From Ely into the Fens and the Icknield Way Cycle Trail

This challenging mountain bike route, covering approximately 91.7 km, typically takes around 5 hours and 54 minutes to complete. However, actual times can vary based on your fitness level, riding speed, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or points of interest.

No, this route is considered difficult and is not suitable for beginners. It requires good fitness and advanced riding skills due to its diverse terrain, including sandy sections and technical singletrack that can reach STS S2 or even S3-S6 difficulty in parts. Riders should be prepared for sections where pushing your bike might be necessary.

The trail offers a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter significant portions of road, paths, and singletrack. The route includes substantial unpaved and natural terrain, alongside asphalt and paved sections. Be prepared for sandy trails, especially on the Icknield Way Cycle Trail, where wide tires are highly recommended, particularly in dry conditions when the sand can be deep.

The trail is best enjoyed in the drier summer months. Many field and woodland sections can become very muddy and slow-going in winter, making the ride significantly more challenging. Aim for late spring to early autumn for the most pleasant conditions.

The route offers varied scenery, transitioning from the open Fenland landscapes to the idyllic rural villages and heathland of the Icknield Way. Highlights include a Gravel Road Along the River Cam, historical landmarks like St Peter's Church, Moulton, and the Icknield Way Cycle Trail itself. You'll also pass the Phoenix Cycleworks Bike Park & Café, a great stop for refreshments or bike services.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Icknield Way Cycle Trail, Icknield Way Path, NCN National Route 11, Hereward Way, Fen Rivers Way (Cambridge to Ely), Ouse Valley Way 3 (Eaton Socon to Brandon Creek), NCN 51, and Lark Valley Path.

The Icknield Way Cycle Trail, which forms a significant part of this route, is a multi-user trail shared with horse riders and walkers. While dogs are generally permitted on public bridleways and byways, they should be kept under close control, preferably on a leash, to ensure the safety and comfort of all trail users and local wildlife.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride this route, as it primarily uses public rights of way and cycle trails. However, if you choose to visit specific attractions or nature reserves along the way, such as Wicken Fen, there might be separate entry fees or parking charges for those locations.

Given the diverse and challenging terrain, a mountain bike is the most suitable choice. Alternatively, a gravel bike or a sturdy touring bike with tires 40mm wide or more is recommended to handle the unpaved and sandy sections effectively.

Yes, a notable stop along the route is the Phoenix Cycleworks Bike Park & Café. This location offers a bike shop for any necessary repairs or gear, as well as a coffee shop for refreshments. You'll also pass through various villages where you may find other local amenities.

While the route starts 'From Ely', specific parking details are not provided in the tour data. However, Ely offers various public parking options. It's advisable to research parking facilities in Ely or near the start of the Icknield Way Cycle Trail section you plan to access, keeping in mind that some parking may have time limits or fees.