Walkers will discover beautiful scenery and ancient ruins on the walk.
Across Cambridgeshire, there is beautiful scenery, as well ancient ruins, waiting to be discovered. Hidden within parts of the county are places that people will go past everyday, but not realise they are of historical significance.
One of these is Devil’s Dyke, which is the largest ancient dyke in Cambridgeshire. It is also special because it is the largest of several earthworks in south Cambridgeshire, which was designed to control movement in Roman times.
It is considered one of the best surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon earthwork in Britain. This has made the route an archaeological hotspot.
The dyke covered three important Roman roads, so it therefore served as a way of controlling trade and movement during the time period. For those who enjoy a long walk, they can walk the seven-mile route that passed through the dyke.
Along the way, walkers who aren’t scared of heights can also reach up to the dyke’s highest point, which measures up to 34ft. This is from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the earth wall.
To take on the route, walkers can begin in the village of Reach, which sits between Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket. As walkers climb the structure, they will be able to take in the panoramic views in front of them.
As people walk a few miles down, they will drop from the dyke and cross fields into Swaffham. People can then follow a country road which will take them back towards Reach.
This walk will take around two hours and 10 minutes. Across the trail, ramblers may see wildlife such as butterflies, flowers and birds.
For people who like a walk in the winter, Devil’s Dyke is the perfect place to explore on a brisk winter’s day. Ending the walk and hard work, people can visit the Dyke’s End pub for a bite to eat and drink.
