Report by Danny

On a warm but overcast morning, nineteen ramblers met at Cambridge Station for a leisurely circular walk along the River Cam to the village of Grantchester. We were pleased to see, amongst that number, three ex-members who lived in the vicinity. They were Heather Preston, Mike Nicholson and Mike ‘Trainers’ Hilton. The latter wore a new pair especially for the occasion! 

We started our ramble through a new housing development and then along a tree-lined road which took us to Coe Fen, a marshy area on the banks of the Cam historically used as free grazing land. Passing some cows, we crossed the river by a footbridge and then entered the Paradise Nature Reserve with its native wild flowers. A short section of road walking then took us past Skater’s Meadow and onto the riverside path with further meadows alongside. Punters, paddle boarders and kayakers accompanied us as we headed for Grantchester. There we had lunch in the famous Orchard House Tearooms, the essential riverside stop for undergraduates since it opened in 1897. By this time the sun had come out and many of our number sat in deckchairs in the extensive garden, sampling some excellent scones, with jam and cream, amongst other treats.

Suitably refreshed, the group admired the picture-postcard village, forever associated with the poet Rupert Brooke, before returning to Cambridge along a higher path, enabling views of the Cambridge skyline ahead. Reaching the city, we passed the busy mill pond with its numerous punts awaiting customers before looking at the mathematical footbridge, reputedly free-standing even with all its nuts and bolts removed. A short stroll then took us back to the station although some of our number a little footsore opted for the bus!     

Danny