Devil's Ditch

Heritage Site in Cambridgeshire

England

Devil's Ditch

Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket Until a few weeks ago spectators were not allowed to attend race meetings due to government restrictions relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. — Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket Credit: Richard Humphrey

Devil's Ditch is an ancient earthwork located in Cambridgeshire, England. It is a historic heritage site that spans over 7 miles in length and is believed to date back to the Iron Age, around 300 BC. The earthwork runs through the parishes of Reach, Burwell, and Wicken, forming a deep linear depression in the landscape.

The name Devil's Ditch is derived from local folklore, which suggests that it was built by the Devil himself in a single night. However, the true origins of this impressive earthwork are still debated among historians and archaeologists. Some theories propose that it served as a defensive fortification, while others suggest it had a ceremonial or territorial purpose.

The ditch, which is approximately 9 meters wide and 2 meters deep, is accompanied by a bank on its southern side. It cuts through fields and woodlands, creating an imposing feature in the otherwise flat landscape of the Cambridgeshire Fens. The earthwork is made up of chalk and clay, and its construction would have required significant human labor.

Today, Devil's Ditch is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. The site offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and provides an opportunity to explore an ancient monument that has stood the test of time. Devil's Ditch serves as a reminder of the region's rich archaeological heritage and continues to intrigue visitors with its mysterious origins.

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Devil's Ditch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.237/0.35 or Grid Reference TL6062. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket

Until a few weeks ago spectators were not allowed to attend race meetings due to government restrictions relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Richard Humphrey

Leaving the parade ring at Newmarket's July Course

Richard Humphrey

Trying to pick a winner - The July Course, Newmarket

Richard Humphrey

A cloudburst at the July Course, Newmarket

Having been sunny for most of the afternoon the weather changed dramatically just before the last race at 5.30pm and the downpour continued for about an hour

Richard Humphrey

One way junction on Cambridge Hill, Newmarket

David Howard

Grandstands at the Rowley Mile Racecourse near Newmarket

Richard Humphrey

Newmarket Services, A14, east

My take on the Geographer's pitstop on a cross country run from Ross-on-Wye to Suffolk. See also SP3086 : Corley Services, east/south.

Jonathan Billinger

Newmarket Services, A14 west

Geographer returning from Suffolk, see TL6163 : Newmarket Services, A14, east.

Jonathan Billinger

Newmarket A14 services

Helen Steed

BP petrol station on the A14

BP petrol station on the A14 near Newmarket.

Philip Halling

Services on the A14

A Starbucks and Greggs at services on the A14 near Newmarket.

Philip Halling

Petrol station on the A14 westbound, Newmarket

Taken from the corresponding petrol station on the eastbound carriageway.

Christopher Hilton

A1304 Barbara Stradbroke Avenue

Formerly the A11, leaving Newmarket towards Cambridge or London.

Robin Webster

A1304 nearing roundabout west of Newmarket

The roundabout has a statue of a prancing horse (and non-prancing handler). The roundabout is where the routes to Cambridge (A1303) and London (A1304) part company, it replaced a simple acute junction some way behind the camera.

Robin Webster

A1304 towards A11 and London

The former route of the A11 through Newmarket.

Robin Webster

The Champagne Bar and Rose Terrace at the July Course, Newmarket

In use for the first time, this dining and drinking area has been built over the winter in an extension of the refurbished "head-on" grandstand which is no longer accessible by racegoers with paddock and grandstand tickets. Tickets for the Rose Terrace start at £170, yet another venture by the Jockey Club to make more profit from their catering enterprises and reduce the facilities for the "man-on-the-street"

Richard Humphrey

Fly-tipping on the edge of Suffolk

The footbridge carries the Devil's Dyke over the A14 (which is on the other side of the hedge on the left). This is one of the westernmost points in Suffolk. The byway enters Cambridgeshire at the bridge and carries on to Swaffham Heath Road. I took TL6063 : Devil's Dyke footbridge the last time I was here, in September 2020.

John Sutton