The Artway Route 1

Art takes many forms and this route will let you explore the variety of sculptures that are in River Lee Country Park. It could be just a piece to be gazed at, or something that just begs to be climbed or played on. All are different and just waiting to be discovered! An ideal route for people who are inquisitive and love surprises.

Intrigued by the thought of sculptures but don’t want to over cycle 5 miles in a day? You could try The Artway Route 2 or 3 which spilt the trail into two shorter routes.

Along the route you’ll find…

The Glade

Depicting the world of the minibeast. The skilful blending of metal and wood forms the basis of this fantastic sculpture which represents the hidden world of the minibeast. From the tall flower protecting the ant to the smaller flora that grows closer to the ground, all these make up the minibeast’s habitat.

Viking sign post

An elegantly carved Viking Signpost highlighting the old Danelaw Boundaries.

Wildlife Benches

Sculptures can take many forms and this one also doubles as a bench! Local wildlife are carved into each of the benches, Bitten, Water Beetle, Bream, Otter are all depicted on the benches. All watched over by the grand Otter to the side.

Play boulders

The sculpture that will they bring out the child in you?, these pieces are coloured and  designed to represent history of the area and its relationship with the sand and gravel extraction that took place here.

Stag Beetles

The mighty male Stag Beetle is depicted here battling on an oak log. Rotting wood is home to many creatures and this carving has them hidden throughout. Look out for carvings of beetle larvae and other bugs who would make this kind of habitat their home.

Natural play sculptures

This group of sculptures entitled Henge, Wind, Fire and Water have been created and grouped together to give kids their own zone where they can let their imaginations take over and enjoy time playing in the great outdoors in a safe environment.

Giant Chair

Calling all giants or anyone who’d like to feel like one. Climb up to the see the park from these lofty heights, no beanstalk climbing required to enter the world of the giants.

The Shrine

The piece is the focal point of the sculpture trail which runs throughout River Lee Country Park. This piece is carved from a huge Cedar tree and has different aspects depending on which way you approach it. The cycle route approaches the north side of the sculpture where you’ll see a beautifully carved leaf benches for storytelling tales, from the other side you see nature’s watcher, the Green Man.

Musicality

Wow a xylophone in the middle of an open space! Give it a go playing it like a bongo to create your musical masterpiece. Just behind the sculpture is Lee Valley White Water Centre offers rafting, canoeing, hydrospeeding and hot dog sessions – everything that will ensure you get wet and have fun. The site has a licensed café so makes a great refuelling point during your ride, take it easy and watch others take on the rapids.

The Viking Ship

The skeletal hull of this ship invokes images of the days gone by when the Vikings travelled the Lee. Weave in and out of its uprights or imagine yourself as a great Viking warrior about to travel the river in search of new lands.

Bird Transition

This large carved block of Portland stone showcases the different wildlife that can be found in the Lee Valley.

Toilets

• Fishers Green car park

• Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows

• Lee Valley White Water Centre

Refreshments

• Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows

• YHA – 3 minutes from the route

• Lee Valley White Water Centre

Alternative starting points

• Pindar Car Park - EN8 9AJ (height barrier)

• Lee Valley White Water Centre – EN9 0AS

• Hooks Marsh – EN9 2ED (height barrier)

You can ride these routes on any type of bike but the best ones to use would be either a mountain or hybrid bike.

Please cycle responsibly in the park, for more information check our cyclists code of conduct.