2022 Walks
This is the set of 2022 Saturday Walks to October 2022 - after the last two years we're getting walking again, and aiming to get back to normal. The remainder of the year's Saturday walks will be decided at the September AGM.
We are piloting running monthly Friday walks over the summer, which are shorter and generally easier than the Saturday walks. These are shown below, after the Saturday walks list, to save confusion.
Anyone wanting to come along on a walk is asked to send an email to fenedge.footpathgroup@gmail.com which will be communicated to the walk organiser. This system is currently in process of being replaced by googlegroup email, so please use this group email instead once you have subscribed.
For planning reasons most organisers prefer more than one weeks notice if you'd like to join the walk.
15th January 2022
Details:
A walk to Northstowe with an amble around their new Water / Nature park phase 1
This will be a clean ish out and back walk with a loop around Rampton to look at something else that caught my eye. Please come prepared for Rain and I still suggest good walking Shoes or Boots.
Meet at 10.00am Rampton Green I envisage the walk lasting no more than 2.5 / 3.00 hours Please bring a snack and drink.
Contact:
Vanessa
19th February 2022
Details:
A circular walk of about 5.75 miles. It goes from Swaffham Prior to Reach along Reach Lode, then along a stretch of Devil's Dyke, turning off to Burwell, where we will have a short break for coffee and snacks. We return to the Dyke and take the next turning back to Swaffham Prior.
The walk will start at 10:00am on the edge of Swaffham Prior just after Lower End becomes Swaffham Road, grid reference TL572648. You can also find the start by putting " Barston Drove & Swaffham Road " into google maps (the ampersand specifies the crossroads between two roads). Parking is on the roadside.
If anyone is willing to car share or needs a lift, please let us know so that lifts can be arranged. In that case, we would meet at Cottenham Village college at 9:30.
Contacts:
Pauline & Krys
19th March 2022
Details:
A walk of just over 7 miles, and takes in the Great Ouse, Fen Drayton lakes and the villages of Swavesey and Over. Starting at Overcote (grid ref. TL 361 712) (what3words: patio.bulb.withdraws) you follow the river for 1.5 miles then circle some of the lakes in the Fen Drayton nature reserve, before heading in to Swavesey and then over to Over.
The walking is mostly level and easy, although the river bank is muddy in patches (it was in January anyway). So walking poles are probably a good idea. There is much bird life to see, so binoculars may be handy.
Meet in the Overcote car park at 10am. Coming from Willingham, stay on the main road through Over, and turn right just before the road turns sharp left at the church. This is Overcote Road. Please bring coffee and a packed lunch - the walk will take about 4 hours.
Contact:
Will and Linda
16th April 2022
Details:
A seven mile walk starting in Cherry Hinton and walking through Cambrdige's lesser known paths, visiting Coldham's Common, Cherry Hinton Hall and Lime Kiln Chalk Pits. An unusual variety of landscapes all in a seven mile circular walk. For those of you who remember the first walk we organised for the group (back in 2011) this is a shorter version.
Meet 10:30am at the street side parking opposite the Robin Hood Pub on Fulbourn Road, Cherry Hinton CB1 9JL ///eggs.cakes.zeal TL 48720 56131, bring coffee and packed lunch, alternatively we will pass Sainsburys near Coldhams Lane if you want to pick something up.
Contact:
Claire and Chris
21st May 2022
Details:
Circular walk, the outer environment of South Cambridge including Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve, River Granta valley, Nine Wells and Hobson’s Park. Distance 7.5 miles. Time: 4 hours, including 2 rest/snack breaks.
Safety: 1. Crossing A10 (Hauxton Mill) and A1301(Shelford Rd) 2. Foot/cycle paths- Beware of cyclists
3. Websters Junction - very high mainline railway bridge, many steps, take care ascending and descending.
Start time 10am at Trumpington Park and Ride , Zone 3. Toilet facilities here. Bring: Drinks/snacks/ packed lunch.
