Coton Nature Reserve is fairly new, about 10 years old in
fact, and covers over 300 acres of farmland including arguable one of the best
views of Cambridge – something of an achievement in this flat part of the
country!
The reserve has lots of walking possibilities and the
reserve map plots a few routes.
We
wanted something a bit longer so combined a few of them taking in most of the
reserve.
There are also possibilities
for longer walks continuing outside the reserve on footpaths.
We parked up in the Martin Car Park, just off junction 12 of
the M11.
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| Coton Nature Reserve |
Route:
Take the gateway round the pond on the right to a concrete track
and head away from the entrance road.
When you come to a gap in the hedge on the right follow this
track round the field (following the orange walk on the reserve map), along the
motorway edge and when you come to a small bridge on your left go over.
Carry on straight ahead until you come to a gateway and go
out crossing the road. Go into the next
field, turning left and along the track that takes you up a slope.
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| Rifle Range |
As you go up you should see a rifle range in front of
you. (There is a footpath that goes to
Barton that crosses the range but if the red flag is flying you must not cross.) Turn right at the signpost hut and continue
up Red Meadow Hill.
At the top turn right and walk along until you come to some
steps, take the steps and go through the gate to the top of the hill. Here you can see across to Cambridge picking
out Kings College Chapel, the University Library tower and St John’s Chapel
along with the chimney of the Museum of Technology. It is said that on a very clear day you can
see Ely Cathedral.
 |
| Views towards Cambridge from Red Meadow Hill |
At the top of the hill go left through the gate and turn
right and walk back down along the side of the field. At the bottom bear left and cross the bridge
and turn left onto the permissive footpath of Rectory Farm.
 |
| View towards Coton coming down Red Meadow Hill |
Follow the track and turn right at the end, walking along
the edge of a small woodland area. At
the end of this track turn right again at the signpost and walk along the field
going straight on at the end and then right into a woodland. Follow the narrow path through the trees
until you come out back onto the field and turn left. (You can miss out the
wood here and continue alongside the field)
Follow the track to the end and then right until you reach a
gate on your left. Go through the gate into Manor Field crossing straight
ahead. Go past the water recycling centre and out of the gate at the end.
Continue on until you reach the road, crossing here
carefully. Go into the next field and walk straight on until you come to
Clarke’s Bridge. Cross the bridge and go through the gates. Walk a few steps and take the gateway on your
left.
You are now following the pink walk on the reserve map. Walk ahead and take the gate on your right
into Rowan’s Field. You can either go
straight ahead here towards the cream house or go left around the young
woodland. Either way go past the house
and right along side the field. The
recreation ground will be on your left through the hedge.
At the end of the hedge turn right and walk down the
concrete track. Go through the gateway
at the end and bear right through the gap in the trees and then left.
Follow the path bearing left until you meet the concrete
track again.
Turn right and walk back towards the car park.
Our route was 4 miles
Terrain – Mostly easy going on grass tracks. Slope and steps
up to Red Meadow Hill. Gates and bridges. Some muddy areas. Could be animals
grazing.
Habitat – Small pond, farmland, stream. Meadows.
Facilities – Car park, no toilets or refreshments.
ThePlough at Coton.
