Wicken Fen Adventurers' Trail
This 3-mile trail explores a varied landscape of reed beds, open water and wet grassland. Look out for dragonflies in summer and herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies.
Safety
Take care near waterways and ponds.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Wicken Fen National Trust visitor centre. Grid ref: TL563705
Step 1
Check in at the visitor centre if you are a member or need information. As you exit, Wicken Lode is on your right. Follow the path keeping the water to your right. You will pass some ash trees and Wicken's Poor Fen on your left. This is common land. Traditionally local villagers had the right to collect sedge and peat from here.
Step 2
Cross Monk's Lode at Norman's Bridge. Look out for plants like arrowhead and water lilies. Turn left after the bridge.
Step 3
Walk through the double set of gates onto the grassy bank overlooking Baker’s Fen. Please ensure they are closed behind you, as our grazing animals use this crossing point between different areas of the fen.
Step 4
Walk along this bank, known as Moore’s Drove, with views to your left over Baker’s Fen. This grassland is wet in winter and into spring, attracting waders, and is grazed by our herds of highland cattle and Konik ponies. Continue to the end of the path
Step 5
Turn right along the next path, and on your right is the site of Norman's Mill.
Step 6
Note the reed beds on your left and the many birds and insects inhabiting them. Turn right again to walk alongside Wicken Lode. There is a squeeze gap and path on the right leading to West Mere Hide, used to overlook the mere's west end and the island.
Step 7
Continue past the sign for West Mere Hide. Go down the path to visit West Mere Hide to see what wildfowl are out on the mere.
Step 8
Return to the Wicken Lode bank, turn right and follow along the lode. Cross back over Normans Bridge and return towards the Visitor Centre.
End point
Wicken Fen National Trust visitor centre. Grid ref: TL563705
Trail map
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
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.
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.
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
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
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.