Alongside Harlow’s many green spaces, green wedges and of course the Town Park, we are also bordered along the northern edge by the River Stort - from Harlow Mill to the east through to Parndon Mill on the western side.
The river is popular with runners, walkers, anglers, birdwatchers and even cyclists - generally managing to amiably share the towpath which runs on the north bank as far as Terling’s Park before switching to the opposite side to Burntmill Lane where it crosses back again as it leaves the town.
Always beautiful - but never more so on a crisp, misty autumn morning with a frost edging everything in silver, and the sun just trying to punch through.
As the “Navigation” designation suggests, this is a river still used regularly by boaters - both the traditional narrowboats and more modern motorised vessels - this morning I saw just one solitary narrow boat, but in a sunny summers day there is a regular stream of traffic using the waterway.
Wildlife is plentiful - Kingfishers, Warblers, Whitethroats, and Blackcaps can all be found in and around the overhanging vegetation, ducks and rails on the water and various birds of prey and the ever present gulls overhead. Also present are water voles - now quite endangered and always a delight to spot.
Next time you find yourself fancying a walk somewhere within the town, head downhill and explore the river - as well as the towpath there is also a footpath along a fair amount of the opposite bank accessible from the car park on River Way. The river and its surrounding meadows are also linked with the Town Park via the zigzag bridge, and is just a short stroll from the railway at either end of the town too.
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