A Cambridge Amble

Today we had a trip to Cambridge for a leisurely walk, coffee at the Michaelhouse Centre and a lunchtime concert at Newnham College.

This was the invite from Joyce.

"Wednesday November 2nd a leisurely group walk in Cambridge. Those wishing for a longer walk, pls park at Newmarket Park n Ride in the far back car park for 9.30am.  We will meet under the large bicycle Archway. I expect toilets here but I'm not 100% certain. We will then use tarmac paths to cross Stourbridge common and walk alongside the River Cam. If you wish to park at the Riverside, end of Stanley Road, Cambridge CB5 8LF.  This is free parking and will shorten your walk by 4 miles. We will collect you at 10.10am. 

We will then all head to coffee at Michaelhouse Cafe (4 miles from Park n Ride) approx 11am. 

We will head over to Newnham College, passing Kings College and other Cambridge highlights for a lunch break. The grounds of Newnham will be open and you are allowed to wander. Food and drink here is a little cheaper so why not treat yourself to something like soup/sandwich. before a free 30-minute recital at 1.20pm - 1.50pm - the Raleigh Society Lunchtime Recital: Freshers’ Recital.

On the way back, I will endeavour to either get access to Christs College grounds or we will climb the Cambridge Castle Mound for a skyline view. Or we might wander back via Clare College - expect a lovely leisurely look around Cambridge and a walk of about 8 miles or 12 miles depending on your choice of parking. I will try and be back at the Park N Ride by 4pm." 

Well the A14 traffic conspired to delay both Roland and me with a 3 mile queue for the roadworks, but we both managed to park near the football ground to intercept Joyce on her walk from the Park & Ride and meet the others at 10:10am as planned. Here are a few photos.

Now we are six.

The Michaelhouse café was busy as ever.

We admired their colourful display of squash.

We visited the grounds of Christ's College.

I posed next to the statue of Darwin.

The college is one the most picturesque.

Onward now towards Newnham College across the river.

We munched at the Iris café.

The lunchtime recital was a treat and we swelled the audience (apart from the performers) by nearly 50%. We listened to Maia Davies playing the Prelude from Bach's 2nd cello suite in D minor.

...Naomi Fester played 'Air' by Helen Hopekirk, a new composer to me...

...Maureen Bartsch played Chopin's Waltz No 19 in A minor....

...Evie Malin (instead of what was in the programme) played the Beethoven Rondo in C Op51 No. 1....

...and Josie Fairley-Keast played two pieces by Richard Ingham, William Meikle of Strathaven and Adolphe Sax, his Jig.

I particularly enjoyed the Bach and Beethoven, but also the saxophone music was quite atmospheric.

Then it was off back to where we were parked via the University Library...

...Castle Hill...

...Magdalen Bridge...

...along the River Cam...

...and along some of  the new Chisholm Trail.

A lovely day out. Thank-you Joyce for organising and leading us and to the rest for the company.