2023 Walks
This is the set of 2023 Saturday Walks to October 2023. The remainder of the year's Saturday walks will be decided at the September AGM.
We are also running shorter monthly Friday walks over the summer. 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.
28th January 2023
Details:
The start will be 10.00am at Broad Lane /High Street Junction. It will be an easy morning walk along the Cut to Rampton bridge cross the road continue along the cut to the first bridge, into Rampton then Cow Lane and back along Arches Way. We will have a refreshment stop (Coffee) so bring flask. It will be muddy so good walking boots essential and Sticks might be useful. Please let the walk leader know a week before if you are coming.
Contact: Vanessa
18th February 2023
Details:
A circular walk from RSPB Fowlmere of approximately 6 miles, taking in the villages of Fowlmere, Foxton and Shepreth. It should take 3 to 3 1/2 hours with stops. The going was very good when we reccied the walk and there is some road work. There are two fairly long, very gentle hills and some fabulous views. There are picnic tables at the Reserve, so anyone wishing to can bring a packed lunch and then take a walk around the Nature Reserve.
Meet 10am at the car park of the RSPB Fowlmere reserve, Mill Rd, Fowlmere, Royston SG8 7SH. As the car park is small and it is a 30 minute drive from Cottenham, we should car share where possible. The organiser is willing to help with arrangements.
Contacts: Pauline & Tony
18th March 2023
Details:
Horningsea to the mill at Anglesey Abbey and back (about 6 miles easy walking), with the facilities of Anglesey Abbey half way. You don’t need to be a National Trust member to use the loos and cafeteria (if you fancy a coffee and cake). For those with flasks etc. there’s a waterside bank by the mill, or the grass car park nearer the Abbey.
The walk starts at an unmetalled lay-by on the right as you head north out of Horningsea ( GR 498631, W3W “ownership.hangs.turned”) where there’s plenty of parking. I suggest we gather for a 10am start.
Contact: Will and Linda
22nd April 2023
Details:
A Walk of Approximately 7.5 miles walking along the Rhee valley, which will take in Trumpington Meadows, Byron's Pool and some of Grantchester.
Contact: Eileen
20th May 2023
Details:
The six-mile walk follows mostly fields with a glimpse of Fleam Dyke and Great Wilbraham. Meet directions: Post Code CB21 5BW , which will take you into a road called Home End in Fulbourne. After a short while a sign on your Left [Fulbourn Centre and Recreation Ground] directs you to turn Right into a large car park. We will meet at the furthest end of the car park from the gateway in order to start walking at 10am.
Contact: Ann and Ian
17th June 2023
Details:
A seven mile walk starting in Boxworth through the villages of Connington, Elsworth and Knapwell, with varied walking through the RSPB reserve at Hope Farm and the woods at the back of Knapwell. Meet in Boxworth TL 34763 64203, ///climber.circular.viewer CB23 4NB
Contact: Claire and Chris
21st July 2023
Details:
TBC
Contact: TBC
Walking Week 2023 :11th to 14th September 2023
All walks are free to attend. Walkers should make their own arrangements, car sharing where possible, to get to the starting point, but if anyone does not have transport, please contact us.
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).
Contact for Walking Week: Chris and Claire
Monday 11th September : Bury St Edmunds: A 7 mile looped walk exploring beautiful Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding open countryside. Meet at 10am at the entrance to Ram Meadow Car Park, Cotton Lane, IP33 1XP, parking charge is £3 in Bury St Edmunds, what3words: chitchat.parading.toasted. We will have lunch at Nowton Country Park, so either bring a packed lunch or you can eat at the cafe. We will finish at the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds if you wish to explore further. The route has hills and steps, so please plan accordingly.
Tuesday 12th September : Milton & Fen Ditton. An easy 8.5 mile looped walk featuring the new river bridge in Cambridge. Meet at 10am at Milton Community Centre what3words: nodded.train.heave We will have lunch on Coldhams Common, so please bring a packed lunch. A short cut is available which takes the route down to 6.5 miles, but misses the lunch spot. The route is flat.
