The best walks and hikes in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

To protect the sensitive wildlife and grazing livestock within the reserve, dogs are not permitted on the main Fen trails, including the Sedge Fen and Adventurers' Fen. However, they are welcome on the public footpaths that run along the lodes and surrounding farmland.

There is a National Trust car park located at the main entrance on Lode Lane. It's a popular spot, so arriving early on weekends is a good idea. The reserve is generally open from dawn until dusk, but it's always best to check the official National Trust - Wicken Fen website for the most current opening times for the visitor centre, café, and car park before you travel.

Yes, Wicken Fen is great for families. The Sedge Fen has an all-weather Boardwalk Trail that is perfect for pushchairs and little legs. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the View south from Wicken Fen – Wicken Fen loop from Wicken Fen is a 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route that offers a great introduction to the landscape.

The Adventurers' Fen Trail explores a wilder part of the reserve. The paths here are typically grassy and can be uneven, taking you through a varied landscape of reedbeds, open water, and wet grasslands. It's an excellent area for spotting wildfowl and the free-roaming Konik ponies and Highland cattle that help manage the habitat.

Getting to Wicken Fen by public transport can be challenging as it's in a rural location. The nearest train station is in Ely, several miles away. From there, you would typically need to take a taxi. It's best to plan your journey in advance as local bus services are limited.

Wicken Fen is a haven for wildlife with over 9,000 species recorded. You're very likely to see the hardy Konik ponies and Highland cattle grazing. It's also a premier spot for birdwatching, with chances to see waders, wildfowl, and birds of prey like hen harriers. In summer, the air is full of dragonflies and butterflies.

Most of the main routes within the reserve are circular. A great option for a comprehensive tour is the Wicken Fen loop, which is a 4.6-mile (7.4 km) trail covering the core wetland habitats. Many other shorter and longer loops are also available.

The main Sedge Fen area is highly accessible, featuring a firm, all-weather Boardwalk Trail that is suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. The visitor centre also has accessible facilities. The wider reserve, such as Adventurers' Fen, has more natural, uneven paths that are not accessible.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique, flat landscape which offers immense sky views, and the excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The well-maintained boardwalks on the Sedge Fen and the feeling of escaping into a rare wetland wilderness are frequently mentioned highlights.

Yes, the Docky Hut Café is located at the visitor centre, offering a convenient spot for drinks and snacks. For a pub lunch, the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – Green Hills Inn loop from Wicken is a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) hike that handily passes a traditional village pub.

There are over 90 different routes to explore in and around Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve on komoot. These range from short, easy boardwalk strolls to longer, more challenging hikes that venture into the wider fenland landscape.

Yes, cycling is a great way to see the wider reserve. While bikes aren't allowed on the fragile Sedge Fen boardwalk, there is a network of grassy droves and paths around Adventurers' Fen and the lodes that are perfect for cycling. Bike hire is also available from the visitor centre.