9k Run St Ives: Beautiful Trails by the River at Houghton Mill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.7km loop offers a quintessentially English running experience through the heart of Huntingdonshire, boasting a perfectly flat profile that is ideal for sustained tempo efforts or a scenic recovery jog. Starting at the iconic St Ives Bridge, you’ll navigate a mix of 75% paved paths and lush riverside trails as you track the southern bank of the Great Ouse. Runners can expect wide-open skies over the ancient water meadows, with the unique "SL" course type providing a refreshing change of scenery as you cross the river at the historic Houghton Mill and head back eastward. It is an accessible, low-impact route that rewards you with tranquil water views and the occasional sight of local rowing crews.

Steeped in history, this area has been a vital crossing point since the Middle Ages, and the 15th-century St Ives Bridge—one of only four in England to feature a chapel—serves as a magnificent trailhead. As you run toward Houghton, you are treading through the Ouse Valley Way, passing through meadows that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Houghton Mill itself is a National Trust gem, a majestic 18th-century watermill that marks the turnaround point of your run. After finishing, local runners often gather in the bustling market town of St Ives, which once hosted the famous Oliver Cromwell, for a post-run coffee in the shadow of his statue.