Contact:
Eileen
18th June 2022
Details:
This 6 mile walk begins at Linton at 10am. The journey is roughly 25 minutes taking the A1307 from Cambridge. As you enter Linton you pass the Village College where there are traffic lights. Go over these and also the a second set of traffic lights. Take the next right turn towards Linton Zoo (B1052). Before the Zoo on your right is a small industrial Estate where you can park. Do bring a drink and a snack for the break. Parking postcode CB21 4NT, what3words: coolest.flies.compress
Contact:
Ann and Ian
24th - 26th June 2022 - Fen Edge Festival
The FECA (Fen Edge Community Association) are holding the Fen Edge Festival this weekend, postponed from 2021 this is a festival celebrating all things Fen Edge and usually includes food, drink, music and fun.
16th July 2022
Details:
No walk.
Contact:
Walking Week 2022 :12th to 15th September 2022
All walks are free to attend. Walkers should make their own arrangements to get to the starting point, but if anyone does not have transport, please contact us and we will see if anyone is prepared to give lifts.
Anyone sharing lifts is advised to take all precautions recommended for reducing the risk of contracting/passing on the Covid19 virus (face masks in vehicle, driving with windows wound down etc).
There will be no pub food stops again this year, so please bring along snacks, drinks and some lunch. Any refreshment stops at pubs or other establishments are detailed for each walk.
Please see here for maps
Contact for 12th-15th September walks: Chris and Claire
Monday 12th September 2022 Mepal Circular
A simple and easy 7mile walk starting in Mepal and skirting Wardy Hill and Witcham. There are wide open views of the Ouse Washes and surrounding farmland. If you want to get away from the hubub this is the walk for you!
10:00am start in Mepal TL 439 813 at the dead end road adjacent to the waterway CB6 2AT, what3words: buzzer.qualify.crescendo
Please bring along a packed lunch and drinks. There are no facilities en route
Tuesday 13th September 2022 Nene Valley Wadenhoe
A figure of 8 walk, 6 miles extending to 8 miles walk with the second loop for those needing a full stretch out. The first loop takes in the picturesque stonework villages of Aldwinkle, Wadenhoe, Achurch and Thorpe Waterville, with a vast array of churches en route. Terrain is mostly gently undulating with some excellent views of the Nene Valley waterways. Walking poles are highly recommended for the first stretch of the walk to Wadenhoe. The second loop circumnavigates the lakes of Titchmarsh Nature Reserve.
10:30am start in Aldwinkle TL 007 813 in the small car park NN14 3EE, what3words: putty.assorted.procured. For drivers we recommend taking Junction 12 off the A14 onto the A6116, as the route is wider than that from junction 13. Journey time 50-60 minutes.
Please bring along a packed lunch and drinks. We hope to stop for a drink at the Fox Inn in Thorpe Waterville after lunch. For walkers keen to continue the day out after the walk, the Kings Head Pub and Tea Rooms in Wadenhoe has been recommended to me and should be open.
Wednesday 14th September 2022 Paxton Pits (near St Neots) Circular
A 7.5 mile walk from Paxton Pits to Offord D'Arcy and returning along the River Great Ouse to the Nature Reserve, taking in the Extraction of gravel as well as the alure of the surrounding countryside. If the weather beforehand is dry the walk is easy, but if there has been substantial rain beforehand the section alongside the river will be slippy, so walking poles in this case are recommended.
11.00am start at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve car park, PE19 6ET ,TL 007 813, what3words: contemplate.ethic.agreeable. Journey time 40-50 minutes. Please Note: If the weather is hot the start time will be earlier: the walk leaders will notify the group a few days before.
Please bring along a packed lunch and drinks. Facilities are available 11am-3pm at the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre.
Thursday 15th September 2022 Over
A 7 mile circular walk from Over, through Cuckoo Fen and back along the river Ouse to Swavesey with refreshments to finish off the weeks walks with one of the walkers.
10.00am start in Over at the junction between Willingham road and Long Furlough, CB24 5PD, what3words: wicked.sunbeam.climber.
Please bring along snacks and drinks.
16th September 2022 AGM
Details:
1pm picnic at Broad Lane lake. Bring your own lunch.
