The best walks and hikes around Sutton (E Cambs)

The hiking around Sutton is predominantly flat, following paths across the low-lying Fens. You'll encounter many walks along grassy riverbanks and drainage channels. The landscape is characterized by its wide-open skies and expansive views. Some routes, particularly those on the Fen Edge Trail, include gentle slopes as they ascend former 'islands' of higher ground, offering elevated perspectives over the surrounding flatlands.

Yes, the flat terrain makes the region very suitable for families. For a very short and accessible outing, Stankers Pond within Sutton offers a charming walk around a restored pond. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the Lockspit Viewpoint loop from Earith is a great option. It's a short 3 km (1.9 mi) trail through the RSPB Ouse Fen reserve, perfect for little legs and spotting wildlife.

Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, especially the public footpaths through open countryside. However, when walking through nature reserves like RSPB Ouse Fen or near farmland, you should keep your dog on a lead to protect wildlife and livestock. A popular spot among dog owners is Ring's End Local Nature Reserve, which is known for its accessible paths and dedicated walking areas.

The Fen Edge Trail is a long-distance path that follows the historic boundary between the low-lying Fens and the surrounding higher ground. Sutton is located along this trail, providing access to scenic sections that trace ancient droves and pathways. Walking parts of this trail offers a unique insight into the history and geography of the Isle of Ely.

Absolutely. The area is excellent for bird watching, thanks to its extensive wetland habitats. The RSPB Ouse Fen and nearby Fen Drayton Lakes are exceptional destinations. These reserves are becoming some of the UK's largest reedbeds and host species like marsh harriers, bearded tits, and bitterns. Many walking routes pass directly through these reserves, offering prime viewing opportunities from the trail.

There is a wide variety of options to explore, with over 220 hiking routes available in the region. These range from short, easy strolls under an hour to more challenging, longer-distance hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The routes in this region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the sense of peace and tranquility, the expansive views under big skies, and the excellent opportunities for watching wildlife in the wetland nature reserves.

Yes, there are many shorter options. A great choice is the Three Pickerels Bridge – Hidden Pond loop from Mepal. This easy walk is just under 3 miles (4.7 km) and takes you along quiet local footpaths, offering a pleasant taste of the fenland landscape without a long time commitment.

Sutton has bus services connecting it to nearby towns like Ely and Chatteris, which can be a starting point for accessing local footpaths. However, reaching the trailheads for more remote nature reserves like RSPB Ouse Fen can be challenging without a car. It is best to check local bus timetables to plan your journey in advance.

For a detailed local map, East Cambridgeshire council provides a leaflet for Sutton which includes information on local paths and points of interest. You can view or download it from their website. For digital navigation on the go, the komoot app provides detailed route information for all the trails in the area.

Yes, combining a walk with a pub stop is a popular activity. While specific 'pub walk' routes vary, many trails pass through or near villages with traditional pubs. For example, the village of Mepal has a pub and is the starting point for several circular routes. You can plan a route that loops back to your starting village for refreshments after your hike.