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. It was also probably a bawdy house.
The 3 km walk from St Ives to Holywell takes a more direct route than the river, passing lakes and lagoons on both sides of the path. The walk goes up hill towards the church at Holywell, where there is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a holy well.
The Old Ferry Boat is a good option for an overnight stay as well as refreshments.
It’s also a good place from which to visit the Fen Drayton Lakes Reserve
Next leg: Holywell to Earith
Back to overview