Nestled along the River Great Ouse, St Ives is a delightful historic market town brimming with charm and character.
Having grown up and lived in the area for many years, I am constantly reminded how much St Ives has to offer residents and visitors alike, and in this article I will share with you some of my favourite walks which I know you will love.
St Ives is famous for its 15th-century Chapel Bridge and connections to Oliver Cromwell, but it’s much more than that – we have wonderful coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants, and pubs. Did you know St Ives has the smallest pub in Cambridgeshire, aptly named “The Snug”?
Beyond the bustling market square and riverside views, St Ives is surrounded by a variety of walking routes that immerse you in the area’s rich and historic past.
From tranquil meadows to ancient landscapes, these walks both in and near St Ives, as well as throughout Cambridgeshire, provide a glimpse into the region’s historic and prehistoric heritage.
Let’s take a look at some of the historic walks on offer around St Ives and nearby within the Cambridgeshire region:
The Hemingford Meadows and Ouse Walk (or “The Loop” to the locals)
Distance: 4-5 miles (circular)
Begin your journey at The Quay in St Ives, crossing the iconic Chapel Bridge, before heading towards the picturesque villages of Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots.
You have two options once crossing the bridge:
- The first is through Hemingford Grey Meadow which is a fantastic option if you have a dog (but keep them on a lead if livestock are in the meadow).
- The second option is along London Road across the long Victorian bridge, turning right at Hemingford Road which takes you all the way through the delightful village of Hemingford Grey.
Both routes take you by The Cock gastropub which is one of three excellent choices for food or drink along your way.
The route will then take you along the River Ouse from The Manor in Hemingford Grey along to Hemingford Abbots. The Manor is a lovely period property with delightful gardens which are available to view for a small fee.
Once you reach Hemingford Abbots you will find the Axe & Compass pub. I confess to spending too much time drinking and playing pool at this pub in my youth, and although these days it’s more modern, it’s a great choice for food and drink. In the summer you will find the large garden a great place to take a rest.
Next you will walk along Common Lane, which has some of the most awe inspiring houses in Cambridgeshire, both old and new. You will be impressed, envious, or probably both.
Turn right onto Meadow Lane and over Black Bridge onto Hemingford Meadow. Here you will find yourself back in nature, and a great place to detour over the meadows along the river.
You will also find yourself on a segment of the Ouse Valley Way, a 150 mile path, with a 26 mile Huntingdonshire segment from St Neots to Earith.
If you want to stick to the plan, follow the footpath over the meadow to Houghton Lock and Houghton Mill.
Houghton Mill is an iconic 18th-century watermill run by the National Trust, and you may be surprised the machinery still works.
You will then walk into the delightful village of Houghton, and I highly recommend stopping off for a drink or lunch at The Three Horseshoes. Slightly off-track in the adjacent village of Wyton you will find another great pub The Three Jolly Butchers, so you’re spoiled for choice.
Quick piece of history: If you stand outside the Three Horseshoes pub looking in the direction of The Clocktower, to your left you will find a statue of Potto Brown, a fascinating historical character who built The Mill and various other historic locations. On the right, the old house with the large central chimney was originally the first pub in the village and dates back to the 16th century.
You will now have one more leg of the journey, the delightful walk along Thicket Road all the way back to St Ives. Here you will find many historic houses, and a two mile country path with segments along the River Ouse.
Enjoy!
The Great Fen Project (30 minutes from St Ives)
Distance: 2-6 miles (varies by trail)
Located just a short drive from St Ives, the Great Fen connects Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen, which are both areas of significant prehistoric importance.
The Great Fen Project is a restored wetland landscape which mirrors the conditions of ancient times, where early settlers made their mark.
Holme Fen, in particular, offers a unique window into prehistoric life with its preserved peat layers and evidence of ancient tools.
Wandlebury Country Park (45 minutes from St Ives)
Distance: 2-3 miles
On the Gog Magog Hills near Cambridge, Wandlebury Country Park is home to an Iron Age hillfort surrounded by woodland trails.
The park is owned and maintained by Cambridge Past, Present, and Future, and if you live in the area I highly recommend paying for a year membership for unlimited entry and free parking. For a one off visit you will need to pay a small fee for parking (approximately £4), but it is well worth it considering how beautiful the walks are.
Walk around the Iron Age hillfort will really take you back in time and help you imagine how people lived in days gone by.
There are many walks in the area which are signposted, including an ancient segment of Roman Road.
As situated on one of the few hills in the area (Cambridge is surprisingly flat), Wandlebury Country Park offers some wonderful panoramic views. You can even see Ely on a clear day.
Grafham Water Circular Walk (20 minutes from St Ives)
Distance: Up to 9 miles (with shorter options)
Grafham Water is not just a popular spot for nature enthusiasts but also a site of archaeological significance.
Evidence of Neolithic tools and early settlements has been discovered in and around Grafham Water, making it a fascinating walk for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
In my younger years I found Grafham Water and excellent location for a lengthy jog (9 miles is good, right?), although many chose to walk or cycle instead.
The Grafham Water Circular Walk is highly recommended for the stunning reservoir scenery, nature, and wildlife.
The Nene Valley Way (Accessible from Peterborough, 40 minutes from St Ives)
Distance: Flexible sections of a 35-mile trail
The Nene Valley is steeped in history, including Bronze Age barrows and settlements.
A particularly intriguing stretch lies between Ferry Meadows and Castor, where ancient activity is well-documented.
The peaceful surroundings and marked historic sites make it a rewarding walk for those seeking a deeper connection to Cambridgeshire’s (and Peterborough’s) prehistoric roots.
If you try any of these walks, please take the time to come back here and tell us how enjoyable it was. Which were your best bits, was it hard or easy, and would you recommend the walk to others?
So, whether you’re exploring the historic heart of St Ives or venturing further into Cambridgeshire, these walks should offer you a captivating blend of scenic beauty and rich history! Each walk tells a story of the people who shaped this remarkable region through the ages, so lace up your boots and step back in time!
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