Cambridge Waterways
The Fens and navigable rivers of this region provide a superb cruising area which is both uncommercial and uncrowded.
It is a low-lying and largely rural landscape with an abundance of wildlife and for the less energetic it has few locks and plenty of good waterside pubs!
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Places
to go.
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March - Market Town |
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Ely
- A historic City
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Cambridge
- City of colleges
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History
Originally
a small island community, developed as a Tudor Port and later as a railway
town in the 19th century. The River Nene flows through the town centre
and it's river banks are edged with pretty cottages and buildings, along
with open fields and parks. March Museum located in the High Street has
some fascinating displays showing life in the late 19th & early 20th
century, including a reconstructed Fenland cottage. St. Wendreada's Church
famous for its spectacular double hammerbeam roof, featuring 120 carved
angles is situated on the south side of the town.
Wildlife
Like
any river the banks of the Nene are brimming with wildlife right in front
of your eyes, but there is the opportunity for those lovers to visit Norwood
Road Nature Reserve with its 6.5 acres based on abandoned gravel pit is
of mixed wildlife habits.
Gault Wood situated south-west of March has a similar acreage with pond and 10,000 newly planted trees.
2 miles out of town Dunhams Wood offers a unique 4 acre woodland oasis. Guided walks on specific dates gives an insight into the flora and fauna of the Fen countyside and another opportunity to relax and unwind. Within the grounds there is a miniature railway and unusual sculptures.
Fishing
The network of waterways in the Fens have a high reputation for the
quality of their course fishing. Free fishing is permitted in the town,
east of the town centre bridge, otherwise one day licenses are available
to fish on the rivers and there is an angling shop in town.
Driving
Either
at the start or finish of your holiday a trip out to The Wildfowl &
Wetlands Trust at Welney is a must. One of the most famous wetland nature
reserves in Britain and regularly featured on television offers year round
bird watching. Covering an area of 1000 acres and a heated observatory,
makes it the ideal location to watch the 5,000 swans who roost on the
reserve.
Walking
Pathways
run alongside the river bank 200 yards from the marina leading right through
the town. The relaxing 2 mile walk offers the opportunity to enjoy looking
at dwellers individual riverside gardens on the opposite bank, with open
fields behind you. Coming nearer into the town you will pass on the edge
of the local park and eventually come up back into civilization in the
middle of town amongst the shops.
Cycling
An
interesting ride out at Stonea situated ... miles out of March. Covering
13 miles this circulate route includes the iron age settlement of Stonea
Camp, the lowest 'hill fort' in Britain. Cycling along side the impressive
Sixteen Foot Drain and disused railway line which is now a bridle way,
you will be able to avoid the main road.
Exploring the Fens to the south west of March to Wimblington and Doddington, another circular route of 14.5 miles, takes in the impressive St. Wendreda's Church with its breathtaking roof of flying angels.
Markets
Wednesdays
and Saturdays you will find the market set up right in the centre of the
town below the clock tower, mainly offering local produce.
Eating
Like
most towns there are plenty of places to chose if you wish to eat out,
with many local pubs, a hotel and a selection of restaurants, Chinese
and curry houses. The town also has a number of take-aways.
Shopping
A
supermarket is situated half a mile from the marina, for you to purchased
your food at the start of your trip. The town centre is approximately
2 miles away offering a varied selection of shops to cater for all your
needs.
ELY - A historic city
The city's crowning glory is the cathedral whose famous lantern tower can be seen for miles around. Well known for its antique centres, ancient narrow streets, timbered houses and medieval gateways. The attractive waterfront is a focal point for walkers, cyclists and boating. Ely Cathedral seen from miles around on a clear day and by night with its floodlit Octagon. The cathedral is also renowned for its other 14th century addition, the Lady Chapel with its delicate carved stonework.
History
The
main development of the city originates from the late 11th century when
construction of the cathedral commenced. Ely was the stronghold of Hereward
the Wake, who used the largest island site in the fens to stage the final
Anglo Saxon resistance to the Norman invasion.
Wildlife
Three
miles north of Ely, Chettisham Meadows boasts a 40 acre site of historic
meadows with one field managed as a nature reserve.
Fishing
For
both the keen seasoned angler and novice alike, the tradition of taking
fish from the waters of the Fens lives on. Excellent fishery dominated
by roach and bream, the best catches have tended to be around Ely and
Free fishing is permitted on the Ely Ouse River in the town centre.
Walking
Ideal
for either a peaceful walk along the river banks stretching over 5 miles
or alternatively walking up hill into the city of Ely itself.
Eating
If
you simply want to just step of your boat, there are a couple of choices
right on the main water front. From a public house with visiting walkers,
cyclists, boaters and locals to a restaurant in a convert brewery which
was given to the city and has now been restored.
Shopping
Antiques,
antiques and more antiques, with the largest collection in East Anglia
found on the waterside front. Stocking up for provisions is less than
half a mile away and proves to be a regular shopping point for holiday
makers.
The home of students, bikes and colleges. Cambridge is renowned worldwide as a beautiful university city with superb examples of architecture. You may by now really have got the bug for boating and wish to go Punting for an hour or so and take a trip along the Backs. Punts are available for hire along the riverside and quayside.
History
The
University of Cambridge, with its magnificent College Buildings, some
dating back to the 13th Century, is a fascinating place to explore and
will provide endless enjoyment for your visit.
Walking
Walkers
will often find their paths will take them alongside the banks of the
rivers ?
A 17 mile walk for the enthusiast between Cambridge and Ely along the River Cam takes you through the history of the Fens.
Cycling
Unwind
on a break in Cambridgshire's cycling haven. The counrtyside around Cambridge
has a particular charm, with picturesque villages with ancient churches
and busy market towns.
Shopping
Endless
craft workshops, antique centres, jewellers, art galleries and of course
the complete choice of just about every national shop in the UK. Making
your shopping days in Cambridge a most memorable experience.