Beyond Anglesey Abbey walk
Explore the footpaths around Anglesey Abbey on this flat, fenland family walk. The route passes Lode Mill, along the winding fenland waterways and through the villages of Stow-cum-Quy and Lode, as well as Quy Fen, designated by Natural England as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), before snaking back to Anglesey Abbey.
Start point
Anglesey Abbey car park, grid ref: TL533621Trail information
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Anglesey Abbey car park, grid ref: TL533621
Stage 1
Starting at the Anglesey Abbey visitor centre, walk back through the car park to the far corner on the left. Here you will find a footpath running along the side of a field. Follow the footpath, passing through a narrow gate, and you will emerge near the Anglesey Abbey nursery garden. Bear left, following the path behind the tennis court and alongside allotments. Turn left to follow a narrow path that brings you to Lode Mill (pictured top).
Stage 2
Cross the little bridge by the side of the mill, turn left and follow the path alongside Quy Water towards Stow-cum-Quy.
Stage 3
When you reach the road, partially double-back on yourself to follow the sign towards Quy Fen. Cross the field diagonally to reach a gate in the far corner. Pass through the gate and follow the bridleway to the right. As the path bends round to the left, stop and admire the old oak, which is a mix of living and dead wood that provides a habitat for a whole range of invertebrate species.
Stage 4
As the dirt path becomes a gravel track, continue straight ahead. When the path forks, continue to the right until reaching Quy Fen.
Stage 5
Pass through the gate onto Quy Fen, following the path towards Lode keeping to the right. Here you will find a memorial stone in the middle of the field commemorating William Ison who was struck by lightning in this spot. Continue along the grass path until you reach a gate and little bridge and the end of Quy Fen.
Unfortunate William Ison was the highest point during a storm | © R Beaumont Stage 6
Cross the bridge and take the path straight ahead, following the waymarkers. You will cross fields to join a wide track known as Head Fen Drove.
Stage 7
Follow the drove straight ahead, ignoring additional paths off to the right then the left. You'll eventually reach a crossroads. Here take the far right path, stepping over the metal bar, to the side of the gate. Follow the path to the left, round the edge of the field. This path will bring you back to Lode Mill.
Stage 8
From the mill, retrace your steps along the path, past the allotments and alongside the field to reach the Anglesey Abbey car park and visitor centre.
End point
Anglesey Abbey car park, grid ref: TL533621
Trail map
Beyond Anglesey Abbey walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Cycle from Cambridge to Anglesey Abbey
A 7-mile bike route from Cambridge city centre to Anglesey Abbey along the River Cam and through the village of Stow-cum-Quy, on a route that links National Cycle Network routes 11 and 51.
Lode dog-walking trail from Anglesey Abbey
A 2-mile dog and family friendly walk exploring the countryside near Anglesey Abbey and nearby village of Lode.
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