Cambourne, Elsworth, Knapwell circular

Walking from Morrisons in Cambourne to the nearby villages of Elsworth and Knapwell offers a journey through the rural Cambridgeshire countryside.

From Cambourne, we will head northwest to Elsworth through open fields, with views of the expansive Cambridgeshire countryside, punctuated by small clusters of trees, hedgerows, and farmland.

Elsworth is a quintessentially English village with a history dating back over a thousand years. The village’s name is believed to originate from the Old English “Ellesworth,” meaning “enclosure of a man named Eli.”

The village itself is lined with historic thatched cottages, creating a timeless feel as you walk through its narrow streets. The rural setting and historical architecture make Elsworth a quiet but picturesque destination.

We will stop at The Poacher Pub, a traditional English pub with a warm atmosphere where you can eat your sandwiches or buy food and drink.

After refreshments we will make a brief stop at the “Holy Trinity” church in Elsworth where Rev Awdry was rector at the church from 1946-1952, and many of his books were written while he was living there.

Thomas and his fellow engines were created by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry for his 'Railway Series' books - with the first one published in 1945. A blue plaque has been unveiled at the former home of the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.

After enjoying the charm of Elsworth, we will continue southwest toward Knapwell, another small village. Knapwell is even smaller than Elsworth, offering a peaceful escape into rural England. The village has a recorded history going back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as “Chenepewelle.”

Knapwell’s most notable historical site is All Saints’ Church,an evocative reminder of the village’s long history. The church dates from the 13th century.