Fenland Rides

From: Central Cambridge.

Distance: 19 miles.

Summary: Open country views, but wear something reflective!

Click here to fly over this route in Google Earth (find out more…)

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Given the flat land to the north of Cambridge, a leisurely visit to Ely is best done by bike. There are three obvious routes to Ely — this is the scenic route, along the back roads. The cycle through open countryside gives you fantastic views, but it’s strongly advisable to wear something reflective (and perhaps have your rear light switched on) so that drivers can see you some distance away on these long, straight roads. continue reading…

From: Central Cambridge.

Distance: 6 miles.

Summary: Pretty village, good lunchtime pubs.

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Cambridge is an extremely rural city, with open countryside all around. There are lots of pretty villages easily within reach of a leisurely lunchtime cycle ride, and in the “0-10 miles” category on the right, I will try to pick out some of the best examples. Today, a short ride to Grantchester. continue reading…

From: Ely city centre.

Distance: 12 miles.

Summary: Busy, windy roads but some good views.

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One stop north on the trainline from Ely is the large village of Littleport. The cycle ride up to there and back along beside the River Great Ouse is one of my staples — though it can get quite windy as you’re cycling across quite exposed land. continue reading…

The village of Pymoor (or “Pymore” as it is sometimes spelt) is located just to the northwest of Ely, very near the New Bedford River. At approximately 3 metres above sea level, Pymoor is on a clay ‘hill’, surrounded by peaty fenland.

The name Pymoor is said to mean “flies over marshland”, and this is depicted in the village sign, installed in 1980. The sign also shows the sails of a wind-pump, of the type formerly used to continually drain the Fens.

Further information about the village of Pymoor is contained in the excellent (but now sadly archived) village website, created by former resident Greg Chapman.