"Our boat turned up Wicken Lode. Here we could see shoals of red-finned, green scaled roach glide past us in the clear water and on the banks, young partridges running among the tall grasses and Meadow-sweet; in the water the green leaves and white, gold hearted cups of the water-lilies over which hovered dragon-flies"
Rider Haggard gives us an introduction to one of the Wicken Walks which has altered little since he wrote these words in 1906.
These two interlinked walks pass through a complete section of the Fenland landscape which encompasses hundreds of years of farming history. Wicken Fen (now a Nature Reserve owned and managed by the National Trust) retains most of the characteristics of undrained fenland while green lanes are reminiscent of the post drainage fens. Medieval strip farming is still practised on No-Ditch-Field while only a mile away on Soham Mere (drained in the 1800's) the most modern farming methods are used.
Enjoy a walk around Wicken and Soham and see at first hand some of the finest examples of Cambridgeshire's farming heritage.
Starting from Wicken Fen Nature Reserve - From the car park turn left towards the Nature Reserve and continue on the track to the left of the Lode opposite the visitors centre.
Starting from Maids Head Public House - Cross over Butts Lane with the High Street to the right hand side and follow the track which is signposted 'Public Footpath'. After 50 yards the foot path leaves the track to the left and is again signposted.
How to get there
- By Bus: Buses run to and from Wicken on Thursday (No 117) and Sundays (No 112). The bus stop for Wicken Fen is specially marked with a brown tourist sign and is 500 yards from the Fen.
- By Train:Nearest Station is Ely. Tel 0345 484950
- By Road:A142 from Newmarket then A1123. A10 from Ely then A1123.
- Enquiries: Cambridgeshire County Council Public Transport General Enquiries Tel: 01223 717740.
Further Information
Route 2 - 7 miles
Allow approximately 2 - 3 hours
Footwear - The route can be muddy and very slippery in the winter, especially around the Nature Reserve. Strong, waterproof footwear is essential.
Maps - The route can be followed on OS 1:50.000 Landranger Sheet 154 Cambridge, Newmarket and surrounding area, which also indicates other rights of way.
Waymarking - The route is signposted from the road by green metal signs and with small coloured waymark arrows along the route which read "Circular Route". Other rights of way cross the circular walk and these may be marked with yellow arrows for footpaths, blue arrows for bridleways and red arrows for byways.
Refreshments - Refreshments can be obtained from the Maids Head Public House in Wicken which also serves cooked lunches; there is a picnic site and toilets at Wicken Fen. Admission to the visitors centre is free, and a small charge is made for access to the Nature Reserve itself.
Wicken Corn Windmill - Details of opening times and Milling events from D Pearce Tel: 01664 822751.
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