The scenic riverside walk that starts and ends at a 300 year old water mill

There has been milling activity here for over 1,000 years

In the historic Huntingdonshire village of Houghton, the Waterclose Meadows make for a peaceful place for a walk. And one of the scenic trails starts and ends at a 300-year-old water mill.

Owned by the National Trust, Houghton Mill has milled at this site for more than 1,000 years. The current half-timbered building that can be seen today was mainly built in the 17th century. During the 1850s it came under the management of the Brown and Goodman families. At this time, the mill produced a ton of flour every hour, which was then sold in places like London and Leicester.

Almost 100 years later, in 1929, the mill was bought by a London developer and there were hopes of turning it into a house. However, it was bought by Godmanchester and Huntingdon Town Council and the Ouse Drainage Board. Two years later, in 1931, the mill was demolished. But, the Houghton Mill Restoration Committee was formed and this was stopped. The National Trust finally acquired the mill in 1938.

Once people have explored the historic mill, the scenic walk can begin.

To start, go left from the mill tea room, continue on the path with the river on the right and then go through a gate. Then follow the path below:

• Go across the first field and over a small bridge;
• Continue and cross the bridge on the right;
• Cross two more bridges, the second of which goes over a back road of the Ouse;
• Follow the river through two fields and onto another bridge. People can shorten the walk at this point by turning left after the bridge, and then following the green path to point 8 on the Trout Stream Bridge;
• Continue across the fields with the river on the right until you come to a large weir;
• Continue along the river until you reach Trout Stream and follow the path to the left;
• Continue across the meadow and keep the stream on your right. You will then come to a gate and bridge;
• Head down the track until you come to a pump house opposite a road;
• Turn left down Thicket Road until you reach large gates to The Elms;
• At the gates turn left and take another right down to a footpath which is closed on both sides;
• Continue along the path until you come to a gate on your left. Go through the gate and you will return to Houghton Mill.