Fleam Dyke

Heritage Site in Cambridgeshire South Cambridgeshire

England

Fleam Dyke

Fulbourn: icy puddles at the edge of The Fens It had been a very cold night, and late the following morning there was still a lot of quite thick ice on puddles and frost in unsunned spots. The southernmost field in the Cambridgeshire Fens is on the other side of the hedge on the right. To the left of the track the chalk hills of the east and south east of the county begin gently. — Fulbourn: icy puddles at the edge of The Fens Credit: John Sutton

Fleam Dyke is a historic heritage site located in Cambridgeshire, England. It is a linear earthwork that stretches for approximately 7 miles, running from the village of Balsham to Reach. This ancient dyke is believed to have been constructed during the Iron Age, around 300 BC, and it has remained remarkably well-preserved over the centuries.

The dyke consists of a large ditch, which is around 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, accompanied by an impressive bank measuring up to 12 feet in height. The purpose of Fleam Dyke remains uncertain, with various theories suggesting that it served as a boundary marker or a defensive structure against potential invaders.

The site is not only historically significant but also boasts impressive natural beauty. It cuts through the rolling landscape of the Cambridgeshire countryside, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful environment for visitors. The surrounding area is adorned with wildflowers, woodlands, and open meadows, providing a diverse habitat for a range of plant and animal species.

Fleam Dyke has become a popular destination for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Numerous footpaths and trails traverse the dyke, allowing visitors to explore its length and immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning scenery. The site is easily accessible, with parking facilities available at various points along its course.

As a heritage site, Fleam Dyke is not only valuable for its historical significance but also for its contribution to the local ecosystem and the overall cultural identity of Cambridgeshire. It stands as a testament to the region's ancient past and serves as a remarkable example of the enduring legacy of human ingenuity and engineering.

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Fleam Dyke Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.167/0.26 or Grid Reference TL5454. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fulbourn: icy puddles at the edge of The Fens

It had been a very cold night, and late the following morning there was still a lot of quite thick ice on puddles and frost in unsunned spots. The southernmost field in the Cambridgeshire Fens is on the other side of the hedge on the right. To the left of the track the chalk hills of the east and south east of the county begin gently.

John Sutton

A view from Fleam Dyke

Looking towards Great Wilbraham from near the north (or fen) end of Fleam Dyke on a bright November morning. The white speck on the skyline just to the right of centre is the tower of Great Wilbraham parish church. Fleam Dyke is a defensive earthwork built over a period of 150 years from the 5th to the 7th centuries, extending 5km across open chalk land from the edge of the (then undrained) fens at Fulbourn to forested land near Balsham. It is one of four similar earthworks in the area, the longest being the Devil’s Dyke a few kilometres to the north.

John Sutton

Near the north end of Fleam Dyke

The white building showing above the trees on the left is the S&B Herba processing plant near Fulbourn Level Crossing. The picture was taken on a bright and cold November morning. Fleam Dyke is a defensive earthwork built over a period of 150 years from the 5th to the 7th centuries, extending 5km across open chalk land from the edge of the (then undrained) fens at Fulbourn to forested land near Balsham. It is one of four similar earthworks in the area, the longest being the Devil’s Dyke a few kilometres to the north.

John Sutton

Approaching Fleam Dyke from a path near to Fulbourn Fen

Although the dyke itself cannot be seen from here, the general course of it is apparent from the line of hedgerow. In any case, the majority of it is out of sight beyond the skyline where three trees appear in this photo.

Peter S

Wooden steps on Fleam Dyke

Peter S

Northern end of Fleam Dyke

Peter S

Wooden kissing gate, Fleam Dyke

Peter S

Chalk path leading to Mutlow Hill

A warm summer's day but hardly anybody about.

Peter S

Wadlow wind turbines from Mutlow Hill

Peter S

Mutlow Hill, Fleam Dyke

Not apparent from this photo, but this is a point where the route meets a busy road ahead beyond the trees.

Peter S

An undulating section of Fleam Dyke

The pumping station is seen in the distance.

Peter S

Tumulus on Mutlow Hill

Peter S

Ipswich-Cambridge train

Seen from the crossing on Drove Way, one of the paths linking Great Wilbraham and Fulbourn, on the last leg of its Sunday morning trip from Ipswich, via Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket.

John Sutton

Unmanned level crossing on Drove Way

Drove Way is a farm track which doubles as one of the footpaths linking Fulbourn and Great Wilbraham. This is the view towards Great Wilbraham.

John Sutton

The line to Newmarket

This cross-country line carries Cambridge to Ipswich trains via Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket. The bridge which carries Mill Road is just discernible in the distance, to the right of the middle pylon - see TL5556 : Ipswich-Cambridge train on its way to Fulbourn for a view from it, and TL5556 : Bridge over the railway near Great Wilbraham. This picture was taken from the unmanned level crossing on Drove Way, a farm track which is one of the paths linking Great Wilbraham and Fulbourn.

John Sutton

Drove Way from the level crossing

I sat on the crossing gate to take this view towards Fulbourn. Drove Way is a dead-straight farm track which forms part of one of the paths linking Great Wilbraham and Fulbourn.

John Sutton

Drove Way: unmanned level crossing

Drove Way is a farm track which doubles as one of the footpaths linking Fulbourn and Great Wilbraham. This is the view towards Fulbourn.

John Sutton

Field-edge path to Great Wilbraham

This picture is taken from where the paths divide. This is one of two paths linking Fulbourn and Great Wilbraham. Behind the camera the track leads to Drove Way and a level crossing over the Cambridge-Newmarket railway - see TL5456 : Drove Way and others.

John Sutton

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Fleam Dyke is located at Grid Ref: TL5454 (Lat: 52.167, Lng: 0.26)

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: South Cambridgeshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire