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HALIFAX TRAIL
DISTANCE: 27k
START: The White Swan, Conington. CB23 4LN . Grid Reference: Map 153 TL 322667
CAR PARKING: There is free parking at the pub. ( A note in the front of the car or telling the landlord, if the pub is open, would be appreciated).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None
TERRAIN: Minor roads, farmland, woods, bridleways, footpaths. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: At the pub, if open. There are shops/pubs on route.
TOILETS: At start, if the pub is open.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: (Updated February 2018)
Exit The White Swan car park through the main vehicle entrance and turn left along the road with care for about 1Km. Pass farm track with metal bar on left. At the next farm track on the left ( damaged footpath signpost on left), just before A14 road improvement works, turn left onto the track and after about 50 metres go through gate. Follow the track, hedge on left. Pass a cattle grid and tank on the left. Track now becomes a grass track.
At large gap in hedge, just after a narrow wood on left, turn left and right through gap and continue now with hedge/ditch on right. At corner turn right with hedge, then turn left along a grass path between small trees to junction with a dirt track. Turn right along track and through gate onto the village green in Hilton.
Continue along top edge of green. Cross road onto a footpath to a Turf Maze on the right.
Return to the path and cross a wooden footbridge, pass the village hall and a thatched cottage on the right, to the churchyard Lych gate.
Through gate and churchyard and straight on to the main road. Cross the road with care into Chapel Close opposite. At the end of the houses on the right, turn right along a signed byway.
At road turn left and almost immediately turn right through a gate onto a bridleway. Follow the bridleway to a T-junction. Turn left along the side of a brook then turn right between trees. At next junction turn right and bear left with track.
Just before the A14 road “soil storage” area, turn left on the temporary diverted bridleway between stranded wire fences, and in a few metres turn left to the A1198 and Graveley, large heaps of soil on right. Follow this diversion to its end and join the original bridleway at a grass track. Turn left on track, hedge on right.
Go through large gap in hedge and turn right. Continue, still with hedge on right, to main road (A1198). Turn left along the grass verge for about 20 metres. Cross the road with great care onto a bridleway opposite, between trees, to field edge.
Continue straight across field to left hand corner of distant hedge on right.
At hedge, go straight ahead along field edge, hedge on right.
At hedge corner, continue straight ahead across fields to gap in distant hedge, passing through gap in another hedge on the way.
After going through the second hedge gap, continue on a grass track between fields.
Towards its end, the track turns right, then after a few metres, left with trees on right.
At T-junction of tracks, turn left, hedge on right.
In corner of field, multi way finger post on right and yellow post in middle of track, enter next field and turn half left to go diagonally through field towards distant trees. Continue diagonally through next field to hedge.
Cross a wooden footbridge in hedge onto a track.
Cross the track and aim diagonally left to a way marker post, about 100 metres in field, and at way marker, turn right across field to gap in hedge.
NOTE: If way ahead is not clear because of growing crop (game bird cover), turn right on track then left at corner of crop to the way marker post.
At hedge, go through gap into field, hedge on left. In field corner, go through gap and continue on a grass track to next hedge. Into next small field and aim very slightly left to ivy covered tree in hedge and kissing gate.
Through gate into meadow and down to bottom corner with hedge on left. In corner through another kissing gate, over footbridge and up to church between wire fenced paddocks. Through third kissing gate, cross a track onto a concrete footpath and into churchyard.
Exit churchyard through gate and straight up a minor road to main road in Graveley.
Cross road and turn left passing bus shelter and phone box on right.
At Home Farm turn right onto a bridleway signposted to Yelling. Go down this track between banks bearing left and right between hedgerows. Follow the bridleway into Yelling. At the main road turn left and keep straight on through the village, pass the church on the left. Continue out of the village on the road with great care to a T-junction (B1040).
Just before the junction, bear left onto an unsigned gravel path with wooden fence on left. After about 400 metres bear right to road. Cross road with care to a kissing gate in fence. Pass through gate, cross a concrete road and continue downhill through field to right corner of left hand wood (straight ahead).
Continue ahead with wood on left. At next corner of wood, follow path straight ahead to a wooden footbridge in trees. Cross and continue up through trees to a lamp post, church on right. Join an estate road (Church Lane) and ahead passing homes and residential centres to the main road in Papworth Everard. Turn left, and immediately cross the road using the pedestrian crossing.
Turn left again along the pavement. At junction with Chequers Lane turn right and walk up the left hand pavement.
Follow the road uphill and round to the right. Ignore the path just before the Hamden Way sign. In about a further 20 metres on the left, is a gap in the fence and a footpath finger post signed to Elsworth. Turn left through this gap into the trees.
Follow the footpath through the wood. Just before leaving the wood turn right along a path, still in the trees. Cross two wooden footbridges and continue on path round to the left and exit the wood. Continue straight ahead along field edge, trees on right. At corner of field bear left uphill, trees still on the right, then a ditch on the right.
At track turn right and continue ahead. When track becomes concrete keep straight ahead, ignore turning to left, to a T-junction and turn left. At trees turn left with the gravel track, hedge/trees on right, to road.
Turn right along the road, with care into Elsworth. Pass Broad End on the left and cross to the left side pavement. Continue straight ahead, passing The Poachers Public House on the right to minor cross roads. At the cross roads turn left into Paddock Row and follow the road to the right.
Just before house No 13 on the left is a footpath finger post visible above a wooden fence, signed to Conington. Turn left onto this footpath between the houses. Cross a footbridge and continue to the open fields.
In the field turn right and keep to path along the edge of five fields, hedge and trees on right. Eventually, the path veers right and left through hedge line into path through tree and bushes to road in Conington.
Turn left on road and almost immediately turn right into The High Street. Continue on road to cross roads, The White Swan Public House is on the left and end of walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or damage to property.
PATHFINDER TRAIL
These three Trails originate from The Pathfinder Walk which was organised by Dick Jarvis of 73 Sqn Walking Club and ran for 17 years up to 2014.
This was a well supported event over the years. After it finished, Havac club members suggested that it would be a good idea to set up trails based on the event, and the routes it used. So that ‘s the origin of these Trails.
Lancaster 14k Mosquito 23k Halifax 27k
These permanent trails are available anytime.
Print this walk to take with you.
MOSQUITO TRAIL
DISTANCE: 23k
START VENUE: The White Swan, Conington. CB23 4LN Map 153 Grid Reference TL 322667
CAR PARKING: There is free parking at the pub. ( A note in the front of the car or telling the landlord, if the pub is open, would be appreciated).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None
TERRAIN: Minor roads, farmland, woods, bridleways, footpaths. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: At the pub, if open. There are shops/pubs on route.
TOILETS: At start, if the pub is open.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Updated March 2017)
Exit car park over footbridge to the left of The White Swan’s main entrance. Turn right on road (High Street) with care and follow to its junction with School Lane. Turn left and almost immediately turn right onto a footpath, signposted to Elsworth.
Follow the path through the trees and out into a field. Bear right and left then continue straight ahead along left edge of five fields, trees/hedge on left. In corner of second field cross a footbridge. In the third field pass a reservoir on the right, behind bushes, and then through a kissing gate. In corner of next field (fourth) cross a footbridge and continue. In corner of the fifth field veer left and cross a footbridge into a path between houses to road in Elsworth.
