It had been just over a year since our last visit to Ely when we lunched at Peacocks Tea Room on the way back from Kings Lynn. So it was high time for another visit, this time taking in a new lunch venue, The Prince Albert, a lovely old boozer hidden away on Silver Street.
Setting out from Trumpington Park & Ride, Brian had led the way via Cherry Hinton and Fulbourn to Anglesey Abbey where we met up with Martin, Simon and Neil, and enjoyed coffee and cake at the National Trust café.
Then it was on to Bottisham, where we picked up the Lodes Way, some 17 miles of roads, tracks and bridges crossing the six waterways (lodes) that connect the fen-edge villages to the River Cam. Dating back to Saxon times, the Lodes provided flood protection for the rich grazing land owned by the monasteries of Ely and Ramsey.
It was at Wicken Fen that we pulled up to admire the large herd of Konik ponies grazing on the National Trust reserve. Along with Highland cattle, these help manage the vegetation growth across newly restored fen habitat.
Fenland cyclists will be all too familiar with the challenging footbridge at Burwell Lode. Known as the Cock Up Bridge, its steep steps provide quite a workout for e-bikers hauling their heavy machines up and over the waterway.
The last leg, some three miles along the Great Ouse, offered lovely views of Ely Cathedral and soon we were pulling in at The Prince Albert for a welcome pint with lunch in the garden.
As for the return from Ely: Martin and Simon cycled via Wicken Fen back to their car at Anglesey Abbey; Brian led another half dozen to Ely Station where they caught the train to Cambridge; and Graham led the others on a cycle ride home via Cottenham. Well done, team!
For the record, the turnout was 14 Windmillers: Alan, Andrew, Brian, Geoff, Graham, Jenni, Jeremy, Keith, Martin, Neil, Ric, Rod, Simon and Tom.
Thanks go to Simon, Graham and Martin for the many photographs.
Brian
The Windmill Cycle Club 