This is part of a RSPB reserve and we have been here before
but took a different route. It
also links up to the Swavesey Lakes walk.
This time we arrived early on a spring misty morning. Actually once there is was more like
fog and for most of the walk we couldn’t see much at all but keep your eyes
peeled as it is full of wildlife.
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| Swan on Drayton Lagoon |
It is about a 2 mile drive down to the reserve car park from
the road but it is open 24-7 and parking is free. The lakes are popular with bird watchers, dog walkers and
fishermen.
Once at the car park go through the gate at the end and take
a left, walk along the meadow, past a small lake on your left and through the
gate in front of you. This brings
you out the large Drayton Lagoon in front and a sign post. For this walk we went left on the walk
that circles Elney Lake but there are lots of variations and maps are available
to download on the website.
Follow the track alongside Drayton Lagoon on your right and
a small waterway on your left until you reach the guided bus-way. Cross the bus-way (buses have right of
way and can travel fast so cross carefully) and carry straight on. Elney Lake is now on your right and the
first viewing area. Keep ahead
until you come to a public footpath on the right. Go through the gate and follow this long straight track past
some more viewing areas. The track
takes a left turn then a right around the top of the lake. Half way down here you now have Moore
Lake on your left and Elney on the right although you do loose sight of Elney
for a bit. There is a viewing
shelter on your left giving great views over Moore Lake so do pause here before
carrying on until you reach the guided bus-way again.
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| Cormorant on Moore Lake |
You can take a right here along the track but we carried on
over and with Drayton Lagoon now on our right we kept going until we reached
the River Great Ouse and turned right.
Follow this lovely river along, over a small bridge (again you have the
option here of going right along a small waterway back to the car if
wanted). Carry on along the
river until you see the Ferry Boat Inn on the other bank. The track bears right here. Continue straight on until you are back
at the car park.
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| Fen Drayton Lakes Reserve |
Our route was 3.6 miles
See the route on mapometer.com
Terrain: Flat, mostly grass tracks, latch gates. Note: this area can be muddy and flood
in very wet weather.
Habitats: River, lakes, grassland
Facilities: No toilets or refreshments. Nearest at Cambridge Services on A14.
