Image shared for Fen Drayton Lakes Ferry Lagoon Trail
Canal / Riverside Circular

Fen Drayton Lakes Ferry Lagoon Trail

Cambridgeshire

Distance
2.1 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A short, level wildlife circuit around Ferry Lagoon at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. Allow about two hours for a gentle visit, including time to watch wildlife at the viewing shelters. The RSPB recommends a couple of hours for the Ferry Lagoon Trail.

Start beside the welcome area in the main reserve car park on Holywell Ferry Road. Leave along the parking access and turn left to head north on the track. Follow the Ferry Lagoon Trail signs east onto the raised path beside the Great Ouse. Continue around the northern shore, passing the viewing shelter and the entrance to the separate seasonal Ferry Mere viewpoint. Stay on the main trail as it bends south along the eastern side of the lagoon. At the southern corner turn right onto the track running along the north side of the guided busway, then turn right at Holywell Ferry Road. Use the lake-edge path beside the track to return to the welcome area and car park.

The route combines gravel, concrete and grassy paths, with gates, uneven ground and gentle slopes. Grass sections can be very wet and muddy in winter. The lakes and river have unguarded edges; postpone the walk if paths are flooded and follow reserve notices. Some track sections are shared with vehicles, horses or cyclists. The main circuit stays north of the guided busway.

Bring binoculars for the open-water birds and the reedbed margins, and food and drinks if you want a picnic. There is a covered welcome shelter, seating, picnic tables and an accessible portaloo in the car park, but no cafe or staffed visitor centre. The car park is open from dawn to dusk and currently costs £2 for non-members, payable by app or phone using location 808281. RSPB members and Blue Badge holders park free. Dogs are welcome on the main circuit under close control; the separate seasonal Ferry Mere viewpoint does not allow dogs except assistance dogs.

Route and visitor information checked against the RSPB Ferry Lagoon Trail map, facilities page and accessibility guide. The separate seasonal viewpoint spur is not included.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
2.1 mi (3.4 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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