Walk #27: Waterbeach to Newmarket

General Data

Map of the walk

Notes

There is not long to go now until my planned attempt on the Pennine Way in August; with the lack of hills in Cambridgeshire I decided to get a long walk done with the full kit that I planned to take on that trip. It involved walking along the Devil's Dyke, which was failry overgrown. Iyt proved to be a very hot day; too hot for this length of walk. I fear that I still have a long way to go before I reach full fitness.

Directions

Leave Waterbeach by following the road to the river at Bottisham Lock. Cross over to the eastern bank of the river via the bridges at the lock and turn left to follow the river northwards. When you reach Swaffham Bulbeck Lode turn right and follow it on its northern bank. About halfway along the Lode at TL 539653 take a track to the left that passes Slades Farm, followed by a right to head southeastwards along a road. Shortly after the overhead powerlines take a left turn along a public byway called Black Droveway. This ends at a road, that can be followed all of the way into Reach.

Devils Dyke starts at the eastern end of Reach village green. Climb up onto the banking and follow it for the next 7 miles, crossing the A14, Newmarket Racecourse and many minor roads in the process. In summer be prepared to be attacked my much overhanging vegetation, and in winter be prepared to have some muddy slopes to clamber up.

Near the end of the Devils Dyke in Wooditton at TL648588, turn left to follow a footpath eastwards across a field to join the Icknield Way at Dane Bottom. Turn left and follow the Icknield Way. Cross over a road by Court Barns Farm and continue to follow the footpath northwestwards. When you reach the B1061 turn right and follow it for 1.5 miles into Newmarket. When the road takes a sharp left turn right and follow the road to the next left turn (before the bridge over the railway) and follow this road to the station.

Distances

This makes a total distance of 16.5 miles, with 531 feet of ascent and 430 feet of descent.

Transport

There are regular train services between Newmarket and Cambridge; after this you need to take a train from Cambridge back to Waterbeach.

Disclaimer

Please note that I take no responsibility for anything that may happen when following these directions. If you intend to follow this route, then please use the relevant maps and check the route out before you go out. As always when walking, use common sense and you should be fine.

If you find any information on any of these routes that is inaccurate, or you wish to add anything, then please email me.

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And finally, enjoy your walking!

This walk was mentioned in the following routes:

A walk around East Anglia

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