At road turn right and follow it round to the left. Keep straight ahead into Paddock Row to its junction with the main road. Go straight across with care into Brook Street, sign posted Village Only. Continue along Brook Street on the right hand side with the brook on the left, then straight on along a footpath.
At the end, where the footpath turns left over the brook, bear right through a kissing gate, signposted to St Neots Road, into an overgrown field. Follow the obvious path up bank to a gate in left hand corner of field. Go through gate and continue ahead along edge of three fields, hedge on left. At end of third field go through gap and turn left down to a brook. Turn right and follow the brook to a metal bridge.
Cross the bridge and bear slightly right along a grass path with an overgrown area and trees on right. At trees continue ahead on farm track and follow into next field. At corner of the second field turn left with track uphill, hedge on right. At top bear right with track passing fishing lakes on left into a farm.
Continue through the buildings along a concrete track to the main road and turn left on grass verge to roundabout. At roundabout turn left on a concrete road to Cold Harbour Farm, signposted to Knapwell.
At the end of the concrete road go straight ahead through two gates (usually open), trees on right. Straight on along edge of two fields, ditch on right. At bottom corner of second field, at trees, turn right on a grass track between large trees and pass a pond on the left.
Continue ahead on track, bearing left, hedge on right. Just before a sharp right bend in the track and at end of hedge turn right through hedge (way marked). Continue down field edge, hedge on left, to road in Knapwell.
At road, turn left, cross with care and in about 20 metres turn right down a byway, signposted to Childerley. Pass a pumping station on the right and cross a stream. After about 10 metres turn right through hedge and over a footbridge into field. Continue along field edge, hedge on left. Where the hedge bears left and the field on the right is at its narrowest cross the field to the trees opposite and continue with trees/hedge on right.
At field corner turn left up field edge (way marked) hedge on right. Go through gap in hedge at top corner and keep to edge of wood on right to reach a fence. Turn left and follow fence to stile. Cross stile and ahead diagonally left through field to farm buildings. At farm, turn right onto a roadway passing in front of the buildings.
At far end of farmhouse garden turn left along a way marked bridleway. Follow this track around the field edge, trees/hedge on left, then turn right between fields (way marked). Through a wide gap in the hedge line and ahead on a wide grass track between fields to a tarmac road at Childerley Hall. Turn left towards the buildings. Follow road round to the right, Childerley Hall on the right. Just after Long Barn on the left, at road junction, turn left on a wide, concrete roadway.
At end of buildings on right, bear right across the grass to a gate (way marker on post).
Pass through the gate and ahead across the meadow to a gate in the top left hand corner. Through the gate onto a bridleway and ahead for about 2.5Km to reach minor crossroads in Lolworth. Turn left into Redlands Road signposted bridleway to Boxworth.
Continue straight on and follow the concrete road downhill to Yarmouth Farm. Go through the farm and ahead over a bridge and uphill along a bridleway between fields. Continue straight on with hedge on right and then bearing slightly right to pass between ponds to Boxworth Manor House the on right.
Keep straight ahead to main road. Cross with care into a wide entrance to a farm road, signposted bridleway to Conington. Pass through gate to New Barns Farm and follow track passing buildings on right. Continue on track over ditch and turn left in field along the right hand side of ditch (way marked). At field corner turn right uphill (way marked) towards a small Oak tree.
NOTE: Fields on right, behind wire fence, are ” soil borrow pits” for the A14 road improvements.
Stay on this grass track, pass the small Oak tree on left. Continue straight on, later with a hedge/ditch on left. Enter the next field between yellow and black posts, hedge/ditch still on left. At gap in hedge on left (careful easily missed), way marked, turn left and right through gap into field and ahead now with hedge on right.
Through a field gate into a meadow (please shut gate behind you). Straight on through meadow, hedge on right. At end of meadow cross a gated bridge (please shut gates behind you) and continue ahead in next meadow to gate at road. Through gate onto road (please shut gate behind you) and turn right into Conington. Pass School Lane on the left and back to The White Swan Public House and end of walk.
When you have completed this trail, please use the Permanent Trail Entry Form.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property. Every effort will be made by the organisers to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.
PATHFINDER TRAIL
These three Trails originate from The Pathfinder Walk which was organised by Dick Jarvis of 73 Sqn Walking Club and ran for 17 years up to 2014.
This was a well supported event over the years. After it finished, HAVAC club members suggested that it would be a good idea to set up trails based on the event, and the routes it used.
Lancaster 14k Mosquito 23k Halifax 27k
These permanent trails are available anytime.
Print this walk to take with you.
LANCASTER TRAIL
DISTANCE: 13k
START VENUE: The White Swan, Conington. CB23 4LN Map 153 Grid Reference TL 322667
CAR PARKING: There is free parking at the pub. ( A note in the front of the car or telling the landlord, if the pub is open, would be appreciated).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None
TERRAIN: Minor roads, farmland, woods, bridleways, footpaths. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: At the pub, if open. There are shops/pubs on route.
TOILETS: At start, if the pub is open.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Updated February 2018).
Exit car park over footbridge to the left of The White Swan’s main entrance. Turn right on road (High Street) with care and follow to its junction with School Lane. Turn left and almost immediately turn right onto a footpath, signposted to Elsworth.
Follow the path through the trees and out into a field. Bear right and left then continue straight ahead along left edge of five fields, trees/hedge on left. In corner of second field cross a footbridge. In the third field pass a reservoir on the right, behind bushes, and then through a kissing gate. In corner of next field (fourth) cross a footbridge and continue. In corner of the fifth field veer left and cross a footbridge into a path between houses to road in Elsworth.
At road turn left to footpath finger post and walk between houses into a small housing estate (Roger’s Close). Turn right and continue straight up estate road to T junction with main road. Turn left and almost immediately turn rigfht into The Drift (there is a footpath finger post to Knapwell on the right).
Keep straight ahead up The Drift passing the church on the right.
The road becomes a track and goes through a gate into a field (RSPB notice board on left).
Continue straight along track for about 2k.
At wide gap in hedge on left, where the track turns sharp right, turn left through hedge. Go round to the right along field edge, following way markers. Turn left in field corner to kissing gate on right. Go through gate and turn left. At corner on right turn right down to another kissing gate and out onto the road in Knapwell.
Cross road with care and turn right. Almost immediately turn left at footpath, signposted to Childerley.
Go through kissing gate, down an enclosed path to another kissing gate and out into an overgrown grass field. Bear slightly right on a well-defined path keeping to the left of a tree stump and ahead to kissing gate in trees. Go through gate and cross footbridge to field edge.
Turn left and left again onto a footpath into the trees (nature reserve). Follow this path through the reserve. Towards its end is a notice board (Overall Grove) and bench on the right.
Continue to arrive at steps and footbridge.Turn right up these steps into a green field. Go ahead across the field following a feint path towards the top left hand corner of the field. On reaching corner of wood on left turn left with wood on left to a track.
