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This
walk takes you along the Great River Ouse to explore the beautiful
and historic city of Ely.
| Start
and return point |
The
Cutter Inn, Ely |
| Distance |
3
1/4 miles |
| OS
Explorer map ref. |
226/GR
545797 |
Directions
to start:
Follow the A142 to Ely and the roundabout with Station Road.
Almost immediately after turning off northwards onto Station Road,
turn right and follow Annesdale to the Cutter Inn. If you are driving,
park in the pub car park, or nearby.
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About
the Cutter Inn
The
pub's name is derived from the river diversion (or 'cut')
that brought the Great Ouse nearer to Ely. It offers real
ales and serves food throughout the week. Telephone: (01353)
662713.
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Off
we go!
1. From the pub turn left and follow the riverside towpath along
the Fen Rivers Way. Keep to the riverside as closely as possible,
for about 1 1/2 miles, following Fen Rivers Way waymark arrows.
2.
Pass through the wooden gate, bear left and follow the narrow, metalled
footpath, yellow waymark arrow and the Black Fen Waterway Trail
small black waymark arrow. The footpath passes by some industrial
buildings and continues to Kiln Lane.
3.
At Kiln Lane, turn left and follow the road over the railway level-crossing.
Immediately on the other side of the level-crossing turn left, following
the public footpath sign pointing to the Hereward Way and a narrow
metalled footpath (Springhead Lane). Springhead Lane is metalled
as far as the tress (roughly 50 yards), after which time it becomes
a dirt track leading through the trees.
4.
At the end of Springhead Lane (roughly 1/3 mile), pass through a
wooden gate, following a yellow waymark arrow to continue the final
10 yards or so to the main road (Lisle Lane). Turn left and follow
Lisle Lane until it terminates at the T-junction with Waterside
and Fore Hill. Turn right at the T-junction and follow Fore Hill
up the hill, straight on past the junction with Broad Street, and
on to the High Street.
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|
Stroll
past Ely Cathedral
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5.
Follow the High Street to the slightly staggered crossroads with St
Mary's street and The Gallery. At this point the walk can be interrupted
in order to visit Ely Cathedral (The Gallery) or any of the three
pubs that cluster around the crossroads.
6.
To resume the walk, set off from the crossroads along St Mary's
Street; eventually leading past Oliver Cromwell's house and on to
Silver Street. Turn left at Silver Street and continue to the junction
with The Gallery. Turn right onto The Gallery, but not immediately
right onto the small road that connects with Barton Road.
7.
Continue along The Gallery as it becomes Back Hill, then follow
Back Hill for about 300 yards down to Castlehyth. Turn left and
follow Castlehythe to Annesdale (roughly 50 yards), then turn left
and follow Annesdale back to the Cutter Inn.
8. Hoorah! You're back at the pub. Have a beer and a bag
of peanuts - you deserve it.
This
walk features as Walk 9 in the Pub Strolls in Cambridgeshire book
by Ady Collier. Photographs and information reproduced with kind
permission of Countryside Books.
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