Royston & Therfield

Circular route, 9 miles

Grading: Leisurely

Leaders: Al and Liz

​

Meeting time: 09:35 at Cambridge Railway Station, for train departing at 09:54

If travelling from Cambridge, please arrive early at the station to leave promptly at the advertised meeting time. GroupSave discounts may be available when buying rail tickets.

​

Starting at: Royston Railway Station, Kneesworth Street, Royston SG8 5AH

Start time: 10:20

 

This is a leisurely nine-mile circular ramble over the chalk downs of North Hertfordshire, with rewarding views of the local landscape. After passing through the small town of Royston (a short train journey from Cambridge), we walk across Therfield Heath, site of several ancient burial mounds and a favourite hunting ground of King James I. From the top of the heath there are excellent views into Cambridgeshire: on a clear day you may see as far as Ely Cathedral.

 

Our route passes through woods, over some small hills and along a training-ground for racehorses, before going through farmland and up a tree-lined gully to Therfield village. Here we have our lunch break on the green, with drinks or snacks available from the Fox & Duck pub. We'll then go back downhill via the Icknield Way to Royston, built at the crossroads of two historic long-distance routes and location of the mysterious Royston Cave. In town we have the option to enjoy another pub stop before our train journey back in plenty of time for the ceilidh!

 

Public transport: Train from Cambridge to Royston

Cost of transport: £4.70

​

Parking: Royston Railway Station, Kneesworth Street, Royston SG8 5AH. Parking costs £2.80