Points of Interest:

Coton Village

The Coton
Coton is a small village and civil parish about two In 2010 a new farm tenant was appointed.
miles west of Cambridge. The parish covers an area of Trumpington Farm Company now works the land
392 hectares. In the 2011 census it had a population of in a wildlife-friendly way, adhering to Countryside
910. Stewardship and Entry Level Schemes administered by
Just past the Village Hall (the 1932 WI Hall completely
rebuilt in 2012) in Chapel Yard is Rose Cottage and the
former Baptist Chapel and nearby is the Old Rectory,
Natural England. New access points and recreational
routes have been introduced for walkers, cyclists,
joggers, pram users, disabled people and horse riders,
Corridor
built in 1840. Opposite the church is Lantern Cottage, creating a major public green space within easy reach of
built in the 17th century and next to it the 19th century Cambridge and nearby villages.
old school house. The new school, built in the 1960s, lies
at the point that Whitwell Way turns into High Street.
The Rifle Range A circular walk
The walk passes close to an army live firing rifle range
Down the drive to Rectory Farm can be seen the 18th
century Pigeon House. Near the start of the walk you
behind Red Meadow Hill and follows a route parallel to
the range. When the rifle range is in use, red flags are
over one of the area’s
will pass close to St Catharine’s farmhouse (originally
a 14th century Hall House), located opposite Fairview
displayed. best kept secrets
Cottages (16th century cottages restored in 1966). The Plough
Coprolites Contemporary village pub with a preserved historic
(extract from Coton Through the Ages by Kathleen interior and seasonally themed European dishes.
Fowle) St Peter’s Church, Coton
Coprolite mining provided the raw material for the The church dates back to the 12th century and has
world’s first chemical fertiliser in the mid 19th century. several interesting features: 12th century font; 15th
Coprolites occur as a layer of phosphatic nodules, century pews; medieval nave roof; monument to
formed from the shells and casts of molluscs such Andrew Downes, one of the translators of the King
ammonites. Coprolite digging was an important local James Bible; William Morris & Co stained glass windows
industry in Coton between 1858 and 1875. in the chancel.
Coton Countryside Reserve View over Cambridge from Red Meadow Hill
In the 1930s, using money from a legacy provided by This viewpoint allows elevated views across much
Professor George M Trevelyan, Cambridge Past Present of Cambridge from higher ground. It demonstrates
and Future acquired farmland at Coton. In the late the compactness of the historic core of the city, with
1990s CambridgePPF turned its attention back to Coton, landmarks such as King’s College and the University
gaining planning permission to establish a 300 acre Library interrupting the skyline. The green edge of the
reserve. As part of this, diverse wildlife habitats were city is clearly visible, with the West Fields in the middle
created, including woodland and hedgerows, bird boxes, ground beyond the M11 motorway. Higher ground to

Part II of the Great

ponds, hay meadows, and an orchard. The Martin Car the south east and south of the city can be clearly seen
Park was opened on Grantchester Road in 2008. The in the distance, including the Gog Magog Hills.
reserve, which is part of the Cambridge Green Belt,
offers a chance to experience changing seasons and to
enjoy great views over the surrounding area.
West Walk series

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 The Walk
Starting from the car parking opposite the Village
Hall, walk towards Cambridge and take the footpath
on the right signposted Coton Countryside Res. Follow
path across the meadow, past the alpacas and turn left
after the third kissing gate to reach Brook Lane. Cross
Brook Lane, over bridge, and take the footpath on right
adjacent to Bin Brook as far as the concrete path.
Turn right and after crossing the brook turn left along
a path initially next to the brook and then right along
the field edge. Turn left over a footbridge and continue
to Grantchester Road. Cross over into another field and
continue along the field edge to a sentry box before
the Rifle Range. Turn right, follow line of electric poles,
ascending gradually and walk up steps and swing left
across the field to the crest of Red Meadow Hill. Stop
here to admire the views of Cambridge.
From the hilltop descend to the north, past a seat with
a panoramic view of Coton and Madingley Hill. At the
field bottom, turn right on a field path back to a gate,
and cross Grantchester Road at Wheatcases Barn. Walk
past the Martin car park and follow field path parallel
to the road to reach a copse. Turn left through gate,
cross road, continue along track to water treatment
works. Continue ahead through gate, and after 70 yards
turn diagonally right to cross Manor Field to a gate in
the opposite corner. After gate, cross Beryl’s Bridge
and go along garden fence on left to a kissing gate into
Approximately 3.5 miles, walking time 1½ to 2 hours.
Brookfield Road. Follow this for 100 yards and turn right
Mostly follows paths along edges of fields; these
in St Peter’s Road. At the end, turn right and walk along
are sometimes muddy after rain. Great views from
Whitwell Way past the school and St Peter’s Church
Red Meadow Hill over Coton and Cambridge. Plenty
back to the start.
of wildlife interest, especially in Coton Countryside
Reserve.
Getting there: Park opposite Coton Village Hall. Number
8 bus serves the village, while Citi 4 stops at Coton turn
on Madingley Road, about half a mile from Coton Village
Hall.
Map: Explorer Map 209. GR for CPPF car park
TL41385/57882; and TL40957/58905 for Coton Village
The author accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the map or for Hall.
any injury or mishap that might befall any person who follows this walk.
Pubs: The Plough, Coton.

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