Visit a working mill and a floodgate protecting the Fens from tidal surges.
Paradise Rd, Downham Market PE38 9HS 5.7 Miles 2 HoursEasy
Paths: Riverside footpath and country lanes with 4 stiles
Landscape: Fenland riverside and arable farmland
Dog Friendliness: Yes, careful near livestock
Parking: Pay and display in town council car park on Paradise Road
Public toilets: In town centre
Upon leaving the car park make a right turn. When you reach Morrisons on your left, cut through its car park to the road running parallel to Paradise Road and turn right. Continue down the road, you pass Heygates on your left, then reaching the Hythe Bridge, cross over. On your right you will see a stile. Cross this, and walk up the track to a T-junction.
Take the left-hand fork, and cross a second stile to reach the Fen Rivers Way along the east bank of the River Great Ouse. The banks have been raised to prevent flooding. After about ¼ mile (400m) you reach a stile.
Cross the stile, then the A1122, and climb a third stile to reach the footpath again. The path continues until you reach the lock at Salters Lode. Continue until the Denver Sluice comes into sight. Cross a stile and follow the track to the lane to explore the sluice.
Return to the lane, and continue past the footpath entrance to the bridge over the Relief Channel. Keep to the lane as it winds through farmland and over a level crossing. After passing a huge field on your right and then West Hall Farm with its elegant clock tower, look for the sails of Denver Windmill. Turn to the right to visit the windmill.
Return to the lane and follow it, then make a left turn up Sandy Lane. The lane becomes a track, which you follow until it ends at the junction with the B1507.
Make another left turn and you will reach the A1122. Turn left, then immediately right down the lane called London Road, signposted to the town centre. Use the pavement on the left-hand side, passing the police station on your right. Eventually you reach a junction.
Walk towards the war memorial and turn left. Then aim for the clock tower, walking along the High Street and through the market square to the Crown Hotel. Turn left at the hotel and walk down Paradise Road a few paces until you reach the car park.
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