Devil's Dyke: A Stunning Walk Through Cambridgeshire's Ancient Landscapes
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Devil's Dyke might not sound like the kind of place you would want to spend the day out, but it's one of the most beautiful walks in the county! Located just outside the small village of Reach in the Fenland area, the views from the up-to-10-metres ancient high Dyke are stunning across the vast swathes of flat fenland that this area is famous for.
With the good weather finally here, many families are starting to plan days out in the Cambridgeshire countryside. One of the most interesting walks in the area is Devil's Dyke, with its unique name and fascinating history. This is the perfect weekend stroll for the whole family, with plenty of fresh air, stunning views, and an opportunity to learn something new.
Devil's Dyke is an Anglo-Saxon defensive structure, and the route takes in pretty Swaffham with its two windmills and two churches. From Reach, the dyke crosses Burwell, which has given the name to Devil’s Dyke Firewood and Devil’s Dyke Farm, before running along the edge of the July Course at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk.
The dyke was built to control movement along the ancient Roman roads, including the Icknield Way that runs from Norfolk to Wiltshire. As you walk, you can discover more about the history of the Dyke, with information boards dotted along the route explaining the archaeological importance of the Dyke.
The start of this walk is the small car park on the south side of Reach beside Fair Green. The full walk of Devil's Dyke will take roughly 3 hours, and those wanting to make a day of it can stop off at The Dyke's End in Reach for a delicious Sunday Roast.
The Devil's Dyke route is a great way to explore the Cambridgeshire countryside, with its amazing views and interesting history. Make sure you take your camera along to capture the stunning scenery and take some time to learn about the ancient landscape.