Cambridge North to Cambridge South
1 August. We didn’t visit Cambridge South, the UK’s newest main line station which serves Addenbrookes Hospital. The group of 11 chose to finish the last leg of the walk with a guided bus trip which passed the station and did an extensive tour of the huge hospital before reaching the Central Cambridge station to look for available trains. There were very considerable train issues all day and our journey out was stressful but not uncomfortable with more than an hour delayed start.
Our route beside the river Cam passed the Museum of Technology, little known to most tourists but well worth a visit especially on days of steam. But the cafe was very full and today we did not stop.
Across Midsummer Common and Christ Pieces we continued off road for a brief trip through the crowded shopping centre and market place. Those who did not know Cambridge were able to get an idea of its architecture and ancient churches as we followed the tourist route around the Backs of the colleges, especially noting the famous view of Kings College Chapel and Queen’s mathematical bridge.
We stopped for lunch amongst all the tourists, being some way off the original timing. But not long after we reached the planned lunch stop on the Granta stretch of our river walk with time for many to enjoy ice cream.
Onwards through a Nature reserve to the path through Grantchester meadows. We regrettably all agreed that the swimming options did not look attractive to those who might have enjoyed a dip; but on the plus side there was enough shade to avoid overheating on the walk.
The next almost compulsory stop in Grantchester is the Orchard Tea Gardens where again we found shade to partake in tea and scones. The history and poetry of Rupert Brooke, Lord Byron and others was available to share, and some of the group passed the church with the allegedly timeless clock.
One aim of finishing the walk at the new station is that it makes it easier to continue from Grantchester to visit the next Nature Reserve at Byron’s pool. It provides a cool area in the trees, but the last path across Trumpington Meadows is very open. So the Park and Ride facility was the chosen end of our walk after a bit more than 7 miles.
Thanks to Mary-Jane and Samantha for photos
Tony
