Image shared for Ramsey to Wistow: Bury Brook, abbey and Shillow Hill
Countryside Point to point

Ramsey to Wistow: Bury Brook, abbey and Shillow Hill

Cambridgeshire

Distance
4.0 mi
Est. time
2h 20m
Difficulty
Medium
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A linear countryside walk from Ramsey to Wistow, following the main Fen Edge Trail route with a short street approach from Mews Close car park. Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse and St Thomas a Becket church mark the start of the trail before Abbey Rooms Lane leads between hedges to Bury Brook. Cross the metal-railed footbridge, follow the brook to the brick twin-arched bridge, then take the field paths around Bury Fen to Bury church. The route continues through the village recreation ground and Brookfield Way, returns to the brook and climbs Shillow Hill before descending to Wistow Bridge.

Allow about 2 hours 20 minutes on these grassy, sometimes muddy field and brookside paths. Wear boots, expect kissing gates and narrow footbridges, and keep clear of the brook edges. Village road crossings are unprotected, including Bury High Street: use the pavements and wait for a clear gap with good visibility. Keep dogs under close control around livestock, the golf course and roads.

Use the signed long-stay bays at Mews Close public car park, currently free for up to 23 hours. The 2-hour short-stay bays are unsuitable. This route finishes at Wistow Bridge rather than returning to the car park, so arrange onward transport before setting off.

Route source: Cambridgeshire Geological Society, Fen Edge Trail Ramsey to Wistow walk guide, www.fenedgetrail.org/ramsey-to-st-ives/ramsey-to-warboys.

Walk details

Walk type
Point to point
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.0 mi (6.5 km)
Est. time
2h 20m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.