Turn right on track towards an electricity post. Cross a concrete road and ahead on grass track, with hedge on right. At second gap in hedge, in field corner, turn right through gap and left to a kissing gate.
Go through the gate and down a grass track to a gate onto the road in Boxworth. Turn left on road and follow round to the right. At T-Junction cross the road with care and turn right on pavement to pass The Golden Ball Public House on left.
Continue along pavement to a footpath finger post and kissing gate in hedge on left, opposite Southerley House on right.
Go through gate into meadow and cross to a brown gate at the right hand end of a wire fence. Follow the feint path to the right towards the left side of a house and garden. Exit meadow through a small gate in corner, cross a track and into churchyard. Follow path ahead and exit churchyard at gate on right. Turn left down lane (Church Lane) to road.
Turn left along road and then left again into a wide entrance to a farm road, signposted bridleway to Conington. Pass through gate to New Barns Farm and follow track passing buildings on right. Continue on track over ditch into field. Turn left in field along the right hand side of the ditch (way marked) and at field corner turn right uphill (way marked) towards a small Oak tree.
NOTE: Fields on right, behind wire fence, are “soil borrow pits” for the A14 road improvements.
Stay on this grass track, pass the small Oak tree on left. Continue straight on, later with a hedge/ditch on left. Enter the next field between yellow and black posts, hedge/ditch still on left. At gap in hedge on left (careful easily missed), way marked, turn left and right through gap into field and ahead now with hedge on right.
Through a field gate into a meadow (please shut gate behind you). Straight on through meadow, hedge on right. At end of meadow cross a gated bridge (please shut gates behind you) and continue ahead in next meadow to gate at road. Through gate onto road (please shut gate behind you) and turn right into Conington. Pass School Lane on the left and back to The White Swan Public House and end of walk.
When you have completed this trail, please use the Permanent Trail Entry Form.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or damage to property. Every effort will be made by the organisers to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.
The trail is registered until December 2018.
PATHFINDER TRAIL
These three Trails originate from The Pathfinder Walk which was organised by Dick Jarvis of 73 Sqn Walking Club and ran for 17 years up to 2014.
This was a well supported event over the years. After it finished, HAVAC club members suggested that it would be a good idea to set up trails based on the event, and the routes it used.
Lancaster 14k Mosquito 23k Halifax 27k
These permanent trails are available anytime.
Print this walk to take with you.
CAMBRIDGE CIRCULAR WALK
DISTANCE: 10km
START VENUE: Drummer Street Bus Station CB1 1NQ (Map: 154 GR: TL452584)
CAR PARKING: This is a circular walk based on Cambridge Drummer Street bus station but can be started from anywhere around the route. Car parking can be a problem in Cambridge especially during the week, and expensive. Therefore it is recommended that you use the “Park and Ride”, or “rural” bus services, which disembark at or in the vicinity of Drummer Street Bus Station.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Cambridge is well served by both train and bus services.
TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads, and riverside paths. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: Can be purchased at various outlets in the city.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION ( Checked April 2022)
From Drummer Street bus station enter green, Christ’s Pieces. Bear right, towards The Grafton Centre. On reaching the pedestrian crossing, do not cross the road but turn left down Emmanuel Road into Short Street to the roundabout.
Go straight across into Victoria Avenue. Walk past Jesus College on the left,( Midsummer Common is on the right), and continue to the river bridge.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR WHEELCHAIRS
Immediately after passing Jesus College Grounds, turn left into Jesus Green. Follow the wide tree-lined footpath diagonally right across The Green to the river lock, bypassing question 1. Then continue with the route description from the lock.
Do not cross the bridge but turn left down steps into Jesus Green.
Walk along the path with the River Cam on your right to the lock.
At the lock turn left. Take the middle path of three to pass the toilet block on your left and cross Jesus Green towards a row of terraced houses. Leave Jesus Green and proceed along Lower Park Street. Bear left into Park Street and in about 70m, cross road with care and turn right into Round Church Street. At the next junction, the Round Church is on the left. Turn right into Bridge Street. St John’s College is on the left.
Continue along Bridge Street and cross the river at Magdalene Bridge into Magdalene Street. Magdalene College is on the right.
Carry straight on over traffic lights into Castle Street, and ahead to reach Cambridgeshire County Council offices, Shire Hall main entrance.
Continue along Castle Street . Cross road with care and walk towards traffic lights.
At traffic lights, turn left into Mount Pleasant. Cross Shelly Row on left with care, walk along the elevated foot way, and pass St Edmund’s College on right. The road bends sharp left to a crossroads.
Cross roads with care and turn right into Lady Margaret Road down to the main road, Madingley Road. Lucy Cavendish College is on the right.
Turn left and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left and follow pavement round to the right into Queen’s Road. Westminster College is on the left.
Continue along Queen’s Road to a pedestrian (zebra) crossing. Cross the road with care to the other side (entrance to St John’s College is in front), and turn right on pavement.
Continue along the left side of Queen’s Road.
At end of the metal railings continue on the slabbed path. This area is known as The Backs. Cross the access road to Trinity College on the left. Turn left at next road, Garret Hostel Lane (unmarked but opposite Burrell’s Walk at pedestrian crossing and telephone box on right). Continue down Garret Hostel Lane and cross the river.
Walk on passing between Trinity College on left and Trinity Hall on right into Trinity Lane and turn right.
After a short distance turn left into Senate House Passage and on to junction with Trinity Street. Turn right into Senate House Hill, pass Great St Mary’s Church on left and the Senate House on right.
Continue along King’s Parade, passing King’s College on right. Continue ahead into Trumpington Street, pass St Catharine’s College on the right, Corpus Christi College on the left. At junction with Silver Street turn right. Continue along Silver Street passing Queen’s College on the right, to the river bridge (the wooden bridge across the river on the right is the Mathematical Bridge).
Cross road with care and retrace footsteps back along Silver Street for about 20metres and turn right into Laundress Lane. At the end of Laundress Lane, turn right into Mill Lane.
Pass through metal gates/posts and over the river into Sheep’s Green. Turn left and follow path along river bank to first fork in path. Take the right hand path away from the river.
Cross two footbridges and at The “Millworks”, turn left to road, The Fen Causeway. Cross with care, using the pedestrian crossing into a green, Lammas Land.
After about 10metres turn left on path and continue, passing children’s play area and paddling pool on the left, to a barrier. Go through barrier and turn left. Cross two footbridges over river into Coe Fen and continue straight on. Follow path round right hand edge of field through a narrow stretch into the next field and turn left to road, (signed to Station and Cherry Hinton), Trumpington Road.
At road, turn left and head back towards the city centre. The University Botanical Gardens are on the right. Continue along left pavement until reaching second pedestrian crossing. Cross road at this point and continue along the right side of Trumpington Road to a set of mini roundabouts.
Turn right into Lensfield Road. Continue along road and cross at pedestrian crossing. The Polar Museum is on the right.
On reaching traffic lights, (the Roman Catholic Church is on the right), turn left into Regent Street. Pass the entrance to Downing College on left and continue ahead into St Andrew’s Street. St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church is on the left.
