Fen Rivers Way: Kings Lynn to Downham Market ~ Griffmonsters Great Walks

The northern most section of the Fen Rivers Way long distance path

This 12.5 mile linear walk linking Kings Lynn and Downham Market following the River Ouse. The landscape is flat with the broad unwavering river leading the way. There are churches and even a ruined church to provide interest. An easy, straightforward walk.

Walk Statistics

Start location: Kings Lynn
End location: Downham Market
Distance: miles ( km)
Total Gain: ft ( metre)
Total Descent: ft ( metre)
Min Height: ft ( metre)
Max Height: ft ( metre)
Walk Time:
Walk Grade: Easy
Terrain: Footpath

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: OS Explorer 236 - King's Lynn, Downham Market & Swaffham
GPX Route File

Walk Notes

Mention the Fen Rivers Way and many picture a flat, uninterrupted landscape with little to command attention. It is certainly flat — unmistakably so — but far from monotonous. The River Great Ouse is a constant companion, and each village along its banks offers architectural interest, history, and, with better timing than ours, refreshment. Even on a dull, overcast day with rain forecast throughout, this proved a rewarding stretch of riverside walking and one well worth undertaking.

Starting Point: King’s Lynn

For a short break in King’s Lynn, we stayed at the Travelodge just off the Hardwick roundabout on the southern edge of town. From there, access to the river is straightforward via Harding’s Pits Doorstep Green, a 5.5 acre nature conservation area dotted with sculptures and threaded with well-maintained paths leading to the waterside. It makes for a pleasant and traffic-free approach to the official trail.

We began at 8am, conscious of a forecast predicting steady rain with heavier showers developing towards midday. An early start is advisable on exposed routes such as this, as there is little shelter once beyond the town.

The initial section of path is paved and shared with cyclists and pedestrians. At commuting hour it is reasonably busy, and traffic noise from the nearby roads is noticeable. Only after passing beneath the A47 dual carriageway does the atmosphere begin to change. The Palm Paper recycling plant stands prominently to the left — an imposing structure, though surprisingly quiet. Beyond this point, the river landscape asserts itself. The path continues in good condition, navigation is simple, and the only movement on our visit came from birdlife and the tidal river itself, which was flowing upstream with the incoming tide — a reminder that this stretch of the Ouse is very much influenced by coastal waters.

Midstream, a series of isolated piers marked by flashing lights initially appear to be the remnants of an unfinished bridge. In reality, they delineate the navigation channel. There is little river traffic here compared with busier waterways, but the markers give scale to the broad expanse of water.

Wiggenhall St Germans

The first of the Wiggenhall villages, St Germans, appears gradually as the path approaches the settlement. One of our original intentions for this walk had been to treat it as a leisurely pub-to-pub stroll. At St Germans stands the Crown and Anchor, though at this early hour it was understandably closed; opposite is a small grocery shop but there was no sign of a cafe. Walkers planning refreshments should check opening times carefully, as facilities along this stretch are limited and opening hours may be restricted.

The village church, dedicated to St Germain, Bishop of Paris, is well worth a stop. It is the only church in East Anglia with this dedication. Much of the nave, chancel, and north aisle date from the 14th century, with substantial remodelling in the 15th century. The tower contains 13th-century elements, and there is evidence of an earlier Norman church on the site. The church is especially noted for its 15th-century carved pew ends, depicting the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Sacraments, the Twelve Apostles, the Evangelists, and a variety of real and mythical creatures.

The village itself sits below sea level and depends upon a complex system of sluices, pumps, and waterways to manage flood risk from the Ouse. In 1845, the church floor was recorded as being eight feet below the high-water mark — a striking statistic that underlines the engineered nature of the Fens landscape. During the Second World War, the parish was also the site of a mid-air collision between two Hawker Hurricanes, another reminder of the area’s layered history.

