Croydon - Clopton - Hatley - Hayley Wood - Croydon

Tim Hancock

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Not only does this walk start and stop at a village pub, but it uses only a short stretch of country road (about half a mile) and is otherwise on footpaths with uncommonly spectacular views of ten miles or so, in an otherwise flat county.

The walk takes in the English Heritage site of the medieval village of Clopton, which has an information board to show you what was where, before climbing to the plateau where the first of two Wildlife Trust woodland reserves is sited. Buff Wood is a small but beautiful wood and can be accessed with permission from the Wildlife Trust, telephone 01954-713500.

In the village of Hatley St George (once known as Hungry Hatley because of the nature of its soil), the walk passes the minute post office in the front room of a private house, which sells ice cream, then moves across picturesque farmland to Hayley Wood, also a Wildlife Trust reserve. This ancient oak and ash woodland is famous for its known history, oxlips and coppicing.

The walk can be extended by walking around Hayley Wood to the west, adding another mile and a half. Returning to the pub is simple along a farm track which is kept in good order and is bordered by daffodils in the spring.

England - East England - Cambridgeshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Museum, National Trust, Nature Trail, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Stately Home, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

9/25/2014 - John Faulkner

We enjoyed this walk, although I purposely altered the route back to Croydon. There was an unpleasant incident with a local farmer (near Buff Wood) who obviously thinks walkers shouldn't be using rights of way. A lot of Cambs farmers seem to be like this.

5/27/2014 - Tony Morley

Did this walk last weekend... very nice and interesting walk. The route instructions are a little confusing for a small stretch after reaching the aircraft hangers, we went up the wrong side of the hedge and had to retrace our steps. Go past the hedge and follow the track with hedge your Left side. It's sad that the pub is closed would have made the finish more rewarding !

3/30/2014 - Christopher Maytum

We've done this walk on a couple of occasions now and it is very enjoyable, sadly though the pub has recently closed (23/03/14)

4/24/2010 - Margaret Baldry

21/04/10 A fantastic walk on a brilliant sunny day - views, history, bluebells and daffodils, some elevation (wonderful for Cambridgeshire ;-)) and an excellent pub at the end. The last bit along the track is a bit of a slog, but a chance to get up speed. Have lived in Cambs 30 years and travelled the A1198 so many times, never realising this glorious countryside existed. Many thanks!

9/29/2007 - Paul Ward

Terrific, great views combined with close up encounters with stag and deer in Hayley wood. My two 13 year old sons and I enjoyed this walk lots.