A circular walk from the end of Fen Road, Milton - layout2
Approximately 9 miles long this is an easy walk following tracks or obvious paths throughout. Cows may be found on Quy Fen in the warmer months, May to October, but it's a big area and with a bit of luck they'll not be too close to where we want to go. Avoid them whether you have a dog with you or not! There are no stiles where a dog would need to be lifted over, and well behaved dogs could probably be let off the lead for about half the distance.
From the small parking area at the end of Fen Road, Milton (room for about 6 cars or so), turn right along the towpath signposted to Cambridge 2 miles. Cross over the River Cam at Baits Bite lock and then the wooden foot bridge over the ditch and continue along the driveway round the back of the house. After 100yards the track turns sharply right, our path goes straight ahead over another wooden bridge and along the edge of a field.
At the road, turn left to enter Horningsea village, continue through until the village 'gates' and 30mph speed limit signs. To avoid walking alongside the fairly busy road turn right through a gap in the hedge and diagonally across the field using the well worn path. At the field boundary turn left and cross the bridge continuing round to the left to the large layby. At the far end of the layby bear right onto the bridleway signposted Quy Fen, Lode and Quy.
Follow the track, bearing left after about 400 yards, and then sharp right after another 400yards under the pylons. Ignore the first kissing gate on the right to Quy Fen, and follow the path straight ahead alongside the edge of the field to another kissing gate. Go through the gate and round the right hand side of the lake. Bear left at the end of the lake towards the fence line.
On your right ringed by a wooden rail to stop the cows pushing it over, is a memorial stone to William Ison, who was struck by lightening there and died.
Cross over the fence line either by the stile, or one of the gates, and head diagonally left across the Fen to a kink in the far hedge. A number of feint but obvious paths head in that direction, you'll find a kissing gate over a deep drainage ditch, go through the gate and into the field beyond.
Cross the field towards the clump of trees slightly to your left, the path is marked by tractor ruts. At the small signpost by the lake follow the path round the right hand side, and then across the other side of the field to join the tree lined track. Continue along the track until reaching the road and the edge of Lode village. Turn left along the road, signposted Bottisham lock and Fen Rivers Way 2 1/3rd miles, following the lode on your left. Some of the tarmac can be avoided by walking on top of the levee.
Continue along the road until the road turns sharp right, go straight on following the bank into Fen Farm. Do not cross the bridge on your left. Keep left of the driveway, as it curves right behind the house remain on the line of the lode and go into the hedge lined path in front of you. Cross the stile at the edge of the farm property, straight ahead is Bottisham Pumping Station and the River Cam.
Turn left behind the pump house and cross over the lode. If you then turn immediately right you can gain access to the river, so your dog can get a drink. Pass Bottisham Lock on your right, don't cross over here, continue along the river bank to the road bridge at Clayhithe. Bear right through the yard and cross the road bridge and turn immediately left to follow the towpath on the other bank towards Cambridge. It's signposted Fen Rivers Way, Baits Bite lock, and Cambridge. Look out for cyclists using this path as it's shared use and quite popular.
Continue along the towpath until reaching the end of Fen Road and the beginning of our walk.
