Huntingdon and Godmanchester walk
Head off through a watery landscape in search of lost mills on this 8-mile circular walk through the delightful landscape of the Ouse valley. Starting at Houghton, the last working mill on the Great Ouse, discover the sites of some of the lost historic mills in this part of Huntingdonshire including Godmanchester Steam Mill, Castle Hill and the remains of Huntingdon's Norman motte-and-bailey castle.
Start point
Houghton Mill, grid ref: TL281720Trail information
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Houghton Mill, grid ref: TL281720
Stage 1
Walk from Houghton Mill up Mill Street to the clock tower. From here take Huntingdon Road and turn right at Were Lane.
Stage 2
Cross the A1123 and follow the bridleway that runs straight ahead. The bridleway joins Ruddles Way, which continues until you come to a large hedge where you turn left and continue down to the road.
Stage 3
Turn right and walk along the road. Use the Crossing at Hartford Marina and branch left to follow Houghton Road. Turn left at The Grove and follow the path until you reach Main Street.
Stage 4
Continue down Main Street until reaching the Barley Mow. Turn left down The Hollow to All Saints' Church. Turn right and walk along the river around the churchyard and along Church Lane.
Stage 5
Continue along Church Lane until the road turns suddenly right. Here, take the path directly ahead, following the river all the way to the old bridge to Godmanchester.
Stage 6
Cross the road at the crossing towards the Old Bridge Hotel and continue beyond the hotel to Castle Hills. Follow the path past the hills and out on to Mill Common.
Stage 7
Turn left at Mill Common and down into Portholme water meadow. Take the path across the meadow to the Godmanchester lock.
Stage 8
Follow the path over the lock and along the river, past the Chinese Bridge to the site of a former watermill.
Stage 9
Turn right and walk along Mill Yard to Post Street. Cross the road and head into Church Place and into Saint Mary's churchyard. Walk straight ahead across the yard until you reach a gate. Turn left and follow the footpath as it bends to the left, then turn immediately right and follow the trail alongside the cricket ground and under the A14 bridge.
St Mary the Virgin in Godmanchester dates from the 13th century and is Grade 1 listed. | © National Trust Images Stage 10
Follow the path around the lake and take the small footbridge to Westside Common. Walk along the boundary fence of Westside Common and turn right along the route of the old railway line until heading left over a bridge, which leads around the lakes. After two stiles follow the path under an avenue of poplar trees. Cross a track and carry on until you meet a bridge after a weir.
Stage 11
Cross the bridge over the Fisher's Dyke backwater. Continue to follow the riverbank on your left until you reach the main river. Bear right, still following the river and then divert to another bridge.
Stage 12
Once over the bridge, cross the meadow to another large bridge. Divert across a field to a sluice bridge and then continue to follow the riverbank to Houghton Lock. Cross over the lock and follow the path to return to Houghton Mill.
End point
Houghton Mill, grid ref: TL281720
Trail map
Map route for Huntingdon and Godmanchester walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
St Ives and the Hemingfords walk
Discover unspoiled villages and an old market town, alongside water meadows and the delightful Ouse valley landscape, on the St Ives and The Hemingfords walk.
Houghton Mill and Houghton Meadows walk
Follow this circular walk across the water meadows and over the Ouse valley landscape as you discover the history of the local area.
Get in touch
Mill Street, Houghton, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2AZ
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking in Cambridgeshire
From peaceful strolls through the Victorian garden at Peckover House to wetland wanders at Wicken Fen, these are some of the best walks in Cambridgeshire.
Eating at Houghton Mill
Visit the tea-room at Houghton Mill for a range of hot and cold drinks, hot and cold snacks and light meals.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.