At traffic lights, (Emmanuel College is on the right), turn left into Downing Street and continue ahead. At the pedestrian crossing, cross road to the right hand side and continue in same direction, now along Pembroke Street. Pembroke College is on the left.
At the first road junction on the right, turn right into Free School Lane and pass the rear of Corpus Christi College on the left. At the end of Free School Lane turn right into Bene’t Street and left into Peas Hill. .
Continue into Market Hill. Aim for the diagonally opposite corner of the Market Square into Market Street. Walk down Market Street to its junction with Sidney Street and turn right.
Continue along Sidney Street passing Next, Marks and Spencer and Lloyds bank on left. Go straight on into St Andrew’s Street and pass the entrance to Christ’s College on left .
Cross road with care and at road junction turn left into Emmanuel Street, Emmanuel College is on the right.
Continue into Drummer Street and end of walk.
Well done! We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
THE WANDLEBURY TRAIL
DISTANCE: 10k
START VENUE: Magog Down Car Park, Haverhill Road, Stapleford, Cambridge. CB22 5FX This post code is for a group of cottages in Haverhill Road, beyond a small sign on the right for Magog Down and the car park (about 300 yards from the start of Haverhill Road.) (Map Ref: 154 TL 486 531).
CAR PARKING: Parking is available at the start.(£3.00 all day) Please note that there is a 2.1 metres height barrier at the entrance. Note what time the car park closes.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are some buses between Haverhill and Cambridge. Get off at Wandlebury, about ½ k from the start. The route is circular, so can be started at Wandlebury. There is no railway connection.
TERRAIN: A mixture of footpaths and country lanes. It is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: None at the start or in Wandlebury, but available at Gog Magog Hills Farm Shop, off A1307, opposite the entrance to Haverhill Road. (It is called Heath Farm on O.S map). It is closed on Mondays.
TOILETS: There are none at the start, but there are some within Wandlebury Park and at The Farm Shop.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (checked April 2021))
Exit car park and go through hand gate to the right of the notice board, onto the Down. Go straight ahead uphill along an obvious path to the left of tall trees, passing a tall wooden post on the way.
At trees turn right, trees and wire fence on left. Go round to the left and continue down to the corner of the field. Turn right here, and follow field edge, fence on left.
At trees, go through hand gate on the left in the corner and then left again down steps. The path turns left, between wire fences.
Continue along boardwalk and at junction of paths, keep to the right hand path (straight on), now with hedge on right and fence/trees on left.
In about 300 metres ignore hand gate on left. Keep straight ahead for about another 450 metres, fence on left, hedge on right, to junction of paths at trees
At junction, turn left on path between wire fences and trees.
After approximately 400 metres, the path turns left and in 20 metres turn right through hand gate in hedge to leave the down.
Cross the road with extreme care (A1307) to public byway opposite, sign posted to The Roman Road and Fulbourn.
Continue ahead on the byway going slightly uphill, woods on the left, fields on the right.
When dirt track goes left into the woods, go straight on along grassy track, woods on your left, fields on the right. Towards its end the track goes between trees.
At barrier, go through a gap to the right onto The Roman Road.
Cross The Roman Road to the notice board, to the left.
Leave Roman Road, through kissing gate opposite the notice board into the park. There is a footpath sign, to Wandlebury Ring and Cambridge. Go straight ahead on a wide path through woods.
In approximately 300m, at junction by a house turn left, then turn right on path inside the park, signposted to Emma’s Gate.
In about 300 metres, arrive at metal kissing gate ,(Emma’s Gate), and bench dedicated to Philip John Byers, on left. Turn right, signposted Car/Cycle Parking, Office – Inner Ring.
Go along path straight ahead, through trees.
The path goes right, then left. Continue ahead, then bear left and right into a wooded area, along a path which at first is parallel to the fence on your right.
At path junction, bear left , finger post indicating Car/Cycle Parking, Office – Inner Ring, Magog Down, then follow path to the right of the dog refuse bin.
A path joins from the right – continue straight ahead to the next junction, and bear left.
At tarmac road, bear left, then right. There is a finger post indicating Bus Stop, Trevelyan Gate, Car/cycle Parking and Magog Down.
Pass Cherry pond on your right, and a Wandlebury Information Board (Natural History) on your left.
Just before green barrier (usually open), take the path into the bushes on the right. The path has banks on each side.
(You are now walking around The Inner Ring Ditch.)
Pass under a small bridge. and continue ahead: pass over a mound.
In 300m at a second mound and cross paths, turn left through metal a kissing gate.
Go through the next gate in the wall – you are now entering Wandlebury, the remains of an Iron Age Hill Fort.
If access through these gates is denied (access maybe denied because of sheep grazing), back-track to the ditch, turn left and continue along ditch to top of next mound. Turn left to a gate in wall and go through to building, then continue with route description.
Continue straight ahead across grass towards an arch in the building
(At the building is an information centre where details of facilities, including other walks, are available. There are also toilets here).
Turn right at the buildings along a path sign posted “Nature Trail” – start, heading for a gate in the wall.
Go through the gate and straight ahead over the ditch to a junction of paths.
Turn right along this clear path/track, signposted Banyard Hide and Ely View Point.
In about 200 metres, turn left on another clear path/track signposted Banyard Hide, Ely View Point, and Roman Road. Bear right, then left, and then ahead with a line of trees on the left.
At the end of the trees, go left and immediately right, along a winding path through the trees.
Pass entrance to Banyard hide.
Continue straight on, sign posted Roman Road and Ely View Point. There is a field on the right behind some trees and a fence.
At the next finger post, just after a bench, turn left, signposted to Ely View Point, Roman Road.
The Gog Magog golf course comes into view on the left.
At the sharp right hand bend in path, turn left up a small rise to a bench.This is Ely View Point – from here on a clear day, Ely Cathedral can be seen on the horizon.
Return back down slope to the path, keep left and continue ahead to a junction of paths.
Turn left. There is a finger post pointing to Roman Road and Emma’s Gate. There are woods on the left, and a field on the right, behind a fence and a row of trees.
At next junction ,turn right , signposted Car/Cycle Parking, Office – Inner Ring, Magog Down.
At next junction, go right, then to the left of the dog refuse bin and immediately left again, along the path beside a hedge on left towards an old wooden building.
The path goes right then left around this building, and ahead, slightly downhill, woods on the right, a fence, hedge and field on the left.
At the bottom of the hill, turn right, walking parallel to the main road on the left. There is a finger post indicating Car/cycle parking.
Arrive at the car parking area, go through the overflow section to the tarmac road and turn right.
At the large covered notice board on the right, which gives much information about Wandlebury, cross the road and turn left down a footpath to the right of track (small park map noticeboard on left.) There is also a finger post on the right, amongst the branches of a tree, pointing to The Iron Age Ring Ditch.
Continue down this path for about 130 metres to reach a mound.
On top of the mound turn left and left again on path/track signposted to Bus Stop, Trevelyan Gate, Car/Cycle Parking, then at junction bear right.
At cross paths/tracks go straight over. The path then turns left back to the car parking area.
Turn right on tarmac road to the main entrance gate and exit Wandlebury Park.
