EastCambs

Walks and cycle rides

Flat, quiet and full of sky: ancient earthworks, fen nature reserves and long riverbank paths, from short strolls to long-distance trails.

A dark wooden wind pump standing among reeds on Wicken Fen under a cloudy sky
The wind pump on Wicken Fen. Photo: gailhampshire, CC BY 2.0

Routes to try

Pins mark where each route starts or a good place to join it. The green line shows the Devil’s Dyke. Follow each link for route maps, distances and directions.

Turn on JavaScript to see these routes on a map. Each route below links to a full route guide.

  1. Devil’s Dyke

    Reach to Woodditton · about 7.5 miles one way

    Walk along the top of a huge Anglo-Saxon earthwork, with chalk grassland flowers and butterflies in summer and wide views across the fen. The path crosses the July Course at Newmarket on the way.

    • Walk

  2. Lodes Way

    Lode (Anglesey Abbey) to Wicken Fen

    A mostly traffic-free cycle and walking route across the fen, following the lodes, man-made waterways some of which may date back to Roman times, between Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen, with bridges over the waterways and views of grazing herds.

    • Cycle ride
    • Walk

  3. Wicken Fen trails

    Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve · short and longer trails

    Boardwalks and grass droves through sedge and reed beds, past the wooden wind pump and hides overlooking the mere. A good choice for families, with a café at the visitor centre.

    • Walk

  4. Fen Rivers Way

    Cambridge to King’s Lynn via Ely · about 50 miles

    A long-distance path along the banks of the River Cam and the Great Ouse. Walk a section from Ely, such as the riverside towards Littleport, and catch the train back.

    • Long-distance path

  5. Hereward Way

    Oakham to Harling, through Ely · about 110 miles

    Named after Hereward the Wake, this long-distance path crosses the Fens through Ely and on east past Prickwillow towards the Brecks.

    • Long-distance path

  6. Ely Eel Trail

    Ely city centre and riverside

    A self-guided trail around Ely’s sights, from the cathedral to the Waterside, marked by eel plaques set into the pavement. Visit Ely has details of the trail.

    • Walk

Before you set off

  • Fen droves and riverbanks can be muddy, exposed and a long way from shelter. Wear good footwear and take water.
  • Keep dogs on leads near grazing animals and ground-nesting birds.
  • Many routes start near a station: Ely, Littleport and Soham have trains, so a one-way walk is easy.
  • Follow the Countryside Code.

More ideas

  • See getting here for trains, buses and cycle routes into the district.
  • Combine a walk with a visit: see things to do.
  • Join a group: Ely has walking, running and cycling clubs on our clubs page.