The walk
Start at All Saints Church Gazeley (1), Take the Higham Road to
Tithe Close, then follow the signed route through the housing
estate out to fields and Bluebutton Wood (2). After passing through
Blocksey Wood (3) and Brick Kiln Wood (4) the path emerges at a
cropped field. Turn right and on meeting the road, turn right again
to St Mary's Church, Dalham (5).
As you approach, notice the flint inscriptions around the tower
(which stood 40ft. higher until a gale tore off the spire on the 3
September 1658 - the day that Oliver Cromwell died). Behind the
church is Dalham Hall, formerly owned by Cecil Rhodes.
Opposite the church, the path passes through a kissing gate and
down an avenue of Chestnut trees to meet the road into Dalham. Near
the entrance to Maltings Farm (6) stands an unusual conical Malt
Kiln. Cross the white footbridge on the right and follow the course
of the River Kennett (7) which, although mostly dry, is still home
for the occasional kingfisher.
At Catford Bridge (8) turn right to cross and then left to join
the bridleway leading to St Peter's Church, Moulton (9). At the
church gate either walk up through the churchyard to a stile at the
rear, or carry on into Moulton to a pub and the C15th Packhorse
Bridge (10).
The bridge is maintained by English Heritage and lies on the
Cambridge to Bury St Edmunds pack horse route (there was probably
another from Newmarket to Clare). Its low parapet walls enabled the
packs to swing clear - avoiding the need for a wider, more
expensive structure. In recent times, steps were added across the
roadway to deter high-spirited Cambridge undergraduates from using
the bridge in their motorcycle trials! Follow Moulton Road to the
pumping station then turn right and proceed to the rear of the
church.
The path now climbs up through the trees to open fields and an
impressive view of the surrounding countryside (11). Bear right,
following the path across the fields to join the Gazeley Road. Turn
right towards Gazeley, but keep straight on at the sharp left bend,
walking between the paddocks of Gazeley Stud to the start at All
Saints Church (1).
