OUT AND ABOUT
Click here to explore directions for the St Ives & Hemingford walk from the National Trust MAP & ROUTE
of the congregation; the free-to-enter Norris Museum, which tells the stories of Huntingdonshire from 160 million years ago to the present day; and Holt Island Nature Reserve, where you could spot kingfishers, dunnocks and sedge warblers – all worthwhile places to pause. The route takes you over St Ives’ iconic 15th-century bridge with its built-in chapel – one of only four remaining in the country. Continuing through open meadowland, into the picturesque village of Hemingford Grey and past both its medieval parish church and the historic Hemingford Grey manor house, the next port of call will be
Hemingford Abbots – and subsequently those well-deserved refreshments. A traditional thatched English country pub, Axe and Compass has a bar, dining room, alfresco patio and beer garden, all overlooked by the parish church, with dogs welcome throughout. Serving tons of homemade classics (including sandwiches at lunchtime) from Tuesday to Saturday, and roast dinners on Sundays, there’s something to suit all appetites before the last push to the car. To quench your thirst, it also offers a variety of real ales. Visit axeandcompass.co.uk for sample menus and full opening times.
That final stretch back to Houghton Mill will pass very pleasantly, however, as you wander through the beautiful Hemingford Meadow, which – as with Great Wilbraham – is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In the spring and summer months, this vast open meadow is awash with the colours of wildflowers and alive with bees and butterflies – the perfect spot to celebrate the season. For full details of the route, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
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