Lutton and Great Gidding (mainly on minor roads)

Thu, 2014 Mar 13 9:48 AM GMT

Led by Barry, with Gordon, Maureen and me. Flattish, mainly roads, though fields are drying now. Mist gave way to sunny, warm  weather - (down to teeshirts for a while). Wide views. 9.5 miles approx.

We set off west from Lutton,  and when the main road bends to the left we carry on straight ahead, pretty well northwest by now.  Near the road to Papley Farm we turn left, and walk southeast along a road next to a large estate with a drive protected by security gates,  and woodlands. We cross the Lutton to Polebrook Road, and shortly afterwards come to the USAF memorial to the 351st Bombardment Group which was stationed here 1943-1945.

Our road continues southeast, and just past Hemington House, with its high double hedge, our route becomes a track, rutted by farm traffic and still muddy, but passable. On the map it's called Stamford Lane!  We come out at Rectory Farm, where we are greeted by dogs, loud, but luckily friendly. From here a road takes us into Great Gidding. We find time for a coffee break before the village.

 The first landmark we see is Townsend Pond. At the T-junction we turn right.

 Lots of information about the pond and the village on this board.  We carry on and turn left into Mill Road, which climbs gently out of the village.

It would be a brave person . . .

 At the top of the hill is Great Gidding Mill, which is being renovated. A fine dwelling with a view all round from the top!

A slightly ravilious view, I thought.

We walk along Milking Slade Road, and follow it round to our left after we've gone downhill and up again. At the corner the road becomes Bullock Road (on the map) and there's a sign to the track of the same name. The road goes gently downhill for a couple of miles.  We are getting a little footsore, so a second break tempts us.  

Eventually we reach a T-junction, and turn right, then follow the road round to our left and back into Lutton. We call in at the church, which has a small memorial to the 19 aircrew lost returning from a bombing mission, who crashed with another plane near Polebrook Airfield.

After visiting the church we stroll back to the car. Spring is in the air and on the trees . . .

 . . .and by the water.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Map and details