9k Run Ely: Scenic Ouse Valley Adventure to Little Thetford

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.6km loop offers a blissfully flat experience through the heart of the East Cambridgeshire fens, making it an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or enjoy a scenic recovery run. Starting in the historic city of Ely, the route follows the well-trodden Ouse Valley Way, providing a fully paved surface that remains reliable underfoot regardless of the season. As you head toward Holt Fen and through the quiet village of Little Thetford, you'll be treated to vast, big-sky views and the calming presence of the River Great Ouse, with virtually zero elevation gain to break your rhythm.

Steeped in maritime and ecclesiastical history, this area was once a true island surrounded by marshland before the medieval drainage projects transformed the landscape. Running alongside the river, you are tracing ancient trade routes that once brought goods to the magnificent Ely Cathedral—known locally as the 'Ship of the Fens'—which remains a constant guardian on the horizon. Little Thetford itself is a charming Saxon-era settlement that provides a peaceful midpoint to this loop, offering a glimpse into the rural stillness that defines this unique pocket of England.