The best walks and hikes around Upwell
4.7
(17)
276
hikers
32
hikes
Hikes around Upwell explore the flat, water-woven landscape of the Norfolk Fens. The region is characterized by its expansive, open countryside, with trails often following the banks of waterways like Well Creek and a network of man-made drains. This terrain makes for generally easy walks with uninterrupted views across the landscape.
Best hiking trails around Upwell
- The most popular hiking route is Outwell Basin loop from Upwell, a 2.6 mile (4.3 km) trail that takes around 1 hour to complete. This easy walk follows local waterways, offering a good introduction to the Fenland scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Downham Market Town Clock – Downham Market Clock Tower loop from Downham Market, an easy 3.4 mile (5.5 km) path. The route explores the area around the market town with minimal elevation change.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Denver Sluice – Downham Market Town Clock loop from Denver Sluice, a 5.8 mile (9.4 km) trail leading through the countryside, often completed in about 2 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Upwell is defined by riverside paths, canal towpaths, and wide-open fenland fields. The network of trails provides options suitable for most ability levels, with a focus on level, accessible routes.
- The routes in Upwell are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Upwell's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
9.41km
02:25
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
7
hikers
6.08km
01:32
0m
0m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4
hikers
4.26km
01:04
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Popular around Upwell
Tips from the Community
ownham Market's town centre is on a smaller scale than those of nearby Swaffham, Dereham and Fakenham, and here there is no great church lifting its head above the market place. To find the parish church of this interesting town, you need to head out to the east, where it is hidden from view by trees on top of a rise above the road to Swaffham. Here St Edmund sits, a pretty thing in gingerbread carstone, with an elegant lead-covered spire crowning its squat tower. You can see at first glance that this is by no means a grand, urban church. I was struck by how few gravestones survive in the churchyard. Carstone is notoriously difficult to date, but the low aisles and nave are essentially 15th Century I think, while the chancel is a 19th century rebuild. Set into the stone above the priest door is a crucifixion scene, probably from the top of a former churchyard cross. It all makes for an interesting building quite unlike that of most Norfolk towns. Although there are exceptions, the parish churches of Norfolk's market towns tend to be High Church in character, even Anglo-catholic, and St Edmund is higher than most. The interior is rather dark thanks to a multiplicity of stained glass, but it was not gloomy, and the smell of incense and the view of the lighter chancel with its big six candlesticks on the altar was evocative and atmospheric. Essentially, this is a late 19th century interior, but there are a couple of important medieval survivals. The most significant of these is the set of 15th century glass panels set in the west window below the ringing chamber. They include figures from the orders of angels as well as angel musicians, a fragment of figures rising out of the mouth of hell from a Harrowing of Hell image, as well as another fragment of the dead rising from their graves.
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Good coffee & food with plenty of outdoor tables in the square. Open until 4pm (2pm Sun). Closed Mon/Tue.
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Large beer garden at the front overlooking the green, including a covered area.
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Very pretty market square and great place for a cafe stop
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Go into the street to Downham square. Nice coffee and cakes. Even with a good gf option ;)
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There are bike racks on the opposite side of the road, just inside the car park, if you need to secure your bike.
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Downham Market is one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns. It lies on the banks of the River Great Ouse, and dates back to Saxon times. The market place is known for its unusual and iconic black and white clock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walking routes around Upwell suitable for families with children?
Yes, the region is ideal for family walks. The terrain is predominantly flat, making it accessible for all ages. A great option is the Peckover House and Gardens loop from Wisbech, which is an easy and relatively short walk. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Manor Farm Woodland Walks, which is highly regarded by local families and features a charming railway carriage tea room.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Upwell?
Many trails in the Fenland area are dog-friendly, especially the open-countryside paths. However, you'll often be walking near waterways and agricultural land, so it's important to keep dogs under control, particularly around wildlife and livestock. The paths around the WWT Welney wetland centre are excellent for spotting birds, but please check their specific on-site rules regarding dogs before you visit.
What is the scenery like on walks around Upwell?
The landscape is classic Fenland, characterized by vast, open countryside and what locals call "big skies." You can expect flat terrain with uninterrupted views. Most walks follow the network of waterways, such as Well Creek, rivers, and man-made drains, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment rich with birdlife.
Are there any circular walks starting from the village?
Absolutely. Circular routes are very popular in the area. A great example is the Outwell Basin loop from Upwell, which provides a perfect introduction to the local scenery by following the waterways connecting the twin villages of Upwell and Outwell.
Are there any pubs or cafes on the walking routes?
While many routes are rural, you can find refreshments in the villages they pass through. For a stop that's a destination in itself, the Cakes And Bakes Railway Carriage Tea Room at Manor Farm Woodland Walks is a popular favourite, offering a pleasant place to relax after exploring their trails.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Upwell?
The komoot community rates the routes around Upwell very highly. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the waterside paths and the expansive, open views of the Fenland landscape. The flat terrain makes it a relaxing and accessible destination for walkers of all abilities.
How many hiking trails are available around Upwell?
There are nearly 40 curated hiking routes to explore around Upwell on komoot. The vast majority of these are rated as easy, with a few moderate options for those seeking a slightly longer walk. The flat landscape means there are no difficult, mountainous climbs.
Are there any long-distance footpaths accessible from Upwell?
Yes, Upwell is a good starting point for exploring longer trails. The Fen Rivers Way passes nearby, offering extensive walking along the region's waterways. For a longer day out, you could tackle a route like the Denver Sluice – Downham Market Town Clock loop from Denver Sluice, which covers over 9 km of Fenland countryside.
Are there any trails that follow the River Nar?
While many local walks follow canals and drains, the River Nar is slightly further afield but accessible. The Nar Valley Way is a well-known long-distance path in Norfolk that follows the river. You can connect to sections of it for a day's walk to experience its unique riverside and woodland scenery.
What should I pack for a walk in the Fens?
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as paths can be uneven. The landscape is very exposed, so waterproof and windproof clothing is recommended, even on a day that starts sunny. In summer, bring sun protection and plenty of water. Binoculars are also a great idea to get a better look at the diverse birdlife.
Where can I see wildlife near Upwell?
The entire area is rich in birdlife, especially along the waterways. For a dedicated wildlife experience, the WWT Welney wetland centre is a top-rated local attraction. It offers well-maintained trails and hides, providing fantastic opportunities to see a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat throughout the year.
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