Cross the main road (A1307 – dual carriageway) with great care to the hand gate opposite. Go through this gate and turn right to the next hand gate on the left. DO NOT GO THROUGH THIS GATE, but turn left along the right hand path through the trees to the next gate on right.
Go through this gate onto the Down and turn left, fence on left, up to tall trees.
At trees, turn right and round to the left.Turn right again at top, down hill on the footpath used at start of walk, passing the tall wooden post, to the hand gate and pass through to exit the Downs.
The car park is ahead of you.
Well done! We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
FEN DITTON (TOBACCO FOR SOLDIERS WW1) WALK
START VENUE: High Street Fen Ditton, Cambs. CB5 8ST. Map 154 GR TL 483604
If you are using The Park and Ride, you can start at the bus station in Drummer Street.
If you are combining it with The Grantchester Walk, you can start from The Market Square in Cambridge.
CAR PARKING: Opposite the church, and The King’s Head, is a parking area. If this is full, there is plenty of street parking.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None.
TERRAIN: Footpaths and cycleways across commons (can be wet and muddy in places, especially in winter), public roads, pavements and pedestrian only areas in Cambridge.
REFRESHMENTS: None at the start but there are various places to eat and drink in Cambridge.
TOILETS: There are none at the start, but there are some on the route through Cambridge.
DISTANCE: 11k
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Checked FEBRUARY 2022)
This walk can be combined with The Grantchester PT, changing routes at The Market Square in Cambridge.
Walk down lane (High Street), church on right. At bottom, turn left and right through the right hand gate into Ditton Meadows. Bear right across the meadow to the river Cam and turn left on river bank. Continue along river bank, passing through a gate into the next part of meadow.
At end of meadow, cross a dirt bridge onto a tarmac path/cycleway and bear right towards river bridges.
At bridges, go through barrier on right onto path going under the bridges into Stourbridge Common.
Continue straight ahead on tarmac path/cycleway, river still on right, soon to pass a large footbridge on right over river.
At the end of the common, go through metal gate onto a public road (Riverside), and keep ahead.
Pass The Museum of Technology (tall chimney) on the left, then immediately turn left along a cycleway, signposted Newmarket Road ¼.
Turn right at the top of the slope (ignore first turning to the right) and walk across the front of Tesco stores. (Toilets inside – but the supermarket is not open until 11:00 a.m. on Sundays)
At the end of the store, turn right, then after a few metres, turn left through a gap in the hedge/fence. Continue ahead to cross a forecourt, then a road, (River Lane) and go down Beche Road, which is opposite, to its end.
Turn left into Abbey Road and continue ahead to a roundabout. Turn right (underpass) down the steps, turn left, then right through a tunnel to an open area in the centre of the roundabout. Take the passage directly opposite, and turn right up the slope to reach Newmarket Road. (Sign on railings the other side of the road).Continue ahead. Pass The Cambridge Buddhist Centre on the left, and later The Burleigh Arms on the right. Newmarket Road becomes Maids Causeway, and continues to a roundabout. (Four Lamps).
At roundabout, turn left into Short Street, then in about 50 metres, cross road WITH CARE at zebra crossing, into Christ’s Pieces, church on right.
Go straight ahead to the tennis courts. Turn left in front of the courts, then bear half right and pass through Princess Diana’s Gardens. [You pass under a metal arch].
Continue ahead, to the right hand side of Drummer Street bus station, and along lane. (This is an alternative starting point. Go through Drummer Street Station to the end, and turn left to join the route).
This is Christ’s Lane, shops on left, wall of Christ College buildings on right. At the main road, cross the road with care , turn right, St. Andrew the Great Church on left, entrance to Christ College on opposite side of the road. (colourful arch) Follow the road (St. Andrews Street)round to the left into Petty Cury , and continue ahead to The Market Square. Continue ahead, passing The Guildhall on the left. At the corner, turn right.
(This is where walkers can combine this walk with the walk from Grantchester).
In a few steps, turn left into St Mary’s Passage, church behind railings on right, to Senate House Hill ( The Senate House is opposite and Kings College is opposite to the left..
Turn right into Senate House Hill, to pass the main door of Great St.
Keep straight on in Trinity Street, passing Gonville & Caius and Trinity College on the left. Trinity Street becomes St. John’s Street: pass St. John’s College, also on the left. Keep straight ahead to road junction, (The Round Church is opposite) .
Turn left into Bridge Street. Cross the road when it is safe to do so, and continue to the river bridge (Magdelene Bridge). DO NOT CROSS BRIDGE, but turn right into Quayside [Magdalene College is on the other side of the river] (There are toilets here in a building on the right, before you get to the wooden plank pathway – between Prezzo and Foy cafe/bar). Follow the path (boardwalk), river on left, to enter Jesus Green.
Continue straight on in Jesus Green, keeping to the footpath beside the river. On route, you will pass a lock on the left, (toilets on right at lock) a swimming pool,( Jesus Green Lido), and go under Victoria Avenue Road Bridge (The name does not appear on the bridge) into Midsummer Common. Keep going ahead, river still on left. You will also pass Fort St. George Restaurant on the right.. College boathouses are on the opposite bank of the river.
After passing under Elizabeth Way Road Bridge,(again no name on the bridge) continue along the road (Riverside) to eventually pass The Museum of Technology (Tall chimney) again on the right.
At large footbridge on the left, over river: DO NOT CROSS .Keep to the right and enter Stourbridge Common.
Immediately take the footpath to the right heading away from the river.
At path junction, turn left, and in about 50 metres, turn right on a a rough path, heading towards a large footbridge over railway track in distance.
Cross the railway footbridge, and then cross a small river footbridge onto a tarmac track (Chisholm Trail) and turn right. In a few metres, at a track junction, then turn left, signposted Fen Ditton 3/4. Keep on track until it makes a sharp right turn.
Turn left through barrier into Ditton Meadows and immediately turn right on tarmac footpath, hedge and houses on right.
In corner of meadow, go through a barrier and veer right to path junction. Turn left and keep left on tarmac path/cycleway, signposted Fen Ditton.
Continue straight on to church in Fen Ditton and the end of the walk.
Well done! We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
HILTON WW1 ARMISTICE WALK
START VENUE: The White Swan, Conington, CB23 4LN. Map 154 grid ref TL322666.
CAR PARKING: There is free parking at the pub (A note in the front of the car or telling the landlord if the pub is open, would be appreciated).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None
TERRAIN: Minor roads, farmland, bridleways, footpaths. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: At the pub, if open.
TOILETS: At the start, if pub is open.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION Updated January 2018.
Exit The Swan car park through the main vehicular entrance, and turn left along the road with care for about 1k.
At the second farm track on the left, (broken wooden footpath finger post in hedge on left), turn left onto track and after about 50 metres go round the gate.
Follow the track, hedge on left. In about 1.3k, pass a cattle grid and tank on left. The track now becomes a grass track. Pass under three power lines, and then, in about 130 metres, at large gap in hedge, just after a narrow band of trees on left, turn left then right through the gap and continue now with hedge/ditch on right. At the corner of the field, go straight on.
At corner of hedge, turn right with hedge, then, in about 150 metres, turn left along a grass path between small trees/fields to junction with a dirt track.
