St Neots Loop Walk and Live Music Event (8 miles / 13 km - Leisurely, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.

Join Stag Walkers in the beautiful riverside town of St Neots as we explore some of its most charming corners, including the new development at Wintringham and the historic villages of Eynesbury and Eaton Socon. We'll then head into the Market Square to enjoy a live performance by the St Neots Big Band midway through the walk.

We'll begin just outside the station and pass through Loves Farm estate before crossing into the newer development of Wintringham on the eastern side of town. Along the way, we'll see colourful wildflowers by a pond thriving amongst the ongoing construction of new homes.
Continuing alongside the railway line, we'll pass beneath the bridge into Hen Brook Park and follow the peaceful Hen Brook stream. From there, we'll arrive in the historic former village of Eynesbury, passing the house of former local historian and archaeologist C.F. Tebbutt, the Eynesbury village sign featuring the famous Eynesbury Giant, James Toller, and St Mary the Virgin Parish Church.
We'll then join a section of the Ouse Valley Way, crossing a small boardwalk through woodland filled with native shrubs. If we're lucky, we may spot wildlife along the River Great Ouse, including kingfishers and herons. Well then cross the river via the river mill and enter the former village of Eaton Socon, where we'll stop for a snack break on the village green.

After our break, we'll continue through Eaton Socon, passing its historic 200-year-old lock-up, once used to detain local drunks and others accused of minor offences before they were taken to Bedford Magistrates' Court. We'll also follow a short section of the old Great North Road before turning onto Peppercorn Lane, where we'll see the former Cock Inn, a historic building regularly visited by Princess Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria.
Leaving Eaton Socon behind, we'll walk through Pightle Nature Reserve before reaching Riverside Park, where we'll rejoin the Ouse Valley Way and enjoy more beautiful riverside scenery. There will also be an opportunity to stop here and use the public facilities if needed.

We'll then cross the River Great Ouse once again into the town centre, arriving at the Market Square at roughly 1pm in time to watch the St Neots Big Band perform mostly jazz, funk and other upbeat favourites. There should also be a great selection of food stalls, dessert trucks and pop-up bars to enjoy alongside the music. Alternatively, there are a few pubs nearby, including Maddison's, Ferro Lounge and Bridge House if you fancy something different.

At around 3pm, we'll regroup by the mosaic of St Neot before setting off via Cross Keys Mews to complete the final section of our walk across St Neots Common. Here we'll enjoy more wonderful views across the meadows and, with a bit of luck, may spot another heron or two along the river.
Finally, we'll leave the Ouse Valley Way, head up Mill Road and cross into Priory Park, where we'll see even more seasonal wildflowers before returning to the start point.

Dogs are welcome on a lead (please ensure they are kept on their lead during the live music event).

For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.

Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.

Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.

If the walk is fully booked, please click 'join waitlist' then please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.

Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.