I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined the GOC—but last weekend I took the plunge and did my first walk.

 

I used to live in Waterbeach, but I was never a fan. It’s too flat, and the name is misleading—there’s no beach in Waterbeach. And don’t get me started on Landbeach.

 

We all met up outside the Bridge pub. There were about 20 of us, all strangers to me. It was my first ever GOC walk, and I didn’t know anybody. I stood quietly at the edge.

 

Then someone smiled and said hello. We ended up talking about lino printing. The walk had started—metaphorically, not literally—we were still standing in the car park.

 

From Waterbeach, we headed southeast along footpaths and bridleways. As we wandered along, I chatted to people about Spanish lessons, coaching, public nudity, robotic lawnmowers, and the best time to plant raspberries.

 

It was warm, still, slightly cloudy, and the path was dry—perfect weather for walking.

 

Eventually we followed Quy Water, a river that flows past Anglesey Abbey. We admired the abbey from afar, through a gate, then had lunch by Lode watermill before heading back through Stow-cum-Quy Fen.

 

We trundled along paths I’d ridden many times on my cyclocross bike. I always thought it was strange how many signs at Stow-cum-Quy Fen warned against naturism and promised police action. Then someone on the walk casually mentioned they used to sunbathe naked there. Then someone else said the same. Apparently, it was quite the naturist hotspot. The walk had become a gentle, wandering confessional.

 

All steps take the same effort—but the first one often feels the hardest. It’s the one where you don’t yet know the way, or the people, or even if you’ll belong.

But once it’s made, the rest starts to flow.

 

If you’re unsure whether to join a walk like this—take the first step. You never know where it might lead.

 

Thanks to Jan for organising the walk, and to everyone who made me feel so welcome. I’ll definitely join another one.

 

Waterbeach is a great place to walk away from—but if you do go there… remember to wear clothes.