at the southern end but the Rye House railway station is located right next to the reserve so its easy to come by public transport too.
To extend the walk you could follow the River Lea north to Ware, passing more lakes around Stansted Abbotts on the way. Heading south would take you towards Nazing Mead, Clayton Hill Country Park and Waltham Abbey.
Postcode
SG12 8JS - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Rye Meads Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Rye Meads Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Rye Meads OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Rye Meads Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Built in 1538 the historic Red Lion pub is one of the oldest buildings in the area and the second oldest in Stanstead Abbotts. It started life as a monastery, then a coaching inn and was renovated in 2005 to help reinstate the character of the pub. They serve good quality food and gave a garden area. You can find them on the High Street at postcode SG12 8AA. The pub is dog friendly.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Rye Meads Nature Reserve
Some of the inhabitants of the Rye Meads Nature Reserve, including a Heron on the walkway, plus a number of Black-Headed Gulls and other water birds.
Kingfisher seen at Rye Meads.I'm lead to believe that this is the male. Currently incubating eggs, this bird is ringed.
Rye Meads Bird Sanctuary. This is an RSPB reserve on old, now redundant, filter beds. The rafts are provided for little terns to use as breeding platforms so have a gravel floor and shelters for the babies.
Rye House Gatehouse. This gatehouse was built in 1443 and is all that's left of the estate of Rye House that was destroyed by fire. The building was built by a Danish Lord called Sir Andrew Ogard.
Barges on River Lee Navigation north of the reserve
Hoddesdon Clock Tower and Market
The New River, Hoddesdon