Best lakes around Earith, a village in Cambridgeshire, England, offer diverse natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its water bodies, which include former sand and gravel quarries now transformed into nature reserves and fishing lakes. These lakes contribute to the region's identity as a destination for nature observation and outdoor activities. The landscape features a mosaic of wetland habitats, providing varied environments for exploration.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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An idyllic landscape between ponds and small lakes. A place to rest and enjoy.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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The busway cycle path provides plenty of spots to stop and take in a view or have some refreshments.
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Less than 1km off route and a lovely view with a little deck overlooking the water.
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The lakes around Earith are rich in wildlife. At places like Far Fen Lake, which is part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, you might spot otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. The RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve is particularly known for diverse birdlife, including elusive bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits, and common cranes, as well as otters and Chinese water deer.
Yes, the area is excellent for birdwatching. The RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve is a prime destination, being transformed into the largest reedbed in the UK. It attracts a wealth of birdlife, including bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits, and common cranes. Far Fen Lake, also part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, is another great spot for observing various bird species.
For cycling, Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve offers an amazing tarmac cycle lane that runs right through the Fens, providing beautiful water views. For walking, the RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve features over 20 miles of paths and trails, including accessible routes. You can also find easy hikes around the area, such as the 'Lockspit Viewpoint loop from Earith' or 'River Great Ouse at Earith – Earith Lakes Path loop from Earith', which you can explore further in the Easy hikes around Earith guide.
Absolutely. Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake is considered family-friendly, offering greenspaces, woodland, and wildflower meadows. The View of the Lake viewpoint is also noted as family-friendly, providing a pleasant spot to rest. Additionally, the Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path offer plenty of spots for families to stop and enjoy the views.
The RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve offers accessible routes among its extensive network of paths and trails, making it a good option for those seeking accessible lakeside walks. The cycle lane at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve is also a flat, tarmac path that can be suitable for various users.
Spring is often highlighted as an excellent time to visit, especially the RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve, to witness the courtship rituals of Great Crested Grebes and other abundant birdlife. However, some paths, like those at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, can be flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring, so it's wise to check conditions depending on your activity.
Yes, Earith is particularly known for its fishing lakes. Notable options include Earith Carp Lakes, which offers quality carp, catfish, and coarse fishing across several lakes. Earith Lakes Fisheries is an exclusive syndicate with mature gravel pits boasting large carp specimens. Fenland Fisheries, including Willow Lake and Vermuyden Lake, is recognized as a premier carp and catfish venue. Ashmire Fishery and Trout Lake PCF also provide diverse fishing experiences.
Parking is available at several locations. For instance, when visiting Far Fen Lake, there is parking available for a fee of £2, which includes a portaloo and a bin. It's always advisable to check specific reserve or fishery websites for detailed parking information before your visit.
Beyond walking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and running. The Road Cycling Routes around Earith guide features options like the 'Colne Village – Olive's Coffee Shop loop from Bluntisham'. For runners, the Running Trails around Earith guide includes routes such as the 'Ouse Fen Nature Reserve loop from Colne' or 'River Great Ouse loop from Bluntisham'.
Yes, View of the Lake is a specific highlight offering an idyllic landscape between ponds and small lakes, complete with a deck overlooking the water for resting and enjoying the scenery. The cycle path at Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path also provides numerous spots to stop and take in the views.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the tranquility. The cycle lane at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve is often praised for its beautiful water views. Many also enjoy the rich wildlife, including otters and various bird species, especially at reserves like RSPB Ouse Fen and Far Fen Lake. The peaceful environment for fishing is also a major draw for anglers.
Definitely. The RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve is a significant wetland area being transformed into the UK's largest reedbed, offering exceptional birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, formed from old sand and gravel quarries, is another popular spot known for its scenic lakes and cycle paths. Additionally, Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake provides a pleasant mix of lake, woodland, and grassland.
Yes, along the busway cycle path, which runs near some of the lakes, you'll find Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path that provide plenty of spots to stop, rest, and even have some refreshments. While specific cafes directly on the lake paths might be limited, the nearby village of Somersham, for example, offers shops, eateries, and a pub.


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