Winter arrived with this walk. Beautiful blue skies with barely a cloud to be seen, cold but not that cold, all-in-all a perfect day for a hike in the English countryside (despite what those dullards at Wonderlust magazine might have to say about the matter.)
Waterbeach is a village a few miles north-east of Cambridge and it was here that I began the hike.
A frosty white path took me down towards and alongside the River Cam.
I was on the Fen Rivers Way, a path of some 50 miles or so that starts in Cambridge where it follows the Cam until that river joins the Great Ouse. The path ends at King’s Lynn where the Ouse empties out into The Wash.
The walk is an enjoyable mix of slow moving river…
…and pleasant countryside.
I spotted a few likely looking wild-camping spots as I walked. The lack of litter along the way indicated the path isn’t greatly used, always a good sign.
I took a break at the half way point and enjoyed sausage sarnies and some tea from my flask.
I met a couple of hikers also heading up to Ely. I passed a runner (and what a place for a run!) and a few dog walkers.
Suddenly I was on the home stretch, five miles to go!
At Pope’s Corner the Cam flows into the Great Ouse.
From here onwards I had Ely Cathedral to guide me homewards
A short while later I was on the Ely waterfront, heading towards a pint at the Cutter Inn.
And an excellent pint it was too. The perfect end to a fine winter’s river walk.
What a lovely walk, a beautiful day. The river looks beautiful.
Glorious shots .You mo Ed along very quickly No doubt the thought of the Cutter!
Bob
I wish ALL hikes ended with a pint.
Great photos.
Nothing quite like a good drink after a great hike. Glad you like the photos.
Agree with you about the pleasures of winter walking.
Have often walked from Cambridge to Ely and enjoy it every time we do it…. more so in the cold frosty winter months 🙂
I have walked all over the country, and Waterbeach to Ely is one of my favourite strolls, and one I do fairly often. There is something about the way Ely Cathedral slowly grows in front of your eyes, giving meaning to the moniker ‘the ship of the Fens’. I hope the new road bridge won’t spoil that…
Have you ever done the eastern bank? It is less good in my opinion, but can give a different perspective on the rivers.
I’ve haven’t done the eastern bank, one for another day!