Details
Location:
| Hinxworth to Ashwell and back |
Weather:
Sunny & hot
Distance:
Between 5.6 miles and 6.3 miles
Average Speed:
2 mph
Elevation Gain/loss:
185 feet
Our Group
Comprised 22 walkers led by Brenda Stamper.
The Walk
Starting from the Three Horseshoes we walked along Chapel Street before taking a footpath to Loves Lane where we turned left for a short distance before turning right on another footpath towards Bluegates Farm. We then joined a lane that took us to Ashwell, past the Bushel and Strike and the Village Museum.
We paused at Ashwell Springs for a mid-walk break. From the springs, we walked along the High Street until we got to the junction of Newnham Way and Hinxworth Road. At this junction, the group split with some people going up Newnham Hill, past Hinxworth Place and back to the pub.
The rest of the group walked along Hinxworth Road for a short distance before turning right on a footpath. This footpath joined the path that we had taken on the way to Ashwell.
The map of the walk is shown below
Ashwell & Its Springs
Ashwell Springs are the source of the River Cam. The springs are a protected site and are famous for its rare flatworms.
Over time the water has been used to refresh animals coming to market and to make beer at the village brewery.
The discovery of many small votive objects around the springs suggest that the springs were used for ritual purposes throughout Roman and Saxon times.