The path follows the Hereward Way to Ely Cathedral. Initially by the side of railway line to A1101, skirting the field edge, the route is then along the A1101 to the junction with B1382. The verge is narrow and great care needs to be taken. The reminder of the walk follows the River Lark on the high bank, then through open countryside till it joins then crosses the B1382, before tree lined path into Ely. EASY WALKING.
Download printable Guide: VBG9 Sedgefen to Ely.
From Way Station go straight ahead, keeping to the concrete road towards Lodge Farm. Through the farm, along footpath towards the railway line which you then keep to the right. Proceed carefully over the wooden sleeper bridge. Cross the road to the entrance to Engine Farm. Engine Farm route when permission granted Proceed along the farm road on the green verge, keeping clear of the traffic. At end of farm road, cross over to the bank and climb upto footpath. Turn right along bank to junction with B1382 Permission has not been given to walk down the farm roadway, so turn right over the railway line following Hereway Way along the A1101. Cross railway line and climb bank on left hand side and proceed towards Prickwillow village. Walk through village, over bridge until junction with Putney Hill Road. Turn left, then take right fork (Old Bank) almost immediately following Hereway Way signs. Continue straight on along Middle Fen Bank, following Hereward Way. At junction with B1382, turn left and then cross road towards metal bridge. Cross road and go over metal bridge. Follow path towards Cuckoo Bridge. At concrete road, go straight ahead following footpath sign through W A Cooke & Sons yard down Kiln Lane. Cross railway. Take tree-lined footpath into Ely. Follow signs to the cathedral. There is no waystation in Ely. The Installation Artwork for this waystation is in the Cathedral itself on the left through the main doors near Reception. Please have your Via Beata pilgrim’s passport ready as this will be stamped at reception.
In 2000, Jonathan Clarke was commissioned to design a modern sculpture for Ely Cathedral to mark the new millennium. The 11-metre relief sculpture is mounted at the west end of Ely Cathedral, to the left of the main entrance was commissioned after the generous donation from the Friends of Ely Cathedral. The beauty of this design is that it fulfils what could be argued to be the most important criterion to be applied to an artistic commission for a cathedral or church: it is aesthetically pleasing (both in itself and in the position for which it has been designed) and it has clear theological symbolism.
“Like the journey of faith, its path is irregular and unpredictable; and just as the journey is sometimes hard, sometimes joyful, the surface texture and colour also vary.”
MAPS AND REFERENCE
Explorer OS 228: March & Ely OS 226: Ely & Newmarket | Sedgefen: TL669843 –
Ely Cathedral: TL541803