Contents
Route map
Route details
The path out of Godmanchester is a little bit confusing as it heads to, and then through, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve but becomes clearer as it follows the river along Hemingford Meadow.
The route heads through Houghton Mill which has become a popular spot to paddle and swim.
Concerns over water quality have led a local group to take matters into their own hands and they have started carrying out their own testing.
The route then carries alongside Houghton Meadows and the Great Ouse into St Ives, but not before passing Holt Island which is worth a detour. It’s also a chance to learn about the history of the island and the philantropist who made a valuable donation to the town.
St Ives is an example of a place that grew in prosperity thanks to trade links despite its vulnerability to flooding. Sitting on a bench at the sleepy quayside, it’s vauguely possible to imagine the town in its hayday, with goods being transferred from boat to cart and then crossing the bridge south towards London. But what did it feel like?
There are some clues. The chapel on the bridge was built in the 15th Century for giving thanks for safe passage. Over time, the need for this reduced and the chapel became a pub to service the port workers’ need for beer. Despite rumours, it probably wasn’t a bawdy house.
It’s worth considering taking a detour to visit the Fen Drayton Lakes Reserve.
Audio downloads
This is the Way
What does it take to get the Ouse Valley Way in good shape? Graham Campbell tells us about the fantastic work of the Great Ouse Valley Trust in improving the Huntingdonshire stretch and their ambitious plans for the future.
Citizen Science
Let's join Lucas Tatek who regularly tests the river checking for harmful bacteria at a popular paddling place.
find a citizen science group
Environment Agency
The missing mill detectives
On a stretch of river that was a powerhouse of watermilling, Keith Grimwade and Bridget Flannagan have done a deep dive into the history and landscape to find the missing mills.
Book details
Hartford Marina
The Ouse Valley Way passes Hartford Marina. Let's go talk to Max and find out more about boating.
Website
A lasting legacy
When avid collector Herbert Norris died in 1931, he left his collection of Huntingdonshire artifacts to St Ives. Richard Carter takes us on a guided tour and shows us how people today are learning about Huntingdonshire.
Norris Museum
Public transport
The easiest approach is to catch the ‘B’ bus between Huntingdon and St Ives. Stagecoach
Next leg: St Ives to Earith
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