My very first blog post was about a wet walk at Wicken Fen. As I approach my blog’s first birthday, it seems only fitting to return to Wicken.
Over the years, we’ve progressed from pushing buggies along the boardwalks, to running around the more wild parts of the Fen – spotting butterflies, dragonflies and birds along the way.
On a sunny day in September it’s stunning – lush, green and brimming with wildlife. Huge, plump sloes and blackberries are in abundance. This Autumn we’ve tried two new ways to explore this familiar landscape – by boat and by bike.
By Boat
What better way is there to explore the Fenland landscape than by boat? Between Easter and October you can take a trip down the waterways on the Mayflower. It’s £16 for a family ticket, and the trip lasts for about 50 minutes.
Our guide was brilliant and I learnt a few new things about eels and the like. Some of the passengers even spotted a Kingfisher but I was too busy stopping Tom from wiggling overboard to notice. It was an electric boat, so the motor was incredibly quiet – perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings. As family, we’re all a bit fascinated by boats at the moment, so this trip was well timed.
By Bike
The following week, James and I returned to the Fen while the boys were at school. This time we wanted to explore it by bike. I’ve cycled to Wicken from Ely with James before, but I haven’t been on the cycle paths around the Fen.
It was another stunning September day. We whizzed around the cycle paths for an hour or so, stopping half way to eat our picnic. Excitingly, we finally tracked down the wild Konik ponies.
Tom was thrilled to see a photo when we got home. Now we know where they like to hang out, we’ll be taking him to see them soon.
As it was a weekday, it was blissfully quiet. Living in the Fens can sometimes feel a bit flat and boring, but on a bright day it comes into its own. Plus, no hills, means easier cycling!
You can cycle to nearby Anglesey Abbey, or just explore the paths round the Fen. If you don’t have a bike of your own with you, then you can hire one at the visitor centre. Wicken Fen is about 9 miles from Ely. If you like to cycle you could catch a train to Ely with your bike and ride there.
We’ll be back there soon!
How lovely this post is. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. It looks and sounds like such a beautiful place.
Gemma xx
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Lovely post, wicken fen is somewhere i would really like to visit but we just haven’t made it there yet! Looks like there is lots to explore! X #countrykids
It’s a lovely day out Caroline – particularly lovely at the moment, but it’s also really stunning in winter x
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. You picked an amazing day for it. We did at walk at the weekend that we did the same time last year, and like you, you really notice the differences don’t you. I remember having to carry my eldest half the way back but this year, he made it with no complaints and even ran some of the way. I think it’s nice to have an annual retracing of your steps x
It’s great, isn’t it – when I look back at last year’s photos I can’t believe how much smaller they look…and how much curlier and blonder my son’s hair is! x
Oh we love Wicken Fen – haven’t been for ages though. Never seen ponies, going to have to look out for them!
The ponies are very elusive – I’ve never ever seen them from the within the reserve!
What a fab place to have so close to home that is perfect for each and everyone of you, and with so many different ways to explore too. The boys look like they’re having a great time on the boat tour, it’s great that it’s educational too keeping the kids engaged with sightseeing and a unique experience. I bet the kids can’t wait to get out on their bikes around Wicken Fen too, I look forward to reading about it. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Thanks Fiona – my son has really enjoyed getting back on his bike this week and I’m looking forward to taking him there. We just need to persuade my youngest son to learn to ride a bike now!