Attractions
Historic
Our valley has a wealth of historical significance. Before the development of railways and modern roads the River Great Ouse was the preferred mode of transport for heavy and bulky items. It allowed goods from up and down the east coast, as well as from Europe, to reach central England via first King’s Lynn and then St Ives. Coastal vessels were unloaded onto gangs of barges called lighters which were able to navigate the shallow waterways, hauled by horses. The riverside quarters of the town – The Waits and The Quay – were unloading areas, and goods served the burgeoning markets of the day. This part of the town has been dubbed The Old Riverport in recognition.
Our wider local area has also sometimes been called Cromwell Country. The Lord Protector was born and attended school in Huntingdon and farmed in the area before entering politics, with notable effect. The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon tells his story and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The heart of the valley is criss-crossed with man-made backwaters and fast-flowing streams of times past when watermills dominated the waterway. The only remaining example, still in working condition thanks to the National Trust, is at Houghton and worth a visit. You can catch an electric riverboat water taxi from The Quay in St Ives to visit, so no need to worry about parking!
Our three market towns along the river – St Neots, Huntingdon and St Ives – boast an excellent museum each. And all are well worth a visit.
Getting afloat
The river and its lakes offer a wide range of recreational activities. Unpowered craft – canoes, kayaks, rowboats and punts – can be hired for leisurely outings and paddleboarders too enjoy the calm and slow conditions. For the more ambitious there are large and small marinas offering moorings with all facilities for boat owners, some with small powered boats for hire.
Larger cruisers and narrowboats for holiday rentals can be found at downstream at Ely and March and the valley with its attractions is a popular destination area. And for the more energetic still, on neighbouring lakes there are sailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding opportunities.
Angling
Some lakes are stocked with fish with rights leased to clubs whose members may travel long distances to enjoy their sport. Some, especially carp enthusiasts, camp overnight alongside their rods such is their devotion to their quarry. For fly fisherman there are trout venues. The river itself of course holds a wide range of coarse fish with many bankside locations from which to cast a line for free.
Nature reserves
Wildlife enthusiasts, and especially birdwatchers, are spoilt for choice in the valley. Paxton Pits near St Neots is an extensive series of lagoons alongside the river especially noted for its nesting nightingales, and there are other managed reserves at Godmanchester, Fen Drayton, Somersham, and on a vast scale, Needingworth with the Ouse Fen wetland restoration. In contrast, there is the tiny wet woodland oasis – Holt Island – in the centre of St Ives!
Ouse Valley Way
The long-distance footpath mostly hugs the river through Cambridgeshire and is enjoyed by serious trekkers and casual ramblers alike. The Trust, in collaboration the District Council, had renewed all the information boards along our stretch, and so at regular intervals you can check your progress, learn of particular local historic associations and look out for particular flora and fauna interests.
The local runners’ club has realised the path through the county is 26.2 miles in length, and thus the Ouse Valley Way Marathon was conceived, and is now a popular annual event!
Sightings
For some days my eye was caught by a Coot ‘waving’ at me. As it swam by, some way off, one leg was raised in...
Remember the Dainty Footwork sighting of the Little Egret? Imagine my joy when in the same spot, a Great Egret alighted this time and proceeded...
New Year’s Day. Time to venture out and blow away the cobwebs. So to Ouse Fen with a brilliant blue sky and a biting wind....