May 2026 – Orwell
May saw a return to respectable attendance numbers as the sun, local setting and recovering from injuries brought out the Pheasants. Despite being 19C and strong sunshine for most of the walk, there was enough shelter for the group to get some respite from the heat as they started the walk from Orwell. Spirits were lifted from the start as Pheasant Tom distributed this walk’s homemade entry for the cooking prize, which consisted of a blueberry and white chocolate calorie fest in chilled ramekins.
Suitably energised, the team headed out straight into an uphill section and the start of a 4-hour adventure through the gentle Cambridgeshire countryside. Orwell and Wimpole provided an opportunity to appreciate the varied chalk terrains and open vistas.
Leaving Orwell and St Andrew’s Church, the flock crossed the A603 on an upward trajectory towards Little Eversden and onto Great Eversden. Passing several markers through the villages and seeing the unfortunate state of the Hoops pub, the zig-zag route continued to mix field and forest walking. Traversing through Eversden Woods and reaching the highest point on the walk, it was then downhill towards Old Wimpole and into the grounds of the National Trust at Wimpole Hall.
Taking time to enjoy the folly, Chinese bridge and Hall, the greatest enjoyment came from stopping for ice cream in the courtyard café. After leaving the grounds of Wimpole Hall, it only remained for the group to complete the long walk through Cobb’s Wood, cross the A603 again, and then return to the cars and the welcoming arms of The Chequers pub. Spreading out across numerous leather chairs and settees, assorted aches and pains were soon forgotten as bar snacks arrived in the form of various potato recipes and a few cheeky Thai snacks.
