Hereward Way
Starting in Oakham, in Rutland, follow the Herward Way through Stamford, Peterborough, Ely, and the Breckland forests to Thetford, in Norfolk.
Highlights on the walk include
- Following the path around Rutland Water at the start of the route. You'll also be able to explore the medieval market town of Oakham where there's some wonderful old architecture at the Norman castle and the 16th century Oakham School.
- The River Welland and Burghley House at Stamford
- The section along the River Nene and through Ferry Meadows Country Park in Peterborough
- The wonderful Welney WWT near Downham Market. The reserve is one of the best bird watching sites in the country.
- Following the River Nene through March in Cambridgeshire
- The magnificent Ely Cathedral and gardens
- Following the Little Ouse River through Brandon and Santon Downham where there's a notable 12th century church to see.
- Brandon Country Park and Thetford Forest
- The delightful RSPB Lakenheath Fen nature reserve near Brandon
- The final section through the Breckland Heaths and Forests
The walk is well waymarked with a yellow arrow featuring two swords.
Please click here for more information
Hereward Way Ordnance Survey Map
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hereward Way Open Street Map
- view and print off detailed map
Hereward Way OS Map
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hereward Way Open Street Map
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Harbour Cafe is in a lovely spot overlooking Whitwell Harbour on Rutland Water. It's a great place to stop on the route and rest your legs. The cafe is open 7 days a week from March until November then they open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the Winter. They offer a wide variety of, cooked breakfasts, home cooked lunches, snacks, great coffee and cakes in a relaxed family friendly environment. There's a great outdoor seating area with fine views of the water. You can find the cafe on Bull Brigg Lane with a postcode of LE15 8BL for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
At the end of the route near Thetford you can pick up the West Harling Circular Walk, located just to the south of the trail at the Roudham Medieval village. West Harling is an interesting old deserted village with a 13th century church and some nice trails to follow around the surrounding woodland and the River Thet which runs through the area.