Walk 2352 - printer friendly version

Lode Mill, Quy Water & Quy Fen Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.2 miles / 6.8 km

Ascent - 150 feet / 45 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TL533627
Lat 52.241143 + Long 0.24378941
Postcode CB25 0NW (approx. location only)

This walk from the village of Lode, east of Cambridge, explores an interesting landscape away from the formal gardens of the National Trust's Anglesey Abbey. The low-lying pastures are criss-crossed by drainage channels and the route follows one of these, Quy Water, and also visits Quy Fen. The walk follows clear paths and includes a section of the Harcamlow Way.

Limited on street parking near the Post Office of High Street in Lode is the starting point (grid ref. TL553627). After parking and with your back to the Post Office cross the road to a narrow lane to the right of a thatched cottage (signed Lode chapel and footpath. Pass the chapel and continue along a path behind houses. This leads to Lode Mill, a restored water mill. Cross the footbridge and turn left to follow a path with Quy Water on your left. Follow the path for two kilometres to reach Stone Bridge (grid ref. TL517611).

Turn sharp right onto a signed path and continue a short distance to reach a bridleway. Turn right and follow the Drove Way through a left-hand bend, and straight across a cross track to a fork (grid ref. TL516622). Fork right to join the Harcamlow Way. The path is initially enclosed between hedges but soon reaches an open area. Bear left on a clear path across grass to reach the southern end of Quy Fen. Around the fen is an ideal spot for a picnic.

After exploring the fen, return to the southern end and turn left along a grassy path. Away to your right is a memorial stone enclosed by a low fence which commemorates the death of William Ison who was struck by lightning in 1873. After visiting the memorial return to the main path and continue to a gate and cross a footbridge (grid ref. TL518628). Keep ahead on a clear path passing a small stand of trees and hidden pond, which will be on your left. The path leads into a wide track between hedges After 200 metres, turn right along Darn Drove, again enclosed by hedges. Reaching the end of the enclosed section, turn left along a clear track heading into woodland. Exiting the trees keep to the right-hand side of the filed and continue back to bridge by Lode Mill. Turn left along Mill Road and follow this back to High Street.

An alternative start is to use the pay and display parking provided for visitors to the National Trust Anglesey Abbey. After parking, walk to the far end of the overflow car park and join a path that leads to the Mill.

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