The best walks and hikes in Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve

No, dogs are not permitted within the reserve. This policy is in place to protect the sensitive fenland habitats and the diverse wildlife, which includes many rare and endangered species of birds, insects, and plants.

Woodwalton Fen offers unique wildlife sightings year-round. Spring and summer are excellent for spotting birds like bitterns and cuckoos, as well as a vast number of butterflies and dragonflies. The reserve is particularly famous for its rare plants, including the fen violet, which flowers in the spring. Winter brings different bird species, such as flocks of finches and redpolls.

Yes, there is parking available at the reserve. Access is via a rugged road, so please drive with care. From the car park, you can easily access the network of walking trails.

The trails are generally flat and grassy, making them accessible for a family outing. The waymarked trails, like the 0.75-mile Bungalow Trail, are a good length for younger children. The paths can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for everyone.

Reaching the reserve by public transport can be challenging due to its rural location. The nearest train stations are in Huntingdon and Peterborough, from which you would need to take a taxi for the remaining journey. It's best to check local bus schedules for services to nearby villages like Ramsey, but a final walk or taxi ride will likely be necessary.

Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or boots are highly recommended. The paths are mostly flat and grassy but can be very muddy, soft, and uneven, especially after rain. Some sections also include wooden boardwalks which can be slippery when wet.

Yes, the reserve features several waymarked circular trails. For a longer walk that explores the surrounding area, consider the Old Oak Tree loop from Great Raveley. This route gives you a broader sense of the Cambridgeshire landscape just outside the main reserve.

Both are key parts of the Great Fen project, but they offer different experiences. Woodwalton Fen is one of the last fragments of ancient, managed fenland, known for its rich biodiversity and watery landscape of reedbeds and meres. Holme Fen is famous for its birch woodland and for being the lowest point in Great Britain. A walk like the Holme Posts – Holme Fen Forest Trail loop from Yaxley showcases its distinct woodland character.

Due to the soft, uneven, and often muddy ground, the grassy paths may not be suitable for all wheelchairs. All-terrain mobility vehicles are better suited for the terrain. An all-terrain tramper can sometimes be borrowed by prior arrangement with the Great Fen team.

The area is well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Hikers often praise the sense of tranquility, the excellent opportunities for birdwatching from the hides, and the unique experience of walking through a rare fenland habitat.

There are over 40 hiking routes to explore in and around Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve. These range from short, easy waymarked paths within the reserve to longer, more moderate hikes that connect to the wider Great Fen landscape.

A key historical feature is the Rothschild Bungalow, a thatched building on stilts built by the reserve's founder. There are also several well-placed bird hides, such as the Northern Reedbeds Hide and Gordon's Mere Hide, which provide fantastic, undisturbed views of the local birdlife.