Elylit three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Nice walk - did it from Littleport to Ely in springtime showers and it got a little muddy in places but not too bad. Wasn't completely clear if you could walk along the edge of the river immediately south of Victoria Street in Littleport but there's an easy diversion down another footpath a little further along which quickly reconnects you to the river. A number of stiles to climb over but good to be off road for most of it - though there aren't many places to shelter from the rain on the river section if it's a wet day, and no facilities outside of the towns it connects.

This is a lovely route, and by far the best of the three options between Ely and Littleport.

The greatest hazard on the route are two footpath crossings of railway lines (ie without automated level crossing barriers). There are also several stiles and the likelihood of cow grazing in the long narrow fields alongside the river on the second half of the walk (heading north).

The first half of the route between Ely and river takes in some areas of housing and then skirts through Ely Country Park and areas of common land, rich in vegetation and wildlife. The second half, along the flood bank of the River Ouse, is in open country with fields either side. It's liable to be very breezy in windy weather, and is exposed to sun and rain.

There are facilities and amenities in Ely and Littleport, but little en route.

I walked this route from Ely to Littleport and enjoyed it quite a bit.

From the starting point, the route heads by the cathedral yard and down the High Street. Cut through the market square and walk down a series of quiet streets and passages to get to the lovely Ely Common. There's a short steep bit, where a passage abruptly ends at the top of an embankment maybe a metre and a half higher than the pavement along the road below (image 3).

A short stretch of footpaths amid the various rail lines in the area gets you to the walk along the River Ouse. From there, it's a straightforward walk all the way to Littleport. Along the way, you might encounter grazing cattle. There are one or two moments along the way, too, where the path looks like it goes through front yards (photos 13 and 14)! This is correct, but it feels quite funny. There are a number of stiles and gates, as well as two footpath rail crossings and one at-grade intersection along Ely Road.

This route is safe, almost entirely off road, the most direct of the three available options, fully navigable and easy to follow, and accurately plotted. It was enjoyable, stunningly gorgeous, and interesting! Ely is a lovely place to start or end, with great transport connections at both ends. Full marks!.

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