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Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – Burwell Lode loop from Wicken Fen

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – Burwell Lode loop from Wicken Fen

Moderate

4.9

(13)

hikers

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – Burwell Lode loop from Wicken Fen

03:02

12.0km

20m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

151 m

Wicken Fen is the National Trust's oldest nature reserve and is hailed as England's most famous fen. The expansive reserve is home to more than 9,000 species of flora and fauna, including hen harriers, water voles and bitterns. There are raised boardwalks that enable you to explore the flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds.

Tip by

1.62 km

Reach Lode and Burwell Lode

Highlight • Natural

The whole of Wicken Fen is scenic. This point is on a good route that avoids the awkward bridge (next to the Cock-up Bridge) over Burwell Lode. This alternative to NCN11 splits off at either Rand Drove or Harrison Drove (bit rough for gravel bikes!) and rejoins on the 'right' side of the Cock-up Bridge.

Tip by

2.51 km

Burwell Lode

Highlight • River

Burwell Lode links the village of Burwell with Reach Lode. Lodes are thought to be Roman in origin and its the name given to man-made waterways in Cambridgeshire. They often connect villages and other waterways.

Tip by

3.29 km

Cockup Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Footbridge over Burwell Lode and on the Lodes Way cycle route from Cambridge to Ely via Wicken. No ramp so be ready to carry your bike up the steps! A great place to view wildlife in the fen

Tip by

4.69 km

Monks Lode Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

5.37 km

Wicken Windmill

Highlight • Historical Site

Cyclable 'Back lane' next to Windmill, runs parallel to the main rd to Wicken Fen visitor centre.

Tip by

6.41 km

Sedge Fen, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

An additional feature at Wicken Fen, Sedge Fen is a managed habitat with amazing displays of butterflies. Separate charges (free to NT members) apply. In July 2020, you had to pre-book a timed entry due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Tip by

12.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.69 km

3.01 km

1.09 km

906 m

186 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.39 km

2.01 km

1.88 km

1.17 km

1.13 km

344 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Saturday 16 May

17°C

8°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – Burwell Lode loop from Wicken Fen

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