Wednesday 13th September : Lyveden to Wadenhoe in Northamptonshire. A full and leisurely day out exploring the National Trust property of Lyveden Manor and the pretty village of Wadenhoe on the river Nene. The full walk is 8 miles long (with a leisurely lunch stop). Meet at 10am at Lyvden Manor Car Park, PE8 5AT (National Trust members free, non-trust members £9 (though see below for alternative parking), what3words: both.joyously.from. We will have a very leisurely lunch in Wadenhoe after a 5.5 mile leg of the walk; you can either eat at the Kings Head pub and tea rooms, or bring a pack-up to eat by the river. The return walk is 2.5 miles, at the end of which we will explore Lyveden Manor if time allows. The route is mostly undulating, ie. gentle hills. NOTES:Please let the walk organisers know well in advance of the walk, so assistance can be given if:-.
1. You are not a National Trust member,the organiser will direct you to a nearby alternative parking location and a meeting point to join the group.
2. Anyone that doesn't feel able to do the full walk can either join the first stretch or the last stretch. Transfer lifts can be offered to those that need it back to their car, but please be aware there might be a wait.
3. If you wish to eat at the pub, let us know. If numbers are high, we will let the pub know to expect us, food pre-orders not required.
Thursday 14th September : Rampton.An easy 7 mile looped local walk exploring in the Willingham direction. Meet at 10am at Rampton Village Green, what3words: adventure.chins.plant. A light lunch will be provided at a walkers residence after the walk if walkers are interested, so please just bring along mid morning snacks and a drink.
15th September 2023 AGM
Details:
Meet at 1pm by the pond at the top of Broad Lane (as last year). Please bring your own snacks and drinks and seating if required.
Contact: Vanessa, Chris and Claire
21st October 2023 CANCELLED due to bad weather warnings
Details:
Bluntisham, Somersham & Earith: A 7 to 8 mile circular walk meeting at 10am in Bluntisham at St Mary's Church w3w: ///mealtime.decently.carbonate , parking is available in Holidays Road opposite. Please bring a packed lunch and expect to be out for about 3 hours + stops.
Contact: David (via Chris and Claire)
18th November 2023
Details:
A 5½ mile walk around Wimpole Hall, meet at 10:30 near the stable block (///spruced.scale.coins), after a walk around the estate and surronding woodland we aim to be back around 12:30 - 1pm for lunch, bring a drink and snack for tea break.
Contact: Chris & Claire
26th December 2023
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 5th May : Ouse Fen
An open 1.4 mile looped walk with plenty of sky around Crane Fen at the Ouse Valley Nature Reserve with an extension of 2 to 3 miles for those that want to continue walking for a while. The extension will go through Earith Marina over a bridge with steps and then along the Ouse Valley Way and Rothschild Way. Meet at 10.30am at the Ouse Valley Nature Reserve, turn off left on the road from Willingham before you get to the Junction for Earith, TL 393 746, what3words- sparks.cork.dodging.
Friday 9th June : Milton
A very easy and flat 5.5 mile walk around the Milton area. Highlights include Milton Country Park and the River Cam and crossing quite a few bridges with views. For those who want a shorter walk (approx. 2.5 miles), you are welcome to explore the Country Park and Cafe and make your own way back to the car park, I can give you directions. Meet at 10.30am outside the main building at Milton Park n Ride, TL 469 630, what3words- safely.push.gentle. For those doing the full walk please bring your lunch and drinks and we will sit by the River.
Friday 7th July : Wandlebury
A 1 mile walk onto the Magog Hill to experience the views over Cambridge. Followed by a 2 mile simple and easy walk mostly in the shade of trees while exploring Wandlebury Country Park. Meet at 10am 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 4th August : Madingley
A 3 mile level and easy circular through Madingley and into the surrounding countryside with 2 options for an extension walk. Option 1: An extra 1.6 miles can be added for those wishing to explore the Universities “800 wood” and American Cemetery, which is interesting and has great views over the surrounding area. Option 2: Visit Madingley Hall, gardens and tea rooms. Both of the optional extras include hills and steps. Meet at 10.30am opposite the entrance to Madingley Hall and parking by the white posts at the side of the road TL 396 603, what3words- dragon.gasp.visit. For those wishing to walk to the American cemetery, I recommend bringing your lunch and we will eat in the woods.
Friday 1st September : 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 27th October : Cambridge Colleges
A 5 mile level walk exploring the Cambridge Colleges. Meet at 10.30am in the Madingley Road Park&Ride near the entrance to the car park TL 424 594, what3words- client.slim.poet. For those that want to shorten the walk you might like to catch a bus from Cambridge back to the car park