02/03/2022

Phil Goodley, Education & Activities Officer

There is so much to experience and explore at Nene Park, and cycling is a really fun and healthy way to get around. As it’s not always practical to bring your own bikes with you when you visit, Nene Outdoors works in partnership with industry-leaders Rutland Cycling to offer cycle hire services from our hub at Lakeside in Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.

Visitors can select a variety of cycle hire options – for family days out, a selection of children’s equipment can be hired, from trailers to tag-alongs, seats and junior cycles. For adults, the range include hybrid bikes perfect for enjoying the miles of paths and trails, mountain bikes for more adventurous routes, and even tandems for sharing the experience with a friend or family member. E-bikes are also available for those who prefer to take it a little bit easier!

Whichever bike you choose to hire, there are so many options of where to go! You can cycle out to local villages, enjoy a pub lunch and discover local points of interest, or explore the country roads and local bridleways for a real adventure. For those looking to explore the wider Park, follow our marked, mapped and traffic-free route around some of the main Park highlights, across three different Park areas.

Follow the Explore Nene Park Cycle Route

This route can be followed on the steps below or by using a map available from Nene Outdoors. It can also be followed digitally by clicking here or by scanning the QR code displayed near the hire bikes in the Park.

• Start off by turning to the right from Nene Outdoors. The route will take you around the shores of Gunwade Lake, the largest of the 3 lakes in Ferry Meadows, where you can watch the boats or spot seasonal wildlife such as herons, kingfishers, damselflies, otters and much more.
• Nearing the end of the lake, a left turn will take you over Milton Ferry Bridge, a grade II listed structure steeped in history, dating back over 300 years and built from locally-sourced limestone. The bridge replaced a ferry service which helped to give the bridge and Ferry Meadows itself their name. Following on from this, a right turn and staying close to the river will take you up the past the Mount, The Sheepwash and finally up the steep Ferry Hill and into Bluebell Wood, named for the bluebells that can be seen covering the ground here in abundance during spring.
• After coming out of Bluebell Wood, head downhill to Bluebell Bridge, across Ham Bridge and taking a left turn will take you past Ham Mere and the bird hides. Ham Mere is a wetland habitat fed by the River Nene, featuring a wide variety of bird species. The two bird hides here make convenient place take a break and spot even more wildlife.
• Follow the path to Goldie Bridge for more wildlife spotting opportunities at the viewing platform overlooking Goldie Meadow. Then you can choose to head back through Ferry Meadows or extend your trip a little and head out past Orton Mere and the lock towards Thorpe Meadows. Whichever way you choose, this route will take you alongside the Nene Valley Railway, a heritage railway featuring the chance ride aboard real-life steam engine. Will you spot a steam engine on your way past?
• Heading over to Thorpe Meadows will take you around the rowing lake, past some of the sculptures on the sculpture trail, and give you the opportunity to stop for refreshments at the Boathouse. Returning back to Ferry Meadows over the Orton Lock and through Orton Mere will see you rejoin the original route.
• After coming back into Ferry Meadows or turning right from Goldie Bridge, you will follow the railway past the station, cross the road and follow the trail to Lynch Farm Bridge, a good place to stop to see the steam engines of Nene Valley Railway pass beneath. Crossing the bridge here will leave you with just a short hop back to Nene Outdoors to return your bike. You’ll be ideally located to stop for lunch at Lakeside Kitchen & Bar before continuing your adventure in the Park or even trying out more activities at Nene Outdoors! 

To book your cycle hire online please click here.