3rd Seasonal-Autumn-Walk

We will be holding our third seasonal walk on Thursday October 9th 2025 at 10.00am finishing approximately at 12.30pm. We will start and finish at The Windmill Little Wilbraham, CB21 5LG. Parking is available depending on numbers.

Notte that these walks do not replace the annual walk that the society will continue to run showcasing different parts of the river.

The 2nd walk in July was hot and the vegetation was jungle like with lots of butterflies - it was lovely to be out on the Fen in good company.

Each seasonal walk follows the same river route from Little Wilbraham along the footpath that follows the south side of the river to the footbridge just south of the A14 Quy roundabout. This walk will cross the bridge and follow the permissive path over council land and then the Short Drove back to Little Wilbraham. The Long Drove is currently impassable due to reed growth and the wooden boardwalk is very slippery and not very safe.

The objective of these walks is to document and view the river in all four seasons of the year from the same reference points to gain an insight into the seasonal changes of the flora and fauna, and the state of the river flow. Our observations are recorded and shared with the Environment Agency who are also collecting some of this data. We keep records of any bird or animal sightings and photograph the vegetation and views at regular points. We encourage walkers to share any knowledge they have relating to the wildlife, vegetation or history of the river.

The walk is just over four miles long and will take about two hours. It will be on footpaths and is flat. The footpaths are less over grown than they were in July. We will not be preparing the footpaths for the walk other than to check there are no obvious or unexpected hazards, so come prepared for the season. In summer and autumn there will be nettles, brambles and long grass affecting the paths and there may be flooding and mud in Spring and Winter. The ground is uneven and there may be cattle at some points. Dogs are welcome but under control and on lead whilst ground birds are nesting- April to September.

Parking is available at the Windmill depending on numbers and at the layby on the A 1303 south of the A14 outside Island Cottage - where you could join the walk half way round. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the walk. The Hole in the Wall Pub in Little Wilbraham is open for lunches.

We would recommend you come prepared for the weather on the day. However walking boots or shoes are needed most or the year and I would suggest long trousers. There are Toilet facilities at the start and finish and water should you need it. There is no “recovery system” available along the walk except from the A1303 layby so please be realistic about your ability to complete it.

It’s a really lovely walk but can be a bit challenging. I will update on any hazards on the day and obviously plan to avoid them but walkers walk at their own risk.

If you wish to join us could you mail or phone me please.

Best wishes

Rebecca Lomas. secretary.      bex@drcr.info      07718 899471.

Suggested don’t forgets: Binoculars, Camera, Sunscreen, water or coffee, Sun hat and glasses, Robust foot wear, Long trousers, insect repellent. Warm clothing in the winter (the wind can be very cold)