Cambridgeshire Geological Society – Fen Edge Trail guided walks

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Join us for guided landscape heritage walks on the Fen Edge Trail to discover the link between geology and local culture. All trips require booking and we usually make a small charge, payable in advance (if not free of charge).
Places are limited on each trip. Everyone is welcome. Children (under 18) are welcome on all trips (free of charge if booked in advance) but must be accompanied by an adult. None of the walking is strenuous. Unfortunately, most walks are not wheelchair accessible – please check with us. Payment, meeting and other details will be given after reserving your place. More walks may be added so keep an eye on the website for updates. Walk Guides can be downloaded (free) from the website www.fenedgetrail.org/overview/walks. These give a preview of what you will see on the walks. They can also be used for self-guided walks at any time.

  • Sunday 14th May 2.30pm: Old & New Bedford Rivers, Earith
  • Saturday 17th June 10.30 am: Cambridge Castle Hill to the Sedgwick Museum
  • Sunday 2nd July 10am to c.12.30pm: the ‘island’ of Thorney

Sunday 14th May 2.30pm: Old & New Bedford Rivers, Earith

Led by Peter Daldorph (The Word Garden) & Chris Donnelly (CGS)
Approx. 1.5 hours to 4pm with optional longer walk for those who wish. On this walk at the southern end of the Ouse Washes near Earith, you will see the two great ‘drains’ created by the Company of Adventurers in the 17th century: the Old Bedford River and the 100 Foot River (also called the New Bedford), and also learn of the extraordinary history of these times, during the ‘Common Wealth’ and the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Info: www.fenedgetrail.org/overview/the-word-garden. £3 per person, children free. Needs booking in advance.

Saturday 17th June 10.30 am: Cambridge Castle Hill to the Sedgwick Museum

Led by Martin Evans (CGS)
Approx. 2.5 hours to 1 pm. For Celebrate the Fens Day, this walk starts on the distinctive landscape feature of Castle Hill (a Chalk hill) and finishes at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. It gives a geological perspective to the city: the river’s gravel terraces, the chalk stream-fed river and the ‘fen’ meadows of alluvium and peat. Guiding you through what is now a mostly hidden landscape, the walk takes you back in time, giving a glimpse into the city’s past and the natural history of the area, from ‘Ice Ages’ to sub-tropical swamps and fenland rivers. You will discover how its natural character still filters through, seen in the riverside meadows, the numerous water channels, the subtle changes
in the height of the land and even in the building stones used in many of its famous buildings. The walk will also draw attention to buildings and places of historical and social interest. Info: www.fenedgetrail.org/st-ives-to-cambridge/waterbeach-to-cambridge. Free as part of Celebrate the Fens Day but needs booking in advance.

Sunday 2nd July 10am to c.12.30pm: the ‘island’ of Thorney

Led by Dot Halfhide (Thorney Museum) & Penny Coggill (CGS Chair)
Well-known for its ancient Abbey, Thorney is also a good example of fenland’s interesting geological history. This will be a guided Landscape Heritage walk on the Fen Edge Trail on the ‘island’ of Thorney. The walk will cover cultural history, fenland landscape and geology. Easy walking c.2 miles slow walk, some on pavement, most on grassy tracks. More info: www.fenedgetrail.org/thorney. On street parking available in Thorney. £3 per person, children free. Needs booking in advance.