You will retrace your steps to this point after visiting the church in Hilton.
Turn right along track and go through a gate into the village green in Hilton. Bear left on a tarmac lane and follow it to the main road.
Turn left on road and pass a sign ‘The Green’ on the right. Just before the ford (could be dry), in front of a white thatched cottage on right, turn right towards the cottage, then, almost immediately, turn left on a footpath.
Go over a footbridge, then a second footbridge, to arrive at a Lych Gate into the Churchyard.
This gate was built in remembrance of the young men of the village who gave their lives in The First World War.
Retrace your steps over the two footbridges and back towards the village green.
At the 40mph signs bear right along a tarmac lane, village green on left. At end of lane go through a gate, still retracing your steps (public bridleway sign) and walk along the dirt track.
At the next track junction, with a finger post hidden in hedge, ignore the public footpath to the left, (the one you previously came along), but go through the hedge and follow the public bridleway which bears left then turns right between hedge on left and wire fence on right.
After approximately 350 metres, go left through a gap in the hedge, then turn immediately right along footpath, field on left, hedge on right.
In about 100 metres, continue ahead along grassy path between fields.
In about 450 metres, at junction, turn right along track between fields. At the bend, go left (way marked). The track becomes a concrete track, which winds its way to the farm.
Pass to the right of barns.
At junction of tracks in farm, ignore the way marker arrow pointing to the right, but continue straight ahead along a track between fields. The track is concrete at first.
When the track goes left, ignore a grassy track ahead, but turn left with track, which goes downhill.
Please note that the tracks from here to the reservoir are not public rights of way.
Permission to walk them on this challenge walk has been given by the farmer,
Mr Malcolm Broughton.
The track goes right, then just after some trees on the right, goes right again, uphill.
Ignore a grassy track to the right, just before a clump of trees on the right. Pass these trees, and follow track as it bears left, going downhill.
At cross tracks, go straight ahead, on track, hedge on right field on left.
Ignore a track to the left just before the reservoir. (This is the man-made structure you can see ahead of you to the left – a raised area surrounded by trees/bushes)
Continue ahead to the next corner of the reservoir and turn left along a grassy track , reservoir on left, trees on right.
At the end of reservoir and trees on left, go straight ahead along grassy track on field edge, field on left, trees on right.
In corner of field go over a wooden bridge (yellow arrow), through bushes then along a grassy track on the field edge again. In corner of field carry on straight ahead.
In corner of next field path bears very slightly right then goes left into an enclosed path through trees. Leave the enclosed area and continue ahead to road.
Turn left on road and follow it round to the right into the High Street. Continue along this road to cross roads.
At the cross roads on the left is a wooden footbridge that takes you back into the pub car park, and the finish.
Well Done.
We hope you have enjoyed the walk
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
THE BALSHAM TRAIL
START VENUE: Recreation Ground/Church car park, Church Lane, Balsham. CB21 4DS . OS map LR154 Grid Ref TL587508
CAR PARKING There is free parking at the start.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT; There is a very limited bus service from Cambridge.
TERRAIN: Most of the walk goes along The Fleam Dyke and Roman Road Trail.
REFRESHMENTS: Available in Balsham: Black Bull Inn, The Bell Inn & The Old Butchers Cafe
ROUTE DESCRIPTION checked April 2022
Leave car park and turn right, away from the church, along the narrow entrance road (Church Lane) to the green, and keep left to the main road.
Before the main road bends sharp left, cross the road (High Street) with care to The Post Office, and go ahead into Woodhall Lane on the right.
Go down Woodhall Lane. Ignore all signposted footpaths leading off the lane.
In about 750 metres,pass Woodhall Farm on the left. The lane becomes a track, and goes left and right.
In about another 700 metres, the track becomes a grassy track,
Continue ahead to reach a junction – red arrows opposite. Turn left, along grassy track. (Roman Road).
Track opens up, hedge on left, large open fields on the right.
Continue ahead to a minor public road (Dean Road) . Much of the track is downhill.
Go straight over road with care, along bridleway.
Go over wooden bridge. The path goes ahead uphill between hedges, then widens out into a grassy track, which still goes uphill, hedge on left, field on right.
In about 500 metres, a dirt track joins from the left.
In about 150 metres, the dirt track goes right. Continue straight ahead, downhill along a grassy track, hedge on left, field on right.
In about 500 metres in the bottom of a dip, at a junction with a deep ditch on the right, turn right along a grassy track between fields, with a ditch on the left.
In the corner of the second field , go over a wooden bridge, with a yellow arrow on it, then turn right to pass through a kissing gate.
Turn left towards houses, fence on left, field on right. There is a yellow arrow.
Go through a second kissing gate (yellow arrow),into an overgrown area, and between a house and a bungalow, to arrive at an estate road. Go straight across into a narrow footpath between houses/wooden fences to reach main road in Horseheath.
Turn left on roadside footpath to the end of red brick houses on the left (house number 4 – Springfield Cottage.)
Turn left, signposted public footpath to Streetly End. Go up a short track into a field.Keep to the right, trees on right, to a footbridge on right.
Go over bridge into a field and go diagonally left across the field to a kissing gate. Go through the gate and cross a track into a footpath between paddocks (wire fences), heading to a hedge.
At hedge, go through a gate, down steps in hedge into a footpath crossing (bridleway).
DO NOT CROSS THIS BRIDLEWAY, but turn left between hedgerows to a wide track (Roman Road) Continue along grass track, hedge on right, field on left.
Track soon goes downhill, and at the bottom, turn right through a gap to the left of a large field gate onto a grass track with hedge on left. Continue to the end and go through gap to left of field gate onto a minor public road. Turn left on road, and pass Streetly Hall Estate on the left.
Continue along this minor road with care for about 600 metres to a road junction.
Turn right, proceed WITH CARE along the road, for about 500 metres.
About 100 metres after disused pit on right, which is back from the road behind locked, rusty gates , take footpath to left, (signposted), uphill at first, then downhill, hedge on right, field on left.
In the corner of the fields, cross over wooden bridge and continue ahead, uphill.
In about 150 metres, the path bears right beside hedge, grassy area to the left.
In the corner, go through a gap in the hedge – there are yellow arrows on a post the other side of the gap. Bear right on grassy path uphill, along field edge, hedge/trees on the right, field on left.
In the corner of the field, follow public byway (signposted to Balsham), along grassy track, water tower to the left.
Ignore track on the left leading to the water tower, and follow track as it bears right.
Continue to the road in Balsham.
Bear left along the pavement through the village, passing, on the left, Princes Close, Horseshoe Close and Bartons Close, to reach The Bell.
At the junction by The Bell , turn right, cross the road with care into West Wratting Road. After about 100 metres, turn left, and cross the road with care into School Lane.
Keep ahead and enter the churchyard.
Go through the churchyard, church on right, to car park on right and the end of the walk.
Well done! We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
RUPERT BROOKE WW1 ARMISTICE WALK
DISTANCE: 10K
START VENUE: The Rupert Brooke Pub, Grantchester. CB3 9NQ
PARKING: There is plenty of street parking outside the pub. The car park of the pub is quite small and it gets very busy at lunch times, so please park on the road side.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are buses (number 18) between Grantchester and Cambridge.
