A walk to the south of Ely takes you along the sturdy banks of the River Great Ouse, a river which has been the life and blood to Ely and its settlements through the centuries. This ancient and once powerful river now idles through open fenland, by passing an area know as Cawdle Fen. 'Cawdle' means 'cold spring' and this spring once supported a thriving monastic community at Brahmewere.
These ancient waterways hedgerows and pastures yield up their treasures during this interesting walk, so take a trip out alongside the river to the forgotten villages at Braham now hidden away by lines of willows and enclosed meadows.Please use public footpaths only as these routes are part of a working farm. There is no public access to the former settlement site.
Starting in Ely or Little Thetford - Public footpaths take you through Cawdle Fen. Car parking is free in Ely and the walk may be started at Barton Square (near Kings School) or from the station at Ely High Bridge. Two footpaths lead from the village of Little Thetford to Hall Fen. A slightly longer walk along the riverbank can be made by crossing the railway line at the South-Eastern end of the village and walking up Chapel Hill to the riverbank.
How to get there
- By Bus: Stagecoach Cambus operate services between Cambridge and Ely which stop at Little Thetford. For Timetable details Tel: 01223 423554.
- By Train: Ely Station is on route and has regular connections to Cambridge, Newmarket and March, and all stations in between. For Timetable details call National Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950.
- By Road: From the A10 follow signs to Little Thetford (the village is on the east side of the A10, approx 3km/2miles south of Ely) or go into Ely and follow sings to the railway station.
- By Boat: Moorings are available at Ely Marina, 1/2 mile from the route. Ely Marina Tel: 01353 664622.
- Enquires: Cambridgeshire County Council Public Transport General Enquires Tel: 01223 717740.
Further Information
Circular Route 6 miles
Allow approximately 3 - 4 hours
Footwear - The surface is usually dry except after heavy rain, but sturdy shoes or boots are advisable for comfort.
Maps - The route can be followed on OS 1:50,000 Landranger Sheet 143 (Ely and Wisbech) or on 1:25,000 Exployer Series Sheet 226 (Ely and Newmarket)
Waymarking - The paths are marked with green metal signs from surfaced roads. Waymark arrows indicate the way along the route. Occasionally, other rights of way cross the route and these are also waymarked. Yellow arrows mark footpaths, blue arrows bridleways and red arrows byways.
Refreshments - Ely has a wealth of tea shops, bakeries and public houses. The Cutter Inn on Annesdale serves cooked lunches and overlooks the river. The Maltings also on the river has a coffee bar which is open for most of the day, there is a Post Office in Little Thetford but no public house. The riverbank is a very good location for picnics but please take your litter home with you.
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| The Cawdle Fen Walk Information Leaflet and Map | 797.67 KB |