Contact: Vanessa, Chris and Claire
7th to 9th October 2022 Weekend away
Details:
Weekend in Sherringham, Norfolk. TBC
Contact: Vanessa
19th November 2022
Details:
A walk starting on Cottenham village green, Rampton road end. Walking to Giants Hill ,then onto Cuckoo Lane ,then Lambs Cross. Crossing over to Ginns Lane, Histon.
Completing the walk either walking along the cycleway back to Cottenham, or using the bus.
Refreshments available in Histon. It will take about 3 hours and is about 6 to 7 miles
Contact: David
26th December 2022
Details:
Our traditional Boxing Day “Holly Walk”. About 3/4 miles.
Meet 10.30am at junction Cottenham High Street/Broad Lane.
All welcome.
Contact:
No need to book
FRIDAY WALKS:-
General Details For Friday walks
Start time for walks: 10.30am at the start venue, but may change if the weather is predicted hot.
Refreshments: Please bring a drink and an energy snack along for all walks.
Clothing: Please wear suitable walking shoes or boots and dress for the weather.
Equipment: Walking poles should not be needed for most of the walks, however might be useful for the “hills”.
Walk Speed and Leadership: Walks follow simple routes to allow for the range of walking speeds. The walk leader will give some simple advice at the start of the walk to ensure the group does not get separated. A volunteer will be needed to act as back marker if the number of walkers is large.
Pre-registration for walks : The walk leader will send an email out about a week before the walk with the final details of the walk and requesting confirmation of walkers attendance.
Travel to walk start point: Walkers are expected to make their own arrangements for getting to the start point. If anyone needs a lift, let the walk leader know and they will try & help organise this.
Friday 6th May : St Ives
A 4.5 mile flat and easy walk from St Ives Park&Ride along the Great River Ouse. St Ives offers plenty of choice for those wishing to find lunch or refreshments after the walk. Meet at 10.30am at St Ives Park& Ride, adjacent to the busway, TL 319 708, what3words- nimbly.commit.self.
Friday 17th June : Reach
A 3.5 mile mostly easy circular walk from Reach into the countryside overlooking Wicken Fen. An additional walk extension can be added along Devils Ditch and back for anyone wanting an additional stretch. The circular walk has a gentle but long “uphill” section near the end to test your stamina. Worth the exertion for the views. Meet at 10.30am in the Reach Village car park, TL 568 661, postcode CB25 0JD, what3words- wicked.graphics.rules.
Friday 1st July : Haddenham
A 4.3 mile mostly easy walk from Haddenham, but with 2 uphill sections, one near the beginning of the walk and one near the end. The first half of the walk along the Aldreth Causeway (elevation a steamy 20 metres above sea level !) has excellent views of the surrounding countryside on both sides. Meet at 10.00am at the Haddenham village sign near the crossroads, TL 464 756, postcode CB6 3TP what3words- outpost.mango.storms.There is plenty of on-street parking near the meeting point.
Friday 5th August : Wandlebury
A 2.5 mile simple and easy walk for a (hopefully) warm day, exploring Wandlebury Country Park. An extra 1 mile can be added for those who want to climb the Magog Hill to experience the views over Cambridge. Meet at 10.30am in the Wandlebury Country Park car park (cost is currently £3.15 payment by card only) TL 493 533, postcode CB22 3AE what3words- scrum.fairy.wheat.
Friday 2nd September : Dry Drayton
A 3.0 mile walk starting in Dry Drayton and enjoying the level landscape towards Madingley. For seasoned walkers an extra 2 mile loop can be added for those who want to challenge themselves to the ups & downs in the Childerley direction. Meet at 10.30am in front of the St Peters & Paul Church TL 380 620, postcode CB23 8BZ what3words- times.destiny.fastening. For those doing both loops it is recommended to bring your lunch as well as a snack.
Friday 21st October : Landbeach (Details TBC)
A 3.0 mile walk starting in Landbeach and exploring the local farmland and Worts Medow Historical site and Nature Reserve. Meet at 10.30am in the Landbeach Village Hall car park TL 474 651, postcode CB25 9FD what3words- battle.certainly.phones.