Wicken Fen Summer Nature Trail
Look out for a wide array of wildlife on this easy walk through Wicken Fen, a unique wetlands habitat that is home to more than 9,000 species, including hen harriers, muntjac deer and Konik ponies. Visit three wildlife hides along the way, including the 10-metre Tower Hide, and experience their commanding views across the reserve. This trail is suitable for both active walkers and families alike.
Restricted opening times
Please note, this trail is only available June – October. The numbered points 4 - 10 on this trail are incorrectly marked on the map, due to a glitch. The route description is accurate, please check the minor route variation between points 3 and 5 with a member of our welcome team at the Fen.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, grid ref: TL563705
Step 1
Starting from the back of the Visitor Centre turn right onto the boardwalk, heading towards the wind pump.
Step 2
Follow the boardwalk in the direction of the wind pump. Before the advent of steam and diesel pumping engines, wind pumps were the main method used to drain turf pits and fields.
Step 3
Continue ahead on the boardwalk until you reach the Roger Clarke Hide to your right.
Step 4
Follow the path past the hide towards the Woodland Walk. The path takes you past old brick kilns.
Step 5
Instead of heading straight into the Woodland Walk, turn left along Sedge Fen Drove, one of the oldest paths on the Fen, by which villagers could access their strips for cutting sedge.
Step 6
Take the first path right (signposted) towards the outer edge of the Sedge Fen.
Step 7
Follow the path along Mitchell's Drove, with Spinney Bank on your right, until you come to the Pump House where the trail turns sharp left.
Step 8
Follow the trail south with Drainer’s Dyke, and Verrall’s Fen on the far back, on your right. You pass the Godwin Plots on your left, a ground-breaking ecological experiment started in 1920s and continued to this day.
Step 9
Follow the path all the way to Wicken Lode. At the southern end, the trees are known as Godwin’s Triangle. This area, in contrast to the Godwin Plots, is never cut and therefore is now tree-covered.
Step 10
The path passes the historic Tower Hide, built in the 1950s and thatched with Wicken sedge. It overlooks the Mere and Adventurers’ Fen, and gives good views of the differently cut strips on Sedge Fen.
Step 11
The trail follows the drove along the waterway (or Lode) past a metal wind pump which draws calcium-rich water from Monks Lode and pumps it into ditches to irrigate Sedge Fen. With a working sedge field on your left, continue back to the Visitor Centre.
End point
Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, grid ref: TL565107
Trail map
More near here
Wicken Fen Adventurers' Trail
A 3-mile walk, exploring new areas of wetland habitat, reed beds and the mere.
Wicken Fen boardwalk trail
A short walk around Wicken's ancient Sedge Fen, a unique remnant of undrained fenland.
Four Lodes Trail at Wicken Fen
Explore part of Wicken Fen following the four Lodes on a trail is a great walk for catching a glimpse of grazing herds including Konik ponies and Highland cattle. Stop off at one of the hides to look for bittern, waterfowl and marsh harriers. It's the perfect walk for all the family to enjoy this season.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Wildlife at Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve to be managed by the National Trust. Today it’s one of Europe's most important wetlands and home to over 9,000 species.
Outdoor activities at Wicken Fen
Explore the fens on two wheels or on foot. Enjoy an easy family ride to see Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve.
Eating and shopping at Wicken Fen
Visit the Docky Hut Café and try our freshly baked sausage rolls and hot snacks or buy a gift in the shop as a souvenir of your visit.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Walking in Cambridgeshire
From peaceful strolls through the Victorian garden at Peckover House to wetland wanders at Wicken Fen, these are some of the best walks in Cambridgeshire.