Starting at the Village Hall of Reach, next to St Etheldra's Church, our Circular Walk takes us south, from The Fairgreen, across Devil's Dyke and on to the site of 12th C Castle in Burwell . The 15th C St Mary's Church next door, evidences ancient Roman and Saxon structures. The Flaming Heart Monument in the churchyard commemorates 78 lives lost in the 1727 Barn Fire. Next stop will be The Windmill and Museum in the High Town before heading down the Causeway to The Hythe, where international boats traded their wares on the wharves. Here, the Weirs link the area to Anchor Bridge which takes us on to Burwell Lode, believed to have been dug by the Romans for the fen drainage. The confluence of Burwell Lode and Reach Lode feeds the Cam River near Upwell. We will return to our cars via Reach Lode and Chapel Lane. The fen is rich in wildlife including deer and birds.
This leisurely walk takes in many places of historic interest. The paths are mainly level and well drained. It is possible that one short path near Burwell Castle may be muddy after heavy rain. There is ample free parking around The Fairgreen in Reach. Public conveniences occur en route in pubs, library, Recreational Centre and some churches.