TERRAIN: A mixture of footpath, permissive paths, and country lanes. It is not suitable for pushchairs.
REFRESHMENTS: There are pubs, restaurants and tea rooms in Grantchester.
TOILETS: None available.
[Rupert Chawner Brooke was born in Rugby, Warwickshire in 1887. He was educated at two Independent Schools in Rugby, Hillbrow School and Rugby School. When he left school and was travelling in Europe, he prepared a thesis entitled “John Webster and The Elizabethan Drama.” This won him a scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge, which he attended from 1906 to 1909, gaining a second class degree.
In June 1909, he moved out of Cambridge to escape his hectic social life, and to continue with work on his dissertation about John Webster. He boarded with Mr & Mrs Stevenson, at The Orchard, Grantchester, a village that Brooke really fell in love with. However, the Stevensons became tired of his “free and easy ways”, and he did not get on well with his fellow lodgers. As a result, just before Christmas 1910, he moved next door to The Old Vicarage, and became a lodger of Mr and Mrs Neeve. He also travelled extensively, in particular to Tahiti, where he met a local woman, Tahata Mata. She became pregnant, and gave him a daughter, Alice Rapola.
Despite his apparent happiness, he decided to return to England in the Spring of 1914.In September, 1914, just before the start of The First World War, Brooke volunteered for active service. He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy volunteer reserves. He was sent to Belgium, where he came under heavy bombardment during the retreat from Antwerp.
On his return from Antwerp, towards the end of 1914, he wrote his most famous poem, The Soldier, and the immortal lines:
“If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England.”
In February, 1915, Brooke was ordered to The Dardanelles – a strait between Europe and Turkey - for the Gallipoli campaign, planned for the spring. However, during the journey ,he contracted blood poisoning from an insect bite, and he died on a ship in The Aegean Sea, and was buried in an olive grove on the Greek island of Skyros.”
ROUTE DESCRIPTION Updated January 2018.
Take the road opposite The Rupert Brooke Pub – Coton Road. Pass Stulpfield Road on the left.
Turn left into Bridle Way.
Pass through wooden poles in road, and continue ahead towards M11 (way marked).
Cross footbridge over M11.
Turn left along track beside M11.
At Signpost to Haslingfield, turn right, then go between posts at second sign post. Follow path, hedge on the left, young trees on the right.
At the end of the young trees, there is a notice board on the right about The Millennium Wood.
Continue ahead along the path, and go through a gap – there is a hedge at right angles to the gap. Follow the path for approximately 400 metres as, at first,it twists left and right. In the corner of the field, go through a gap to a way marker. Turn right along path through trees.
Cross a wooden bridge, and turn right along a grassy track beside the river. (way marked).
In about 200 metres, follow the river round to the right. (do NOT go straight on).In about another 200 metres, go through a gap in the hedge – way marked.
In about 400 metres, by an old tree stump, bear right (way marked), crossing a dyke over an earthen bridge.
In about 400 metres, at the junction of paths with a field ahead, turn right, following the river.
In the corner of the field, turn left (do NOT go through a gap in the hedge), hedge/trees on the right, field on the left. The path goes slightly uphill.
In the corner of the field, turn left and follow grassy track next to the wire fence.
To the right is what is left of the old Bedford to Cambridge Railway line. It is now used for The Travelling Telescope, a part of The Radio Astronomy Observatory.
The grassy track becomes a concrete track – continue straight ahead.
At the end of the concrete track, turn left along grassy track (way marked)
Cross wooden bridge (again). Follow path through wooded area
At junction and way marker, bear right. Follow the track and cross the bridge over the M11.
Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right along a grassy track permissive path – way marked) beside the M11 at first then a river, tall hedge/trees on the right, field on the left. Follow the track for about 800 metres, as it twists and turns along field edge, to reach the corner of the field.
Go through a metal gate onto a road, and turn left.
At the next junction, turn right along concrete road between an avenue of trees, (way marked).
Follow the road round to the left, and go through a gap beside a metal gate, and continue to the road.
Turn right, and cross the road WITH CARE. Take the path on the left before the bridge over the river, and follow it the reach a road.
At road, turn right.
Immediately on your right is The Old Vicarage. Rupert Brooke lodged here at the top of the house in his time at Cambridge. There is a statue of him immediately in front of you.
The next building on the right is The Orchard. There is a cafe here, where you can buy refreshments. There is also a small cupboard of Rupert Brooke memorabilia and photos of Brooke and his friends, which the manager, Patrice, is happy for you to go and look at.
After you leave The Orchard, on the next corner, behind a wall with a small fence on top of it, is a white house, number 45. There is a plaque on the house, commemorating the time Rupert Brooks stayed in Grantchester. Sadly, it is on a private house, which is not accessible, and the plaque itself is difficult to see, and even more difficult to read.
Follow the road through the village to reach the churchyard.
Leave the churchyard, and follow the road ahead back to the pub.
Well Done!
We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or damage to property.
Print this walk to take with you.
GRANTCHESTER WW1 ARMISTICE WALK
This walk goes into Cambridge, where it is possible to join the Walk from Fen Ditton, complete that walk, then complete this walk back to Grantchester. The point to change routes is The Market Square.
START VENUE: The Red Lion, Grantchester. Cambridge. CB3 9NF. On my satnav, the post code took me to a point on the opposite side of the road to the pub.
CAR PARKING: Free parking is available at the start. Permission to use the car park was granted when the trail was set up by a gentleman called Julian. Do not worry about the notice saying car park for customers only. Should you experience any problems, speak to Julian. (Or someone else if Julian is not available, or has left).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are some buses between Cambridge and Grantchester. There is no rail link.
TERRAIN: Footpaths across meadows (can be wet and muddy in places, especially in winter), public roads and footpaths in Cambridge.
REFRESHMENTS: There are pubs and a tea room in Grantchester, and various places to eat and drink in
Cambridge.
TOILETS: There are none at the start, but there are some on the route through Cambridge.
DISTANCE: 10k
ROUTE DESCRIPTION : checked April 2022.
Exit through gate on the left at rear Red Lion car park into Grantchester Meadows. Go straight ahead along obvious path across the grass to the river Cam and turn left. The footpath now follows the river bank for approximately 1.4k, passing through a number of gates and over a number of footbridges. The path then leaves the river and bears left to a tarmac path. Turn right, and continue along the path through metal gate to a wide track with a car parking facilities, then ahead to a minor public road.
Continue ahead to a Y junction and keep right along road. (This is Grantchester Meadows – there are signs both end). At the end of the road, bear right, then immediately left to enter a Nature Reserve, to the right.
Bear left and continue to follow the path (Riverside Walk) along the river bank, and then pass a car parking area on the left to reach metal railings. [There are toilets next to the paddling pool ahead, beyond the railings].
Turn right at railings, cross a river bridge into Sheep's Green, then bear right to cross a large river bridge into Coe Fen. Go through the gate at far end of bridge, , then turn immediately left along a grass path, with the river on your left behind some tress, and continue ahead to reach a road (The Fen Causeway). Go through a small black gate, cross the road WITH CARE, using Pedestrian Crossing to the right, to a small gate opposite. Go through the gate, still in Coe Fen,and follow footpath to a footbridge on the left. Cross the footbridge, and turn right on a tarmac footpath, now back in Sheep's Green.
