St Ives and the Hemingfords walk
Starting from Houghton Mill, this relaxed walk takes in water meadows and the delightful Ouse Valley landscape, while also allowing you to to uncover the past glories of a market town. Discover the history of the charming St Ives before returning through the unspoiled villages of the Hemingfords. Along the way you can visit the parish church, Holt Island Nature Reserve, Norris Museum, Victoria's Memorial and Hemingford Grey church.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Houghton Mill, grid ref: TL281720
Step 1
Take the path diagonally across Houghton Mill car park and through the kissing gate and turn right into the narrow path called Love Lane.
Step 2
At the end of the path turn left and in a few yards you will come to Thicket Road. Turn right onto Thicket Road and follow it straight on until it becomes a path and cycle way.
Step 3
Continue on this path alongside the river to St Ives until you come out opposite All Saints' Parish Church. Holt Island Nature Reserve is over the bridge to your right and the walk continues through the churchyard.
Step 4
Walk along the Waits, past the Norris Museum into the Broadway until you get to the Victoria Memorial. Take the right branch along Merryland.
Step 5
Take the first right hand turn down Bridge Street and go over the old bridge.
Step 6
Turn right through the Dolphin car park and out onto Hemingford Meadow. Walk across the meadow, following the path diagonally left to a stile at the far side. Follow Meadow Lane until it bends sharply left and a track comes in from the right.
Step 7
Take a small path straight ahead that comes out onto a road. Follow the path ahead until you reach another road.
Step 8
Turn right towards Hemingford Grey church.
Step 9
Turn abruptly left alongside the graveyard to follow a path along the riverbank. Follow the path keeping the river on your right to the far end of the High Street then turn right to continue along the riverbank.
Step 10
The path crosses two meadows then leads you alongside a mobile home park into Hemingford Abbots.
Step 11
Turn right along the road until you reach the Axe and Compass pub.
Step 12
Continue along Common Lane and turn right into Meadow Lane beside the post box. Follow Meadow Lane over the Black Bridge. Cross Hemingford Meadow to a lock and walk back through Houghton Mill.
End point
Houghton Mill, grid ref: TL281720
Trail map
More near here
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Enjoy a delightful canoe paddle from Houghton Mill down the Houghton Trout Stream to Hemingford Lock, and then return on the River Great Ouse.
Get in touch
Mill Street, Houghton, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2AZ
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