Footpath
10
Distance
about 425 m. Direction W then N
The footpath starts on the
bend of the Green End (TL235524) between the allotments and the old Methodist
Chapel. This building was purchased in 2005 by the Parish Council and during
the day is used by the Rainbow Playgroup. After passing in front of two
semi-detached houses, on the northern side of the road, you can see Green End
Industrial Estate. This area used to be part of Avenelles Cloptons field
and when Gamlingay started to develop
in the 19th and early 20th centuries, part of it was sold
and a box factory was constructed. The
land is thought to be owned by the Wright family.
Companies located there in
2006 included Cambridge Archiving, Formula 1, U Systems, Lazydaze Bedding
Company, Timberworks, Dams International (office furniture), Parkplay Leisure
Limited, Green End Vehicle Sales, Fabrication Technology Services Limited,
Dennets Welding and Fabrication, Pinewood Structures Limited, Hall Transport
(Halls Horseboxes). On the southern side of the road you can see the car park
and buildings of The Wale Group, the Montessori School and Technical Network
Support International Limited. Behind these buildings are D. C. Finnigan Motor
Engineers, Fleet Commercial Services and Product Support Limited. A number of
properties were vacant and advertised for rent.
The path continues along the
road between the buildings towards Product Support Limited and turns north towards
the gates of Pinewood Structures Limited. Just to the west of the entrance the
path follows the southern boundary fence for about 100 metres before turning
north again along its western boundary. There is access at the corner to Maple
Court, a cul-de-sac off the Greenacres road. A line of mature pine trees along
the western edge of their property was cut down in 2006. Pinewood Structures moved onto this site in
June 2000. They have other buildings on the Gamlingay Industrial Estate near Hi
Sell Direct and employ 160 mainly Gamlingay people. You will be able to see
their products piled up in their yard. They manufacture softwood floor
components for houses and offices. The timber is imported from sustainable
forests in Finland. The joints are fabricated in King’s Lynn and shipped to
Gamlingay. You may well see the flatpacks of timber on lorries entering or
leaving the site.
The path follows the back
garden fences of the houses of the Green Acres estate for about 200 metres and
comes out on Cinques Road (234526), which was marked on the 1601 map as what
looks like St Bees Waye but more probably St Neots Waye.