Marais de Cambrin

Cambrin

2 min read

A short walk through the Marais de Cambrin, following paths and wooden boardwalks past water, reeds and several observation points.

1.4 km Easy Mostly unpaved Loop walk Navigate to start

The walk

The Marais de Cambrin is a wetland nature reserve not far from Béthune. The loop is approximately 1.4 kilometres long and combines regular paths with wooden boardwalks through a landscape of water, reeds and wetland vegetation.

Despite the short distance, there is plenty to observe along the way. Birdwatchers and photographers can easily spend longer here than the length of the route might suggest.

Themes of this walk

Nature Water

Route map

A short loop through the marsh

The walk starts on Rue du Marais in Cambrin. From the parking area, the discovery trail leads through the nature reserve.

Regular paths alternate with wooden boardwalks. In several places, you walk between the water and the surrounding vegetation. The route is flat, and its short distance also makes it suitable for families with children.

The loop eventually returns to the starting point. If 1.4 kilometres feels too short, you can walk the route again in the opposite direction. I saw several other visitors doing the same during my visit. This brings the total to approximately 2.8 kilometres and lets you see the marsh from a different perspective.

Plenty of wildlife around the water

According to the information board, more than 150 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. It is also home to over 30 species of dragonfly, 53 species of spider, amphibians, reptiles and many other animals.

Several observation points along the trail provide views across the water. There is also a covered birdwatching hide. The loop itself does not take long, but birdwatchers and photographers can easily spend more time here.

Boardwalks and mosquitoes

The boardwalks were one of my favourite parts of the route. They wind through the wetland and bring you close to the water without having to step into the marsh itself.

The wet surroundings also attract mosquitoes. They can be quite noticeable in warmer weather, so bringing insect repellent is recommended.

Photos from this walk

Personal tip

Jay’s tips

If 1.4 kilometres feels too short, walk the loop again in the opposite direction. This brings the total to approximately 2.8 kilometres and gives you more time to observe the water and wildlife.

Good to know

Birdwatching hide or viewpoint

Nature observation point

Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer weather. Mosquitoes can be quite noticeable in this wetland.

My experience

I had visited before and once even spotted a kingfisher here. That is something I have always remembered.

At 1.4 kilometres, the route is very short, but that did not bother me here. I simply walked it again in the opposite direction and spent more time beside the water and at the different observation points.