walking countryside fenland uk

A narrowboat holiday means travelling at a relaxed pace, because nothing ever happens on the canals in a hurry. So even when your holiday boat is moored up, and you’re exploring villages and towns on foot, you’ll want to be taking it easy. Our narrowboat hire base is in the heart of the Fenlands, known for its flat landscape, so it’s one of the best places in the country to walk or cycle. Free walking and cycling maps can now be downloaded from the Fenland District Council website, and printed versions can be collected from various local community outlets. These include some good tips of local places to visit. The maps that cover the areas near our local waterways are the March map and the Whittlesey map.

Fox Narrowboats is in a great position, in the market town of March, on the Middle Level Waterways, not far from the idyllic riverside villages of Upwell and Outwell. On a boating holiday beginning at our marina you can easily explore March, and then cruise on to Whittlesey.

Each walking map offers a mini guide to the town. For example the March map mentions the disused buildings of March railway station, St Wendreda’s church, the local museum, and Fox Narrowboats; we are described as, “A modern marina situated in the heart of The Middle Level Navigation System on the outskirts of the town, strategically centred between Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge.” Grab a copy of this walking map from the council offices, the library or several other local outlets. The maps were funded by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Integrated Transport Block funding and created with input from local stakeholders and community groups, including March Vintage Cycle Club. The Whittlesey Walking and Cycling Map can also be download, or picked up at some local outlets in Whittlesey.

cycling route fenland countryside

Whittlesey is a historic market town on the very western edge of the Fens, near Peterborough. The town has a labyrinth of streets with a mix of architecture spanning several centuries. In the centre of the Market Place is the Buttercross, dating back to 1680; which was originally a place for people to sell butter and dairy goods. There is still a market in Whittlesey on Fridays.

To get to Whittlesey by boat turn right from our marina along the Old River Nene passing Floods Ferry and crossing the Greenwich Meridian. At Floods Ferry Junction the Old Nene forks left so take the right turn down Whittlesey Dyke. A navigation guide book is supplied with your boat, so you can easily find your way to Whittlesey, and the journey is part of Fox route 3. March to Ferry Meadows Country Park in Peterborough is a 12 hour return trip, and is ideal for a short break.

There are visitor moorings next to the leisure centre in Whittlesey, above Ashline lock. If you walk to the centre you could check out the restaurants and takeaways or top up with supplies from the various shops.

Continuing on Fox route 3 to Peterborough, the cathedral can be seen across the flat fields. If you then moor at Ferry Meadows Country Park you can walk to the city centre, for shopping, markets, the theatre and restaurants. However, you can also enjoy quieter, riverside walks, or make the most of the park for cycling. After exploring on foot or by bike, you may like to take a break at the café in the park.

So if you’re looking for a walking route to explore while on a Fox Narrowboats holiday just Download or pick up a free walking and cycling map!  Remember, walking can boost your mental health, so book yourself a narrowboat holiday, and be kind to yourself today!

You may also like: Five Things You’ll Love About the Middle Levels

Interested in narrowboating? For surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out on the Fenland Waterways, enter your email address in the box in the right side-bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in box.

Photo credit: Deposit

The post Exploring the Fens on Foot With Minimal Effort appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.