Discover your Local Waterways in St Neots
Dating back more than 1,000 years, the picturesque town of St Neots in Cambridgeshire is home to an abundance of idyllic waterways. Perfect for exploring on lighter evenings and warmer weekends during the summer months, the River Great Ouse flows through the town, offering plenty of riverside walks which are easily accessible from our new neighbourhood, Hooper’s Green.
An extension of the existing community of St Neots, Hooper’s Green is located close to several popular walking routes, making it quick and easy to explore this charming corner of Cambridgeshire on foot!
For those looking to get out in the fresh air and explore the rivers of St Neots this summer, we’ve rounded up just a handful of our favourite beautiful walks in the area
Ouse Valley Way
This 5 km circular walk takes you along part of the Ouse Valley Way to visit the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.
The walk starts from St Neots Bridge and follows the marked Ouse Valley Way north through the attractive Lammas Meadows on the eastern side of the river. The river eventually winds its way round to Paxton Pits, which is made up of 75 hectares of natural habitats to explore – including meadows, reedbed, scrub and woodland. It’s a great place for bird watching so be sure to bring your binoculars!
After exploring the reserve, return to St Neots Bridge along the same paths. You will pass through the lovely Riverside Park on the western side of the river. Follow the paths south past the cricket ground to Eaton Socon, where you cross the river at the pretty lock.
River walks to the Big Weir
Start this 2.9 km route along the Great River Ouse through a footpath gate from the Coneygeare Carpark which leads all the way down to the Eynesbury Manor – Lifting Bridge. From there, turn around to walk back until you come to the Big Weir, where you can cross over to get to the River Mill pub.
The perfect spot for grabbing a bite to east after your walk, this idyllic riverside pub has an outdoor dining area opening out on to the lower mill pond viewing deck – a lovely place to relax on a summer day!
Riverside Park
Less than a mile to the south, take this short route along the Great River Ouse out of St Neots to Riverside Park, a popular place for people to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine whilst enjoying views of the river. The park has several areas to explore, including a pond full of swans, birds and other wildlife, plus the Riverside miniature railway and play area which is perfect for keeping the kids entertained!
Grafham Water Circular Walk
For those looking for more of a challenge, a short drive from St Neots is the 14.3 km Grafham Water Circular Walk, which passes through woodland and promises excellent views across the reservoir. This popular walking and cycling route will take you in a circular loop, starting from Marlow car park, adjacent to the Grafham Water Visitor Centre, which is located about a mile south of Grafham Village.
The water is home to many species of birds and is also a centre for sailing, fishing, cycling and walking, meaning that you’ll be spoilt for choice on an action-packed family day out! Along the way, you’ll pass through the villages of Grafton and West Perry before ending back at the Grafham Water Visitor Centre café which offers a variety of refreshments. Choose from classic lunchtime options such as hot paninis, burgers, salad platters and jacket potatoes as well as a wide array of sweet treats and fresh cakes – Bakewell tarts, flapjacks and caramel shortbreads to name a few!
For full details of the route, head to: https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-3271-description.