Main Walk: 18½ km (11.5 miles).
Long walk - via St Ives.24½ km (15.2 miles)
1 out of 10 (2 or the Long Walk)
This easy circular walk leaves the historic town of Huntingdon on the north bank of the River Great Ouse. At Hartford, the walk continues along the edge of farmland to an early lunch stop in the attractive twin villages of Houghton and Wyton. At Houghton there is a choice of routes. The Main Walk continues with a straightforward circuit of Houghton Meadow.(It’s possible to bypass the meadow for a shorter walk of 9 or 10 miles)
The Long Walk follows an extended loop to the town of St Ives. There, the 15th C bridge features an unusual Bridge Chapel. If you chance to visit Holt Island Nature Reserve, you will be walking along a boardwalk that the younger Mr Tiger himself helped construct (oddly, no plaque).
Both options return via water meadows to the last working water mill on the river, Houghton Mill (visits have to be pre-booked but there is a tea-room). The final leg back to Huntingdon is through a nature reserve and more water meadows. The timing should be just right for buttercups (fingers crossed).
Trains:10:12 Peterborough train from Kings Cross, arriving Huntingdon 11:12..
Return at xx:59.
Lunch The suggested lunch stop (after 6½ km) is the Three Jolly Butchers (01480-463228) in Wyton, which has a large garden. A little further on in Houghton, the Three Horseshoes Inn (01480-462410) is a good alternative.
There are more options on the Long Walk (after 8½ km) the Axe & Compass (01480-463605;)in Hemingford Abbots, a traditional village pub with a large beer garden. Or, 1 km further, the upmarket Cock (01480-463609;) in Hemingford Grey.
Tea The suggested watering-hole is the George Hotel (01480-432444) in George Street, an old coaching inn with a comfortable bar and a large open courtyard. Nearer the station you'll find Sandford House (01480-432402), a Wetherspoons.
Directions here t=swc.31
