The best walks and hikes around Fen Drayton
4.6
(434)
3,466
hikers
22
hikes
Hikes around Fen Drayton are centered on the Fen Drayton Lakes, an RSPB nature reserve. The region's landscape consists of expansive wetlands, open water from former gravel pits, and riverside meadows along the Great Ouse. The terrain is predominantly flat, with a network of footpaths and bridleways connecting the various lakes and grasslands, making it suitable for walking trails near Fen Drayton Lakes.
Best hiking trails around Fen Drayton
- The most popular hiking route is Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve loop, a 4.7 mile (7.5 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This is one of the primary Fen Drayton circular walks within the reserve.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Swavesey Castle Hill – Swavesey village loop from Fen Drayton, a moderate 6.5 mile (10.4 km) path. The route passes the earthwork remains of Swavesey Castle.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the River Great Ouse – Free parking loop from Fen Drayton, a 11.8 mile (19.0 km) trail leading through riverside meadows, often completed in about 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Fen Drayton is defined by wetland paths, riverside meadows, and trails around open lakes. The network of routes offers options for different ability levels, from short loops to longer hikes.
- The routes in Fen Drayton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 280 hikers have used komoot to explore Fen Drayton's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.7
(11)
31
hikers
7.52km
01:31
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
5.47km
01:23
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(7)
92
hikers
5.05km
01:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
13
hikers
10.5km
02:39
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
An idyllic landscape between ponds and small lakes. A place to rest and enjoy.
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This is great cycle path. Next time I would start from St Ives and head to Cambridge.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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Lovely spot by the lake. Seating on picnic benches and an information area.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Fen Drayton?
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular walks, especially within the RSPB nature reserve. The trails are generally flat and loop around the various lakes. For a moderate route that includes some local history, the Swavesey Castle Hill – Swavesey village loop from Fen Drayton is an excellent choice, passing the earthwork remains of Swavesey Castle.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are welcome in the wider countryside footpaths around Fen Drayton. However, within the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes reserve, dogs are permitted only on public rights of way and must be kept on a lead at all times to protect the sensitive wildlife and ground-nesting birds.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Fen Drayton Lakes?
The lakes are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can expect to see a wide variety of birds year-round, including swans, geese, and ducks. The winter months bring large flocks of lapwings and black-tailed godwits. Keep an eye out for otters in the water and dragonflies during the warmer seasons.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the area?
The terrain around Fen Drayton is predominantly flat, making most trails accessible for families. The RSPB reserve offers several shorter, well-marked paths perfect for little legs, such as the 1-mile Holywell Short Trail. For a slightly longer but still easy outing, the Hiking loop from Fen Drayton is a great option at just over 3 miles (5 km).
Where can I park for walks at Fen Drayton Lakes?
There is a dedicated car park for the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes reserve, located off Fen Drayton Road. It serves as the main starting point for the trails within the reserve. For longer walks that might extend beyond the reserve, some routes like the River Great Ouse – Free parking loop from Fen Drayton are planned from areas with free parking.
How many hiking trails are there around Fen Drayton?
You can explore over 20 different hiking routes around Fen Drayton. The selection ranges from short, easy loops within the nature reserve to more moderate, longer treks along the River Great Ouse and through the surrounding countryside.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Fen Drayton?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the wetlands, the excellent opportunities for birdwatching, and the well-maintained, flat paths that make for relaxing walks. The variety of scenery, from open water to riverside meadows, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are the trails difficult? What is the terrain like?
The vast majority of trails are rated as easy, with a few moderate options available. The terrain is characteristically flat, typical of the Fens, with paths running alongside lakes and rivers. There are no difficult or strenuous mountain climbs, making it an ideal destination for walkers of all fitness levels.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, the Cambridge Guided Busway runs adjacent to the nature reserve with a stop at Fen Drayton Lakes. This provides a convenient and scenic way to access the trails directly from Cambridge, St Ives, and other nearby villages without a car.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the walking trails?
While there are no cafes directly within the RSPB reserve, the nearby villages of Fen Drayton and Swavesey have traditional pubs. After your walk, you can take a short drive to find a place for refreshments. The historic town of St Ives is also close by and offers a wider selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
What is the best time of year to hike in Fen Drayton?
Fen Drayton offers a unique experience in every season. Spring and summer are wonderful for seeing dragonflies, damselflies, and wildflowers. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the landscape, while winter is the prime season for birdwatching, with large flocks of migratory birds visiting the lakes.
Most popular attractions around Fen Drayton
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