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St Ives Quayside and Bridge – St Ives Bridge and Chapel loop from Fenstanton

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

St Ives Quayside and Bridge – St Ives Bridge and Chapel loop from Fenstanton

Moderate

hikers

St Ives Quayside and Bridge – St Ives Bridge and Chapel loop from Fenstanton

04:15

16.8km

30m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 9, 2026

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Bus stop

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4.69 km

St Ives Quayside and Bridge

Highlight • Settlement

Not to be confused with Cornwall's St Ives, Cambridgeshire's St Ives is a historic market town on the River Great Ouse. It boasts an attractive quayside, where a definite Dutch influence can be seen in its architecture.

Its most notable landmark is its intriguing 15th-century bridge, which is adorned by a chapel. Another unusual aspect is the shape of its southern arches, which are shaped differently to the others on the structure.

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4.81 km

St Ives Bridge and Chapel

Highlight • Bridge

St Ives Bridge is a 15th-century bridge crossing the River Great Ouse. It is noted for being one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel, the monks never being one to miss an opportunity to make money, the chapel doubled up as a toll-house. Safe passage is no longer charged for on this bridge.

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6.33 km

The Thicket Entrance from St Ives

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Thicket is a narrow, steep bank of Ash and Field Maple woodland. There's a beautiful variety of flora to discover here such as Sweet violet and King Alfred's Cakes, and some wonderful bird species too, including the Green Woodpecker.

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6.58 km

Houghton Meadows Nature Reserve

Highlight • Trail

Made up of five fields, Houghton Meadows Nature Reserve is a gorgeous place for a stroll. Spring and summer are the best times to wander along the ancient hay meadows and pasture fields, when yellow cowslips, the pink spears of orchids and the purple of knapweed are at their most vivid. The distinctive hairy dragonfly is a common sight here too.

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8.54 km

Traditional Thatched House

Highlight • Other

8.86 km

Houghton Mill

Highlight • Historical Site

This is the last remaining working watermill on the River Great Ouse. A mill has been here for nearly 1,000 years and is currently cared for by the National Trust. You have to be a member or pay to look around the building but it is well worth it as the hosts are very knowledgeable and helpful. The car park is £2.50 a day for non-members. 2025 - There is now a time limit for parking for members and I dont know what the situation/charges are for non members. I park in Godmanchester in the stree for free now and walk the circular walk via the mill.

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