From the Key Theatre, cycle east along the river embankment before taking the left hand fork to gently climb up to the Frank Perkins Parkway and turning right over the River Nene. Coming off the bridge turn left under the Parkway past the Church then right into Church Street. Continuing south you join South Street leading into Whittlesey Road at the roundabout. Keeping off road on the cycle lane this leads to an underpass and you emerge on the Peterborough Road to Farcet.

Join the carriageway, cycle for approximately 1 mile into the village of Farcet and turn left down St Mary's Street. At the bottom of the hill the road turns sharp right and becomes Cross Street. At this bend turn left off the road onto the Green Wheel cycle route and follow the cycle path along to the Old Course of the River Nene.

Discover the history of the fen drainage and find out about Whittlesey Mere which was once the largest lake in Europe!

Follow the cycle path along the meandering Old Course of the River Nene over a dedicated cycle bridge until you arrive at another bridge where the Whittlesey Road crosses over the river. You cycle under the road on a special deck above the river.

Just before you reach this point you will notice an area of raised land to your right. This is the old Civil War Fort at Horsey Toll. Emerging from under the bridge follow the cycle path with the river on your right and a new housing estate on your left.

For centuries people used the meandering waterways to navigate through the fen. Several prehistoric log boats have been found near Whittlesey...

At the T-junction turn right past the Lock Keepers Cottage and over the Nene (old course). As you cycle east, away from the city you will have the flood bank on your left-hand side on the far side of which is Morton's Leam. The path takes you under the railway line and you will see the tall chimneys of the Whittlesey Brick Works in the distance.

The major fenland drainage schemes, particular from the 17th century onwards, radically changed the fenland way of life. They eventually created one of the world's most productive arable landscapes. The washes preserve an environment similar to that of the wetland margins of ancient times.

After approx. 1.5 miles the cycle path takes you alongside Bradley Fen Quarry where you will be able to see the drag line excavators digging clay for brick making. You arrive at a staggered crossroads, turn left down the short slope to a small bridge over Morton's Leam. Follow the path to the award winning Shanks Millennium Bridge over the River Nene.

The view across the Bradley Fen quarry shows two quite distinct episodes in the geological history of the area - the darker clay capped by the lighter gravels and sands.

Cross over the Shanks Millennium Bridge and turn left along the River Nene back towards the city. After approx. 1/3rd mile a path to the right leads to the Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre. If you wish to visit the centre the detour will only add just over ½ mile to your journey. There is also a café and toilets here.

From Flag Fen retrace your route back to the River Nene and continue your way along the top of the flood bank to the city. Passing under the Perkins Parkway you will find yourself once more on the Embankment and at the Key Theatre - the start of the ride.

Find out more about the Bronze Age with a trip to Flag Fen and discover the world of the ancestors!