An easy and flat, moderate to brisk paced 20.4km/12.7 mile walk through open Fenland, along the River Great Ouse. 'Big' skies, tree-lined farm tracks, historic Ely Cathedral and a quayside stroll at the end.
About 4.5 hours actual walking. Bus shortcuts from Stretford and Little Thetford.
Route: Ouse Valley Way and Fen Rivers Way S from Ely along the River Great Ouse, [alternative route for the next stretch: follow Great Ouse for longer past the confluence with the River Cam], along Grunty Fen Catchwater and Thetford Catchwater into Little Thetford, Holt Fen Drove and farm tracks into Stretham (lunch stop), through Thetford and onto the Burying Way (farm track through fields, an old coffin route), through Little Thetford and along farm tracks parallel to Cambridge Road past Cawdle Fen and through Ely City Golf Club to Ely, through Cathedral Precinct and past Cromwell's House, then along footpath back to river for a stroll through the river meadows into town, then past the quays opposite the marina to the station.
Lunch Stop: Pub lunch at the Red Lion at Stretham.
Meet at Ely Station at 10.55.
Travel: King's Cross 09.42 - King's Lynn train - arr Ely 10.53.
Ticket/Fare: Buy Off-Peak Day Return to Ely.
Finish: Ely Station - likely trains 16.48 or 17.18.
Leader: Thomas G (07775 676 092)