St Ives and the River Great Ouse Walk
Cambridgeshire
This is a classic stretch of the Great Ouse Valley Way, leaving the medieval bridge at St Ives and following the river through Hemingford Meadow, Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots before turning back at Houghton Mill. The going is flat, the views are open river and willow, and it is a thoroughly dog friendly walk that suits older dogs and families looking for an easy half day out.
Dogs need to be on leads where the path crosses the meadows because cattle graze there in summer, but there are long stretches of dry, hedge-lined riverside path where they can be kept close on a longer lead. The loop is mostly flat, well drained, and the only obstacles are a few kissing gates rather than stiles. Parking is straightforward at the Cattle Market car park, and St Ives town has a clutch of dog welcoming pubs and cafes for a finish-line drink.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafes and dog welcoming pubs in St Ives, plus a tea room at Houghton Mill in season.
- Parking
- Pay and display at the Cattle Market car park beside the bus station, with overflow on London Road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Ives and the River Great Ouse Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-regarded dog friendly route with a rating of 8 out of 10. The walk is flat and well drained, making it a comfortable outing for dogs of all ages, and the town of St Ives has a good selection of dog welcoming pubs and cafes to round off the day.
Can dogs be off lead at St Ives and the River Great Ouse Walk?
Dogs need to be on leads where the path crosses the meadows, as cattle graze there during summer. There are long stretches of hedge-lined riverside path where dogs can be kept close on a longer lead, but full off-lead freedom isn't consistently available throughout the route.
What should I know before visiting St Ives and the River Great Ouse Walk with my dog?
The route follows the Great Ouse from the medieval bridge in St Ives through the Hemingford villages to Houghton Mill, and the going is largely flat with only a few kissing gates to navigate rather than stiles. Parking is available at the pay and display Cattle Market car park beside the bus station, with overflow on London Road. It's worth noting the lead requirements near grazing meadows in summer, and if you're visiting in season, there's a tea room at Houghton Mill as well as cafes and pubs back in St Ives.
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