Walk Diary

Don't forget to bring a packed lunch and something to drink on all walks!

Saturday 4 February. Santon Downham Circular. 9 miles (14km). Grade: Leisurely
Meet at 10:30am at the Forestry Commision car park in Santon Downham (IP27 0TH, TL816878) located just north of the church. We start out along a pretty stretch of the Little Ouse, passing by a patch of Breckland. We then head deep into the woods. If conditions allow, we may leave the path because it is shorter and more fun. After stopping for a warm drink at the High Lodge Visitors' Centre we head back along a forest track.
Leader: Ian E. (07792 742136)

Sunday 12 February. Ampthill Great Park and Marston Vale Country Park. 8 miles (13 km) Grade: Leisurely
Meet at 10.45am at the Ampthill Park west car park located by the junction of A507 and B530 (MK45 2HY, TL024381: note there is no exact satnav for the car park, this is the closest spot point 200 yards west on the A507) probably best to avoid going through the centre of Ampthill as the roundabout junction off the main street is a bit confusing! This is a varied walk going through Ampthill Great Park, some woodland and taking in views of Marston Vale. There are some uphill and downhill gradients... Also a number of points of interest such as Katherine's cross, the village and church in Millbrook and hopefully even the opportunity to view some action on the vehicle proving test track. There are pub stop option(s) in Lidlington/ Millbrook. **Journey time from Cambridge to the start is approx. 45 minutes but at the time of writing the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon is likely to be shut over the weekend, so consequently the A428 might be busier than usual - alternative routes recommended**
Leader: Janice (07729 434743)

Saturday 18 February. The Olympic Stadium and River Thames. 9 miles (14.5 km). Grade: Leisurely/Moderate
See London from a new perspective on this walk along the waterways of our capital city, taking in views of the Olympic Park, canals, docks and the River Thames, finishing at lively Borough Market. Meet at 10.15am in front of the ticket office at Liverpool Street station (EC2M 7QH, TL314713. Take the 9.04am train from Cambridge; Travelcard is likely to be the best option).
This walk is followed by a 'Jack The Ripper' tour so don't miss the chance to scare yourself half to death! see the Social Diary for further details.
Leader: Rich T (07980 315065)

Saturday 25 February. Shepreth to Cambridge Linear. 8 miles (13km). Grade: Leisurely
Meet at 11.00am at Shepreth railway station (SG8 6PZ, TL392482) for a walk into Cambridge taking in Barrington, Harston, Haslingfield and the travelling radio telescope. After a drink in Grantchester we'll complete the walk via Grantchester Meadows and the River Cam. The 10:55am from Cambridge arrives at Shepreth at 11:07am. There is a small station car park.
Leader: Richard A. (07876 370721)

Sunday 4 March. Elmdon and Langley Circular (nr. Saffron Waldon). 11 miles (16 km). Grade: Moderate
Meet at 10:30am by the red phone box in Littlebury Green (CB11 4XB, TL488384), parking on the road but please spread your cars around the village. The walk will take us through some of Essex's more secluded villages. We will leave Littlebury Green heading south with panoramic views along the valley, go through Duddenhoe End and on the old Roman Road to Langley. After lunch we will pass through the highest point in Essex, head towards Chrishall village and then onto Elmdon where there is an opportunity for a pub stop, and then finally head back to Littlebury Green.
Leader: Jane B. (07974 300989)

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Description of Walk Grading System
Easy: Short walks (6 miles or less) on good quality paths with no difficult terrain. These walks should be suitable for anybody in their 20s or 30s who doesn't have a mobility disability and are particularly suitable for people who have done little walking before.
Leisurely: Slightly more difficult walks which represent the majority of walks we undertake. These walks may be longer (up to 12 miles) and while the paths will still generally be good, a few sections may be steep, muddy, rough or overgrown, so boots or good quality walking shoes are recommended. These walks should still be suitable for the large majority of people in our age group.
Moderate: More energetic walks still, either because they are long (>12 miles), have significant hills, are likely to be very muddy or overgrown or because a faster pace is expected. Walking boots are strongly recommended. Suitable for reasonably fit people with some walking experience, but may not be a good choice for your first walk with us if you haven't done much walking before.
Strenuous: Very long walks or those covering very hilly terrain, suitable for experienced walkers of above average fitness. If in doubt about your fitness, contact the leader beforehand. These walks are unusual on our main programme, but may feature in some of our weekends away.