Wiggenhall St Peter

A short distance further along the river lies Wiggenhall St Peter, a smaller hamlet with no facilities. The riverside path remains straightforward and level, though increasingly exposed to wind. In poor weather, this openness can make conditions feel harsher than the distance might suggest.

The church here stands as a substantial ruin. Its 13th-century tower remains intact, while the main body of the church was largely built in the 15th century. Decline began in the 19th century; the south aisle was demolished and bricked up in 1840. By the 1920s the church had been largely abandoned, and its roof was removed as a formal act of dereliction. The site is now maintained by the Norfolk Historic Churches Trust. Restoration work between 2010 and 2012 was unfortunately followed by a lightning strike in 2013, causing further damage. Even in ruin, it is an evocative stop, though the ground around it can be uneven.

Wiggenhall St Mary

Continuing south, the third of the Wiggenhall villages comes into view: Wiggenhall St Mary. The Cock Inn sits just across the river bridge, offering another potential refreshment stop — though again, timing is key.

The church of St Mary Magdalene is by far the largest of the three Wiggenhall villages. While the tower base dates to the 13th century, the main structure was rebuilt in the 15th century using red brick — one of the earliest large-scale uses of the material in the region. The north aisle windows contain an exceptional collection of 15th-century stained glass figures, depicting 39 male saints, three angels, and three female saints — reportedly the largest such collection in the country.

Inside, a fine 15th-century hammerbeam roof with carved angels draws the eye upward. Original oak benches with distinctive pew ends remain in place. Among the more unusual artefacts are a 15th-century Hanseatic chest imported from Gdansk and a rare 1639 dole cupboard used for storing bread for distribution to the poor. Panels from the original rood screen, painted with the symbols of the four Evangelists, now stand at the west end.

For walkers interested in historic churches, this stretch alone justifies the route. Allowing additional time for interior visits would significantly enrich the experience.

Stowbridge and Onward to Downham Market

As we continued southwards, dark clouds gathered ominously to the south, the flat horizon offering little concealment of what was approaching. The path remains easy to follow and largely firm underfoot, though entirely exposed. In windy or wet conditions, waterproofs are essential.

We passed through Stowbridge, home to The Heron pub, though once more it was closed at this hour. A fellow walker heading briskly in the opposite direction confirmed he too was attempting to outpace the rain — a common ambition on open Fenland paths.

The final stretch into Downham Market is straightforward, and we reached the town without a spit of rain wetting us. The Whalebone was open, providing a welcome sanctuary, a pint, and lunch — a reminder that Downham offers more reliable facilities than the smaller villages en route.

Practical Notes and Reflections

This section of the Fen Rivers Way is uncomplicated in terms of navigation and terrain. It is almost entirely flat, largely well-surfaced, and suitable for steady, unhurried walking. However, it is also exposed, with minimal shelter from wind or rain. Refreshment stops are present but limited, and walkers would be wise to check opening times in advance or carry provisions.

The character of the walk is one of quiet continuity rather than dramatic scenery. The river, tidal and broad, shapes both landscape and settlement. The trio of Wiggenhall churches provide architectural richness that rewards those prepared to pause and explore.

With more generous timing, this could easily become a full day’s excursion, allowing visits to each church and well-planned stops at the village pubs. Even under grey skies, it offers a calm and absorbing journey along one of Norfolk’s most quietly distinctive waterways. Never discount this section of England as something to avoid, embrace it for what it is.

Directions

The starting point for the Fen Rivers Way in Kings Lynn is the South Quay. Head to the river, specifically to the Purfleet Quay area.

