Pathways > The Pathways book > Wetland tracks
Wetland tracks
From Mesolithic times people have tended to colonise the wetland areas, counter-intuitive though that may seem now. The risk of flooding must have been as present as it is now, but that did not deter folk from setting up home, or at least a seasonal camp, by the water's edge.
The Fenlands of East Anglia are the archetypal wetland habitat, inhabitated for centuries by humans and by all manner of fowl, fish and beast. The abundance of footstuffs was, of course, the main attraction. The well-known prehistoric walkway at Flag Fen, superbly preserved in the moist soil, shows just how long people have been crossing the wetlands on artificial causeways.
Later causeways became major trading and communications routes, leading to monastic centres such as Ely. Monks through the ages have been drawn to the remoteness of the wetlands.
The Aldreth causeway walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum on Wetland tracks, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other walks visiting wetland sites:
Cambridgeshire
Fenland is not noted for its fine walks, but here's one that shows the reputation is not fully justified. It includes a wetland site, tree-lined byways, and paths running beside drainage dykes, as well as a stretch beside the New Bedford River.... More info
This straightforward walk combines several common features of the fens. There are two lengthy sections along embankments, there are wetlands to the side and extensive views across the jet black arable farmland. Oh, also deep navigable drains and... More info
Dumfries and Galloway
This is a most pleasing short walk which features a fine community garden and wetland with bird hide, both with all-ability access, then a path through a woodland glen above a burn, followed by hedged farm track and descent by minor road with... More info
Several variations of the Barstobrick Farm Trail await you and the walk here described is less than three miles long, but includes a short, sharp diversion up to the summit of Barstobrick Hill to reach the Neilson Monument. Also available is the... More info
An easy walk around the RSPB Mersehead Reserve, delightful at any season. The route includes wetland, woodland, grassland and a stretch of sandy beach along the Solway. At different seasons you will see flocks of geese, ducks, swans and waders,... More info
Durham
An ideal place for a walk when you've got short legs - but equally enjoyable for the adults too! The walk takes you through the young plantation trees of the Hundred Acre Plantation and round the three ponds by the wetlands. There are ducks here, to... More info
An interesting walk bordering the wetland nature reserves and extensive fishing lakes along the River Wear between Witton le Wear and Bishop Auckland, including a visit to a well-preserved Saxon church. The return section of the walk north of the... More info
East Sussex
An ancient high street, a historical battle site, a riverside and wetland walk, dense woodland and high chalk downs: all for the price of one.... More info
Gloucestershire
The Slimbridge Wetlands Nature Reserve lies between the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and the River Severn upstream from Purton. The walk follows the Severn Way along the edge of the reserve via the canal towpath as far as Shepherd's Patch, close to... More info
Isle of Wight
A scenic coastal and downland circular walk, returning via marsh and wetland, there are lots of varied interest within this trek, even a windmill.... More info
Lancashire
The walk is based upon the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's reserve at Martin Mere. This has been doubled in size in the past few years and a very attractive concessionary path has been made around the reserve. I decided to revise my original route here... More info
Leicestershire
A short, flat, but fascinating and dog-friendly walk around a beautifully reclaimed Country Park, with lakes, a canal and a huge variety of wildlife. The park has an open bird hide and areas of wetland being restored to reedbeds to improve the... More info
Lincolnshire
There is birdlife aplenty in this flat wetlands walk, in and around Barton-upon-Humber's new country park.... More info
Explore Alkborough Flats, 450 hectares of newly created wetlands. History and birdlife abound.... More info
London
You can reach this walk easily from anywhere in London. Much of the route is alongside the River Thames and the course of the Boat Race. There is wildlife in The Wetlands Centre, charming shops and refreshments and history in Putney and Fulham Palace... More info
Monmouthshire
This easy walk can take as long as you want. Starting from the Gwent Wetlands Car Park the walk explores the area bordering the River Usk Estuary. This area is rich in seabird life and is well worth a visit.... More info
Oxfordshire
This wonderful walk is full of variations, steeped in history, and with a rich diversity of nature. The vast natural area of wetland and scrub meadows is a site of Special Scientific Interest. Part of the route is on Roman Road, lengthy and straight,... More info
A superb walk from the pretty village of Enstone taking country lanes, tracks and bridleways to the beautiful Ditchley Estate and onto charming Cleveley. The return route takes a super track above a picturesque valley, then meadow paths and a... More info
Pembrokeshire
This walk is a nature walk; the route passes through gorse-covered hillsides, rich in birdlife, before returning through the wetlands habitat of a nature reserve. There are many birds to be seen in the reserve, as well as on the sea.... More info
Somerset
An incredibly varied, compact, seven-mile walk; you will experience hills, woodland, a coastal path and intriguing views of the M5 Motorway both above and below. There are many chances to spot wildlife, although not guaranteed. All in all it's a... More info
Suffolk
This mixed terrain walk, starting at the delightful seaside town of Southwold and heading north across farmland, can be quite challenging as the return from Cove Hithe is along the beach. Bear this in mind and enjoy a very varied walk through woods,... More info