Great Fen and the Last of the Meres Trail

The Great Fen is one of the UK's most ambitious wetland restoration projects, reconnecting Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen across a landscape being actively converted from arable farmland back to wetland. This 10.5 km circular follows the Last of the Meres trail from New Decoy Farm through the woodland of Holme Fen and back via the old Holme to Ramsey railway line, crossing the former site of Whittlesey Mere — once the largest lowland lake in southern England before its drainage in 1851. The flat, open restoration ground and persistent fenland breeze create a landscape of extraordinary spaciousness.

This dog friendly walk offers a unique sensory experience. The flat, open terrain means scent travels enormous distances, and dogs register the fenland environment quite differently to enclosed woodland walks. Drainage channels provide freshwater access at many points, with shallow ditch water for wading throughout. Off-lead potential is low given the sensitive wildlife habitats, and livestock is moderately likely on restored grazing areas. The easy, level terrain suits dogs of all fitness levels, and the sheer scale of the landscape makes it a genuinely different kind of walk — meditative, spacious and quietly fascinating.