With the river on the right, continue ahead, ignoring all footpaths to the left, to arrive at the millpond.
At the end of the path, turn right over a bridge through barriers, then walk up Mill Lane to a junction. Cross the road (Trumpington Street) with care into Pembroke Street opposite (College on right). Take next left, by signpost, to walk along Free School Lane, passing Cavendish Laboratories on the right. At junction, turn right in Bene't Street, pass The Bath public house on the left, then turn left into Peas Hill and on to The Market Square.
This is the point where you can switch to The Fen Ditton Walk.
Continue ahead in The Market Square for a few steps, and then turn left into St. Mary's Passage, church behind railings on right, to its end. The Senate House is opposite to the right.
Turn left into King's Parade with Kings College opposite, and continue ahead, crossing Bene't Steeet to The Corpus Clock on the corner
Continue ahead. St Catharine’s College is on the opposite side of the road. The entrance to Corpus Christi College is on the left. Cross the road with care , and take the next right turn into Silver Street. Cross over a bridge by The Anchor Pub, with Queen’s College on the right. [The Mathematical Bridge can be seen to the right).On the other side of the bridge – there are toilets on the other side of the road, - continue on foot path round to the right, and continue to bear right, keeping grassy area known as The Backs, on your left at first, then along the path between areas of grass. At the road by the traffic lights, go ahead on the footpath for about 15 metres, then pass the entrance to King’s College on the right. There are excellent views of King’s College Chapel. Continue head on a path beside the stream, with a grassy area to the left. Pass the entrance to Clare College, then continue ahead along path towards a path junction. Turn left. Cross the main road (Queen's Road)using the pedestrian crossing (telephone kiosk opposite on right), and go straight ahead along Burrell's Walk. In approximately 100 metres, turn left through wrought iron gates into Cambridge University Library Complex (the library building is on the right)
Continue ahead for about 600 metres, to a road, West Road. Cross the road with care , then turn right, passing The Music College on the left. At the junction, turn left into Grange Road, then go straight ahead, passing Selwyn College and Newnham Colleges on the left.
At the end of the road, use the traffic lights to cross the road (Barton Road), then continue ahead on Kings Road, slightly to the right. At the corner, bear right onto Selwyn Road, and continue to a junction. Turn left. (Grantchester Road), and go ahead with care. In about 150 metres, there are playing fields on both sides of the road.
Continue along the road WITH CARE and at the speed de-restriction sign and finger post, turn right then immediately left through kissing gate into field onto a permissive path along the field edge, hedge on left.
At field corner, with metal bar gate on the left, turn left through the gate. Cross the road WITH CARE and go through another metal bar gate into another field. (There are finger posts on both sides of the road).
In the field, immediately turn left, hedge on left. Follow the permissive path around the field edge to reach a wooden kissing gate.
Go through the gate, then at tarmac footpath, turn right, hedge on right. (You are now back in Grantchester Meadows.)
After about 500 metres, pass through a kissing gate, or go over the grid beside it.
Continue ahead for about another 500 metres, passing through a second kissing gate or over a grid beside it, and then through a third, kissing gate, or over a grid beside it, to reach the rear of the car park at The Red Lion and the end of the walk.
Well done.
We hope you have enjoyed the walk.
Print this walk to take with you.
Start: Old Red Lion, Horseheath. Post Code CB21 4QF Distance 10k Car Parking: there is free car parking at the pub. Please leave a note in your windscreen, or advise someone in the pub. Public transport: buses (13 & 13A) run between Cambridge and Haverhill, passing the pub. Terrain:footpaths, tracks and minor roads. It is not suitable for push chairs Refreshments: the pub is also a hotel, so breakfasts are available for early starters. Coffee is also available during the day. Route Description checked April 2022 Exit car park, turn right on roadside footpath and walk into village. At large gap in hedge line turn left on grass track, hedge on left. At next corner of wood continue straight on across field heading towards left corner of wood. Keep to path with wood on right then a hedge. In corner of field, where track meets hedge and turns right, go to left of hedge and through into next field. Enter a field and ahead on a waymarked grass track, hedge on right. Turn left over the footbridge and ahead through field towards footbridge in trees, white thatched cottage about 100 metres over to right (path may not have been reinstated). Leave church gate and turn right on road with care – use left-hand grass verge to speed de-restriction signs. About 200 metres past entrance to Streetly Hall Estate, at footpath signpost, turn right through gate into field. Walk up field edge grass track, hedge on right, to another gate. Through this gate and ahead passing between house and bungalow onto an estate road. Well done! We hope you have enjoyed the walk.HORSEHEATH COUNTRYSIDE WALK
OS Landranger Map 154 Grid Reference TL609472
Pass the cricket ground on right and cross road with care. Continue out of village on left-hand roadside footpath.
After last house on left (East-End Cottage) bear left on signposted footpath going diagonally through fields.
Cross a waymarked wooden footbridge and continue ahead, electricity poles along path (paths may not have been reinstated).
On reaching an open field continue straight ahead across field to top end of opposite hedge and footbridge (path may not have been reinstated).
At junction with gravel track do not cross footbridge but turn right on track.
Pass wood on left and at corner of wood and junction of tracks turn left on grass track, wood on left.
At end of hedge path turns right and left between fields and becomes a grass track.
Cross this field diagonally right towards a small red brick building (path may not have been reinstated).
At hedge turn left, hedge on right, t
Keep on grass round left of a farm building to reach a triangular area of grass with large tree on left.
Keep straight ahead to fir tree hedge and turn right along lane to its end.
In corner of field path enters wood and keeps to the left-hand edge just inside the wood.
Exit wood and straight on, hedge on left.
In field corner enter a partially enclosed waymarked path and continue to wooden footbridge on left at cross paths careful – easily missed.
At hedge do not cross footbridge but turn left along field edge on a grass path.
In field corner pass through gap in hedge. Go left then right, paddocks to left, tall hedge on right.
At gate directly ahead do not go through but turn right along a waymarked track to hand gate.
Go through hand gate and cross grass area to telegraph pole and road.
Turn left on roadside footpath and walk through village (West Wickham). At road junction turn right, signposted Balsham and Fulbourn, to church gate on right.
At field entrance on left and footpath signpost, turn left onto a grass track between fields.
At hedge go through gap into next field, ditch on right.
Keep ahead towards farm buildings and reach a minor road.
Turn left on road and pass Streetly Hall Estate on right.
Through this gate and turn right on track (Roman Road) for about 40 metres.
Turn left on field edge path, deep ditch on left and continue to hedge in corner of field.
Cross a waymarked footbridge then through a kissing gate into a meadow.
Turn left in meadow, keep to bottom edge towards houses and another kissing gate.
Turn right on road then left at road junction in estate.
At next road junction leave the estate (Audley Way) and turn right.
Keep on tarmac footpath bearing round to the right to the main road and bus stop.
At bus stop, cross road with care and turn right back to the Old Red Lion and end of walk.