Fen Rivers Way from Denver Sluice to King's Lynn

The Fen Rivers Way runs for nearly 50 miles between the historic settlements of King’s Lynn and Cambridge. The distance between King’s Lynn and Denver Sluice is 14 miles, tracing the course of rivers that drain slowly across the Fens into the Wash. The distinctive fenland landscape has been heavily influenced by man, its fertile agricultural land dissected by dykes, rivers and embankments, constructed over centuries in the struggle to reclaim the land. The area is dominated by dramatic open landscapes and vast skies.

Man has heavily influenced the distinctive fenland landscape. Dykes, rivers and embankments, constructed over centuries in the struggle to reclaim the land, dissect its fertile agricultural land. The area is dominated by dramatic open landscapes and vast skies, giving the Fens their unique character.

At Denver Sluice lies the focus of the flood defence system that protects the low-lying Fens. Since Roman times man has battled to keep water at bay but it was not until the 17th Century that systematic drainage commenced. Dutch engineers, notably Cornelius Vermuyden, were commissioned to undertake grand schemes, which still form the basis of the modern drainage system.

The Ouse Washes are an internationally significant environment. Flooded in winter they attract thousands of migrating wildfowl. From Denver the river is tidal bringing with it subtle changes in scenery and habitat.

From Downham Market station it is a short walk past the Heygates Mill and over the flood relief channel to re-join the Fen Rivers Way on top of the flood bank running alongside the River Ouse.