Head south along the quay front. Where the quay ends, continue along the road, over the bridge and then to the far end of the car park. There are waymarkers for the Nar Valley Way and the Norfolk Coast Path which run parallel to the Fen Rivers Way at this point
Follow the raised embankment then across the River Nar, to rejoin the side of the River Ouse.
Keep to the surfaced footpath. This will pass over the Wisbeach Road, then under the main A47 dual carriageway, then passes the Palm Paper recycling plant. .
At the end of the recylcing plant, continue on the surfaced path to the large sluice gates where the path crosses the Ouse Relief Channel. There are automated speaking danger warnings at either end of the sluice.
At the far end of the sluice the path becomes a plain footpath following the river bank.
After 3.7 miles from the sluice, cross over the Lynn Road by the bridge where the Crown and Anchor pub sits just down the road. This is the village of Wigginhall St Germans where its church sits alongside the river bank.
After a further 1 mile there is the ruin of the church of Wigginhall St Peter next to the river bank.
After another 1.2 mile, cross over the river bridge road at Wiggenhall St Pater. Across the bridge is the Cock Inn, and next to this is the church.
Keep to the riverside path for another 2.8 miles where it meets Stowbridge. The Heron pub sits between the main river channel and the parallel relief channel.
After 2.4 mile the path brings you to the start of Downham Market, with the town to the left on the far side of the Relief Channel. Before reaching the buildings alongside the river, there is a footpath on the left that leads away from the riverside path, around the far side of the buildings. Take this.
A path leads to a metal walk-through stile to lead out onto the pavement alongside Station Road. Turn left and follow the road into the town.
The road crosses the River Relief Channel after which is a roundabout. Go straight ahead and cross the railway crossing. On the left is the railway station with trains back to Kings Lynn.
For buses, continue straight on for 700 yards. After passing the Whalebone Weatherspoons pub and then the Cave restaurant, on the left is a turning with Hollies Car park on the left. Take the road down the side of the car park. The bus stop is at the far end before the Hollies surgery, with the Morrisons supermarket on the right.

Directions

The starting point for the Fen Rivers Way in Kings Lynn is the South Quay. Head to the river, specifically to the Purfleet Quay area.

Head south along the quay front. Where the quay ends, continue along the road, over the bridge and then to the far end of the car park. There are waymarkers for the Nar Valley Way and the Norfolk Coast Path which run parallel to the Fen Rivers Way at this point
Follow the raised embankment then across the River Nar, to rejoin the side of the River Ouse.
Keep to the surfaced footpath. This will pass over the Wisbeach Road, then under the main A47 dual carriageway, then passes the Palm Paper recycling plant. .
At the end of the recylcing plant, continue on the surfaced path to the large sluice gates where the path crosses the Ouse Relief Channel. There are automated speaking danger warnings at either end of the sluice.
At the far end of the sluice the path becomes a plain footpath following the river bank.
After 3.7 miles from the sluice, cross over the Lynn Road by the bridge where the Crown and Anchor pub sits just down the road. This is the village of Wigginhall St Germans where its church sits alongside the river bank.
After a further 1 mile there is the ruin of the church of Wigginhall St Peter next to the river bank.
After another 1.2 mile, cross over the river bridge road at Wiggenhall St Pater. Across the bridge is the Cock Inn, and next to this is the church.
Keep to the riverside path for another 2.8 miles where it meets Stowbridge. The Heron pub sits between the main river channel and the parallel relief channel.
After 2.4 mile the path brings you to the start of Downham Market, with the town to the left on the far side of the Relief Channel. Before reaching the buildings alongside the river, there is a footpath on the left that leads away from the riverside path, around the far side of the buildings. Take this.
A path leads to a metal walk-through stile to lead out onto the pavement alongside Station Road. Turn left and follow the road into the town.
The road crosses the River Relief Channel after which is a roundabout. Go straight ahead and cross the railway crossing. On the left is the railway station with trains back to Kings Lynn.
For buses, continue straight on for 700 yards. After passing the Whalebone Weatherspoons pub and then the Cave restaurant, on the left is a turning with Hollies Car park on the left. Take the road down the side of the car park. The bus stop is at the far end before the Hollies surgery, with the Morrisons supermarket on the right.

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