Best walks to or from Brandon

Brandon Station to Thetford Station

Stunning route; a really lovely route, mostly through forest and fields. A mostly wooded walk through native and plantation forest on broad, clear gravel and compacted-dirt tracks, with sandy sections and a final stretch along the River Ouse on narrow and sometimes muddy riverside paths. A short road section on the outskirts of Brandon has no footpath. There is a campsite beside the River/Little Ouse with a swim spot. Deer can be seen on the route.

Easy: 12km, gentle ascents.

A short section on the edge of Brandon has no pavement (walk the verge). Near the river crossing by the Weir, fallen trees must be climbed over and two small streams crossed; not suitable for those with mobility issues. Riverside paths can be sloppy. Can be muddy.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Downham Market Station to Brandon Station

Tough: 32km. Gentle ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Littleport Station to Brandon Station

A straightforward-to-follow route that includes road sections.

Tough: 26km. Flat terrain.

Sections between Hockwold, Lakenheath and Sedge Fen are on dangerous roads and not considered safe; the route is not recommended.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ely Station to Brandon Station

A long, largely flat Fenland route starting along the canal, then a mix of footpaths, farm tracks, gravel and lengthy stretches of road. It is fairly exposed in places, with farm tracks that can be deeply muddy near the sewage works and includes stepped bridges and metal turnstiles. Partly follows the Hereward Way. There are several railway stations on the route, so it can be broken into shorter chunks. Look out for deer, hares, and (in places) wild greengage and plum trees.

Tough: 33km. Gentle ascents.

Long sections follow A-roads with 60mph limits and no pavement, which are not safe for walkers; a footpath crossing near Shippea Hill is not maintained and impassable, forcing a detour. Stepped bridges and turnstiles make it unsuitable for those with mobility issues; one path near Brandon passes through thick, deep mud by the sewage works.

Lunch: Cafes and pubs in Ely at the start; few facilities along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route