I hiked this stage of the Icknield Way in November 2014.

I was joined on the walk by Smithy the Cairn Terrier.  We caught the early train to Cambridge and from there hopped on the train to Dullingham.

Smithy on the train to Dullingham
Smithy on the train to Dullingham

We arrived at Dullingham station for 8am. It was rather misty but it’s such a joy to be out walking at this time, I’m always happiest hiking early in the morning, the earlier the better.

We quickly found the path and began heading north in the direction of Moulton, in Suffolk where we’d be stopping for lunch.

Icknield Way signpost
Icknield Way signpost

This was Smithy’s second hike of over ten miles.  He spent most of the time at full stretch on the lead, pulling me along.  He’d stop every now and again and give me a quizzical look, as if he were expecting to be led back home by now.  He couldn’t believe his luck, non-stop walkies and Scooby-snacks galore, dog heaven!

Smithy on the way
“C’mon, what’s keeping you?”

We arrived at Moulton for lunch.

Lunch at Moulton
Lunch at Moulton

Moulton is a lovely ancient village that pre-dates the 1086 Domesday book and was the star attraction of the walk.

Smithy at St Peter's Church, Moulton
Smithy at St Peter’s Church, Moulton

Saint Peter’s church looked stunning in the autumn afternoon and we lingered for a while in the churchyard.

St Peter's church
St Peter’s church

But all to soon Smithy caught the scent of a pheasant/rabbit/squirrel and was tugging me along the Way again.

We both began to tire on the second half of the hike.  The fields felt muddier, the wind had picked up, my boots were leaking and rain was threatening.

We were glad to arrive at Kennett station and catch the train back to Cambridge, where I had a cuppa tea and Smithy ate a Scooby snack.

A tired dog at Cambridge station
A tired dog at Cambridge station

We arrived home tired but happy. Smithy hit the sofa and didn’t leave it until the following morning.  15 miles on his little legs, a tired but happy dog.

Oh, and the Icknield Way? A joy.

11 thoughts on “On the Icknield Way – Dullingham to Kennet

  1. So beautiful with the autumnal colours of the leaves, but clearly good that there are still many leaves on the trees. I love the photograph with Smithy looking out the window on the train!! When you mention about him really pulling at his lead, immediately an image of Smithy ‘standing up’ comes to mind!! By the way, I really enjoy early morning walks in autumn, when you can see your breath and it’s cool enough to dress warmly but not so you’re bundled up!! When Fred, you and I walked on the Icknield Way, there were some parts of the ground that were too muddy – I prefer it when the frost turns the muddy ground hard enough to keep from sinking into muddy holes but without being too hard for walking (i.e. walking on the indentations of footprints of the people who were there before the ground froze!!).

    1. Glad you enjoyed the post Herbert. I agree with you about winter hiking in the frost, can’t be beaten, especially on a day with clear blues skies : )

  2. It’s a great little walk.
    The 3 churches of Moulton, Dalham & Gazeley make a brilliant little circular walk too. Shame the bad weather this week will have blown many of the autumn colours away. We need a cold snap now to bring some frosty colours.
    Would have loved to have been able to walk a bit with you if I hadn’t been dying of Man Flu.

    1. Hi Andrew, thanks for stopping by, it would be great to do a section of the Way together, hope you’ve recovered from the manflu

  3. We also like walking footpaths and byways with our dog (standard poodle) Sometimes we have to lift her over stiles which can make the walk even more of a workout. Looks like you had a great day.

    1. Hi Richard, thanks for stopping by. Yes, I had to carry Smithy over a few styles, he’s quite a light dog so it wasn’t a huge problem. I’m definitely a convert to having dogs along on hikes : )

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