History
The River Stort meanders its way for over 13 miles from Langley Hills, near Clavering, through Harlow to Feilders Weir near Hoddesdon, where it joins up with the River Lee.
It has a rich history providing vital transport for tradesmen needing to take their wares to London. Local malting businesses carried barley to the capital, then barges loaded with timber, grain and coal made the return journey. The round trip could sometimes take up to three weeks.
Long, flat barges, sometimes up to 70ft in length, carried loads up to 60 tons and often needed horsepower assistance to move them along.
In 1962 the River Sort came under the control of the British Waterways Board and is now a focus for leisure activities not just for those who live on the river but the many hundreds of visitors who enjoy its many features.
There are 15 locks to navigate along its length and the river climbs more rapidly than most. Boating facilities are well established, and many boaters have made their permanent home on the Sort.
Walking and cycling are popular and the towpaths provide a continuous, traffic free route through beautiful contryside.
Circular walks linking the towpath and surrounding countryside, often with distincitive waymarkers, are popular on sunny, summer weekends.
The 28-mile circular Stort Valley Way follows part of the towpath, through Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Matching and finally to Epping Green.
Fishing is another popular pastime with many species of fish, such as roach, perch, bream and pike flourishing in the river.
Anglers wishing to fish on the Stort must have an Enviroment Agency rod licence, available from Post Offices, together with a day ticket purchased from the local fishing club.
Fishing rights on the rivers are held by angling clubs which issue licences and day tickets on behalf of British Waterways. For a list of local fishing clubs contact the Lee and Stort office in Enfield (01992 764626).
For more information on the river
Stort visit www.waterscape.com or
www.britishwaterways.co.uk
