Circuit from Fordham, including the River Wissey

Shortly after the bridge the track turns to the right, but you turn left, across typical black fen soils and with the Cut-Off Channel beyond a ditch to your left. We've disturbed many game birds from this ditch, and the first time we walked this way there was a large bog oak, presumably dug up from the fen by an agricultural vehicle. As you approach the A10 the path bends round to the right and climbs to join the road.

Turn right and follow the A10 for a short distance then turn right onto the northern bank of the River Wissey. (You can extend the walk at this point by following a 5.5 mile loop along the Cut-Off Channel and back along the River Wissey to Hilgay - to reach the start of the Hilgay loop cross straight over the A10 instead of turning right at the Cut-Off Channel; to return to the current walk, come out of Hilgay, cross the A10 and walk a very short distance along the road until you reach the river again.) There are boats moored here - and sometimes more fishermen - but you soon have the river bank to yourself. There are views across the fen to your right, including to the old Pumping Station (formerly steam powered) at Fordham.

After a mile and a half or so you'll see a gate at the bottom of the bank to your right - scramble down the bank and go through the gate (which at the time of writing doesn't actually shut). (If you are following the longer route to return to Denver Sluice stay on the river at this point.) To return to Fordham, follow the track straight ahead past Harold Covert on the left (with pretty flowers in the spring) and more black fen soil on the right. You pass Fordham Pumping Station, a modern bungalow and some farm buildings, then you're back alongside the Cut-Off Channel. Cross the bridge over the Cut-Off Channel to return to the car park.