Winter 2022/3 – walks revisited

Having hit our walking project target of completing 52 different circular walks, we’re revisiting a few from the list – particularly those where the pub lunch options were closed due to lockdown first time around!

25 Nov – Wimpole Estate (4.8mi)

First walked in dense fog back in Dec 2020, we went back this time on a beautiful clear morning, with great views across the estate. The Chequers at Orwell turned out to be a nice spot for a post-walk lunch.

2 Dec – Houghton Mill (5.3mi)

The first real winter walk of the year, with hats and gloves required. But, while cold, there was scarcely a breath of wind, unlike the previous time we walked this in a gale in May 2021. Still a really good walk and all the better for a decent sandwich and pint at the cosy Three Jolly Butchers pub in Houghton.

13 Jan – Lolworth (6.5mi)

We retraced our steps from 2 years ago, braving a strong and occasionally cutting wind on a largely bright morning. As previously, it was pretty muddy for the first mile. But it is still a very pleasant walk, and the previously-flooded path by the church at Knapwell was clear this time. Stopping for lunch with about a mile-and-a-half to go at the Golden Ball in Boxworth turned out to be a good option.

20 Jan – Milton – Chesterton loop (6.5mi)

Wrapping up warm again for a perfect winter’s walking day – cold but bright – and an extended version of a walk we first did 2 years ago. Milton to the river via Cambridge North Station is not that scenic, but the rest is pleasant riverside walking and we lengthened it by heading towards the city as far as the Green Dragon pub and then back. The pub offered some unverifiable claims about Oliver Cromwell having thrown knives at the fireplace where we sat, but, more importantly, great service and very good Turkish food for lunch.