The River Lark, a tributary of The Great Ouse, runs for 31 miles through Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
Last Sunday I cycled the three miles from Ely to the attractive fen village of Prickwillow where I began my walk along the river.
View River Lark (from Prickwillow, near Ely) in a larger map
It was early afternoon when I started the walk, the sun was out and the breeze was gentle, a perfect setting for a quick hike.
The river is navigable at this point but I only saw one boat along the way.
With the sun out it was a joy to walk along the riverbank, I love the soft crunch of frost under my feet. Birds were out and singing, ducks and swans were preening and chatting to each other.
As I walked along the riverbank a huge cloud began to block out the sun. The play of light and shadow was emphasied by the big fens skies and landscapes.
I walked for about four miles east alongside the river. With the sun obscured it had become chilly. I stopped and drank tea from my flask, delicious.
As I turned to retrace my steps back to Prickwillow the sun appeared from the other side of the huge cloud.
The sunset fell directly onto the Lark, it was a beautiful scene.
I arrived back in Prickwillow with the light fading and cycled on home.
Lovely pictures, Martin. Really enjoyed viewing.
Looks wonderful from the pictures. Must have been a great day trip.
Keep on hiking and taking us with you through the lovely pictures from the English country side
Really glad you both enjoyed the post and pictures : )
Atmospheric, those last three pics. And Prickwillow must be one of the loveliest village names EVER.
Glad you like the pics. Yes, I agree about the name Prickwillow it is lovely, as is the village itself.
Fantsatic east anglian scenes Martin . Reminder of Betjemans line ” a wacking great sunset bathed level and drain from Kirby with Muckby to Beckby on Drain “
Hi
In the early 60s Along with my parents we spent a week holidaying in Prickwillow , approx 1962, a new bridge over the river was under construction. We were supposed to be staying in the village pub , but for reasons I don’t remember we ended up in a wooden lodge next to the river. During 2010 I was working for a day in Ely so I called at Prickwillow. There was no trace of the pub etc.
Do you have any re-call of the village of the 60s or any links to anyone who has?
Kind Regards
Phil Ward
Hi Phil, I’ve only been in the area for 10 years so can’t really comment. It would be great if there were still a pub at Prickwillow, too many are closing these days for my liking.