The River Great Ouse

It's lovely to have the river passing through the town. Of course, towns often developed at river crossings and St Neots was no exception. In mediaeval times there was a ford here; it was controlled by the monks at the local priory and the Market Square grew up immediately outside the priory walls.

The River Great Ouse in St Neots

On a fine day like today the river reflects the blue sky and that really enhances the view. On an overcast day the river looks grey and dull. It's amazing what a clear sky and a bit of sunshine do to liven things up!

There's a lot of life on and in our river. Along with moorhens, ducks, geese and swans, the river is full of fish and other water life.

Water lilies grow in the shallow parts along the banks in certain places where the flow is weak, and other kinds of waterweed are visible too.

Boat traffic is entirely pleasure craft, although in past years boats were used to carry goods to and from nearby towns - Bedford, Huntingdon and St Ives.

I'm glad the river is there. I like to walk to the River Mill Tavern in the evening or into town for shopping; and the paths along the river are by far the best way to do it. It avoids the noise and fumes of the road traffic and it's peaceful when the world is frantic and busy.

The river is a great asset.

(If you liked this you might also like Journeys of heart and mind and Quote me on this.)