Paddleboarding-Reach to Wicken Fen

Paddleboarding-Reach to Wicken Fen

Navigate two unique Cambridgeshire Lodes to reach the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous Fen.

A full route description can be found in our book Paddleboarding South East

Access restrictions Licence required, included in Paddle UK membership (or Environmental Agency Licence required)

Starting Point Head of navigation on Reach Lode, The Hythe, Reach. Grid ref. TL 565 664; What3Words jogged.qualifier.jacket.

Parking Roadside, The Hythe, Reach, CB25 0JQ. Grid ref. TL 565 662; What3Words revision.torches.stiffly.

Launching Short walk from parking on The Hythe to river bank adjacent to pumping station.

Pitstops great beer and food in friendly local pub, The Dyke’s End, tel. 01638 743816; National Trust café, Wicken Fen, tel. 01353 720274; riverside garden, Five Miles From Anywhere No Hurry Inn, Upware, tel. 01353 721654.

Getting there Leave A14 Cambridge to Newmarket at J35; B1102 to Swaffham Prior; left onto minor road following sign to Upware. Continue through Reach village and at far end, where road rounds a tight left bend, continue ahead onto The Hythe.

Special points

Do not land on the pontoon on the left had fork as this is private and do not paddle up the left fork as there is no access for paddlers.

Check local wind conditions at Reach as this paddle can be exposed to wind. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u121rkr90?nearestTo=Reach%20(Cambridgeshire)#?date=2024-10-08

Reach to Wicken Fen Paddleboard route map