Cambridge isn’t exactly known for its hills, something I have found quite strange at times having lived for a long time in a country that has more than its fair share of gradients. It’s not like I haven’t lived anywhere equally pancake flat before however – Denmark in general, I am looking at you…
Whilst the landscape in this part of the UK can seem flat and (weather dependent) quite bleak at times, there are unique pockets of it too, that you would truly struggle to replicate anywhere else. Wicken Fen is one of those places.
This National nature reserve was completely man made centuries ago, and has to be England’s most famous fen. It’s a massive expanse (some 254 hectares to be precise) of reeds, boardwalks and wildlife and not much else in between, and it’s also incredibly peaceful and quite strikingly beautiful to say the least. It’s also home to the last wind pump (which I originally thought to be an ordinary windmill) that pumps water from the drainage channel up into the fen…
Look in one direction and you can see nothing but the reeds and grasses that grow here (and that are still harvested as they have been for centuries, to thatch local roofs), and whilst you might not see anybody else during a wander (especially if you visit during the week I should imagine), it’s a treat for the senses with a full ensemble of birdsong and other creatures creating a sound wall… Charles Darwin visited this place many times as a site of scientific interest so varied is the wildlife (there are thought to be some 9000 species!)…
We spent a happy afternoon trundling the boardwalks (a lot of Wicken Fen is boardwalk so it’s pushchair friendly too for those of you with infants happy to sit in them!!), admiring a synchronised swimming display put on by the water voles and other wildlife from the various hides dotted about the place (until the Toddler and his Dad who had been admiring the “windmill” caught up with us – neither of them do quiet particularly well!), and completing a large circuit of this lovely wild place…
As we have come to expect from the National Trust nowadays, there’s plenty to keep Small People happy including treasure trails, and things to look out for signposted along the way, as well as a choice of walking routes both long and short. In the summer months there’s even a dedicated wild camping area, I imagine there must be a riot of a dawn chorus at the break of day here…
Wicken Fen is open all year around (apart from Christmas Day!), and is just as lovely in the winter months as it is in the summer with the various changes that the seasons bring. Visit on a Sunday and you can inspect the inside of the tiny Fen Cottage depicting how fen landers would have lived at the start of the 20th century (and also home to Father Christmas and his helpers in the Christmas season!). And for those of us (adults included) that might need a bit of blackmail to help them around the very long walk, the Docky Hut cafe does the trick with cakes and sweet treats aplenty…
We have loved having this place on our doorstep (it’s also one of those rare places where something created by man can work well with nature!), and if it snows again (as expected this weekend), we will head over for another Winter walk at Wicken Fen to enjoy the special scenery. Although it’s truly lovely in the Spring too… And the Summer…. Oh, and the Autumn…!
Wicken Fen, Lode Lade, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
This looks like the ideal spot to go for a long, relaxing walk! There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air and gentle exercise to clear the mind (plus it’s good for the body too!) x
Thanks Becca! (:
I’ve never heard of this place before, but it looks like such a beautiful place to explore. The wind pump is interesting, I love visiting places with little bits of history on show. You’ve visited at such a fun time of year with all that puddle jumping!
Thanks so much Emma! It’s a great place for kids! :)
I have not heard of Wicken Fen, it does look beautiful and seeing the windmill would be a winner for us
Thanks Kara! (:
I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never been. I know the name but didn’t really know it looked like this, with boardwalks etc. Would be a lovely spot for a stroll.
Right, that’s another one on my ever-increasing list.
Oh you must. Maybe you and Dougie can try out the wilderness camping first and let me know what it’s like? :D
Who knew this little haven was hidden away in Cambridge, it looks like a lovely way to escape into nature and just relax with some fresh air
Amazing what you can find! Thanks Tanya! (:
Oh I do love a good winter walk, all wrapped up with the promise of a hot chocolate at home afterwards! Gorgeous photos!
Oh that’s one of the best bits! :D Thanks Ali!
Those photos are really beautiful. That area looks like a fabulous place to go walking.
Thanks Su! (:
I love this time of year for long family walks. Your photos are just beautiful.
Thanks so much Dannii! (:
Oh how gorgeous! I haven’t heard of it before but it looks like somewhere we would all love to go and visit. Your photos are stunning, the windmill makes a gorgeous back drop!
It’s a great place to explore! Thanks Laura! (:
love the windmill photo. This looks like a lovely place to walk with children.
Thank you. Yes, my kids loved it there! :)
Lovely photos! It’s good to get out for a walk even through the winter.
Blow the cobwebs away and all that! :D Thanks Jenni! (:
Looks like an amazing place!
Thanks Carol! (:
Nice capture through your photos Emma :)
Thanks Lorelle! (:
Such a beautiful place to go for a walk, and I love all your photos. My daughter is just the same, always with a camera ..i think she gets it from me :)
Thank you! Yes, I think mine definitely copied me at first, and now they are addicted too! :D
Looks like a lovely place xx
It really is! :) xx
lovely place
Thank you Tanja! (:
What a beautiful spot! I live a fair way away so have never heard of it but it looks so picturesque. I love the windpump and the boardwalk, and the backdrop of all the grasses is so pretty.
Thanks so much Katy! Worth visiting if you are ever in the area! (:
Wicken Fen looks like such a pretty place! I love going walks but I usually avoid it in winter due to the cold
You definitely need a few layers on a day like today! :D
I used to live near cambridge and never visited wicken fen. I never really understood what it was- this is such a helpful post to me.. and makes me want to go visit!
It’s definitely worth a day trip! Thank you! (:
Cambridge isn’t really that far from me but I’ve never spent time there, this looks like a really pretty walk x
It’s really lovely. Thanks Rhian! (:
As much as I love hiking in the woods and mountains, sometimes I crave flat, vast spaces. They feel very peaceful to me. This is beautiful. :-)
This is definitely a really peaceful place. Thanks Krista! x
Oh my goodness what a beautiful looking place to go for a walk, hands up I would be so tempted to go and explore the windmill a little more.
It’s such a lovely bit of history too. Thanks Sarah! (:
We used to visit the area regularly when I was a child, driving from the north to East Anglia to stay with relatives. I think my children would love Wicken Fen
I know mine do! Thanks Becky! (:
It reminds me of the Hautes Fagnes in Belgium, but the reeds here add a real touch of drama! Such beautiful pictures, no wonder the kids love it.
Thanks so much Ginger! (: x
It looks like Wicken Fan makes for the perfect day out. I have never been but am a big fan of other National Trust sites.
They are great aren’t they? Thanks Micaela! (: