Great Gransden to Waresley

Lose yourself in magical and ancient woods. Over 500 species of moths and butterflies have been recorded. In late spring the floor of the wood is covered in bluebells and other wild flowers. Whatever the season, there's always something new to see.

Wander through a pretty hamlet. Take refreshments in an attractive garden centre cafe/restaurant, lounging on the patio or in the conservatory. Or try a peaceful pub garden. Return to the start along the quaintly named Dick and Doll Lane.


This 5 mile (11,000 steps) walk takes you through woods and along field edges and lanes. Gransden and Waresley Woods are both ancient and full of wildlife, flowers and fungi and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can download the Waresley and Gransden Wood Guide. Waresley is an attractive village. Waresley Park Garden Centre has a pleasant cafe/restaurant with patio and conservatory seating. Good news the Duncombe Arms is open again. They have a lovely pub garden. In winter the area around the woods may be muddy. The route is shown below on the Ordnance Survey map. You can also zoom in on a satellite view of the walk at Google Maps.

Starting point

Park in Great Gransden along the B1046, Little Gransden Lane, just after you've past the left hand turn off to the village church. Walk up the lane beside the pink cottage called Jakins. After 250 yards, just before you reach some farm buildings, take the footpath heading off to the right.

The route takes you around the edge of a field named Squirrel Grove. You pass through the field hedge to reach Gransden Wood. Walk along the edge of the wood for just over 400 yards to reach the reserve entrance. Don't be tempted to enter the wood before this point. The top half of the wood is privately owned, so there is no public access.

Point 1

Head into the heart of the woods. Existing for thousands of years, they are a magical place. With many paths to choose from it's easy to lose your way, so take a copy of the Wood Guide with you. You should aim to exit at the south west corner of the wood.

Point 2

Turn left and after just over 100 yards along the wood edge follow the track right and away from the wood. The path turns left after 500 yards, then right after a further 150 yards, to cross through Wood Farm, a major producer of free range eggs.

Passing through a farm gate, you come to the bottom of Vicarage Road. As you approach the centre of Waresley there are some attractive buildings. 

Point 3

From the top of Vicarage Road your first choice for a break is at the Duncombe Arms.  Another option is to turn left, and just under 200 yards cross the road to Waresley Park Garden Centre. You'll find an attractive cafe/restaurant with patio and conservatory seating. The garden centre has one of the areas best displays of Xmas lights and decorations during November and December.

To continue the walk retrace your steps through Wood Farm.

Point 4
Rather than following the path left to head back towards Waresley Wood, continue straight on along the bridleway. This skirts the bottom of the field south of Waresley Wood. As you get parallel to the bottom righthand corner of the wood the track turns left. After 450 yards you reach Waresley Wood. Follow the track along the edge of the wood for just under 500 yards.

Point 5
The route continues straight on along a path called Dick and Dolls Lane. Half a mile brings you back to the B1046 Little Gransden Lane and the start of the walk.

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