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The Best Walks in Cambridge

Wednesday 18 August 2021

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There’s no better way of exploring a city than by foot. Walking can take you to parts of cities that cars and buses can’t, you get the sense of community that makes the place what it is, and you have more time to soak up its history and culture – not to mention the health and environmental benefits.

Cambridge is famous for its university, canal, and cobbled streets, all of which are best experienced on two feet. So, if you’re looking to take some time to discover what makes this history city one of the most visited in the UK, these are the best walks in Cambridge.

Cambridge City Circular

Punters on the Cambridge canal

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 4 miles

Start: Castle Hill

Finish: Castle Hill

If you want to take in all the sights Cambridge has to offer, the Cambridge City Circular is your best bet. This beginner’s walk takes you around the outside of the city, passing through its historic colleges where you’ll bear witness to some stunning architecture. Part of the walk takes you along the River Cam, and you might spot some locals or tourists punting along the canal – we recommend you give that a go yourself to relax after the walk.
Take in the fresh air on offer at famous parks like Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece before finishing where you started. At just four miles, it will leave you more than enough time to partake in the city’s many tourist attractions.

Waterbeach Station to Green Dragon Bridge

Duration: 6 hours

Distance: 8.5 miles

Start: Waterbeach Station

Finish: Green Dragon Bridge

The River Cam is one of the most famous in the UK, and for good reason. This route from Waterbeach Station to Green Dragon Bridge – just outside the city centre – takes you along over eight miles of the iconic river, passing through Clayhithe, Horningsea, and Fen Ditton. You won’t be too far away from Milton Country Park if you want to stop for a break half-way around, while Ditton Meadows and Stourbridge Common offer some greenery and well-deserved respite. It’s a moderate walk with some slight elevation, so we recommend it to those with some hiking experience.

Castle Inn Pub Walk

Cambridge University on a sunny day

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 5 Miles

Start: Lucy Cavendish College

Finish: The Castle Inn

The Castle Inn pub walk is perfect for those who want to focus on Cambridge’s history and architecture. You’ll start just outside the city centre by College House and Lucy Cavendish College, before heading into the city centre and then left towards the world-famous Trinity College and Kings College. This route takes you through The Backs where many of the university’s students go for some much-needed greenery, before looping the outskirts of the city towards Christ’s College and Jesus College. If you want to see as much of Cambridge University as possible, this walk’s for you.

Milton Country Park Circular

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 1.5 miles

Start: Milton Community Centre

Finish: Milton Community Centre

Most people visit Cambridge for its history and culture, but there’s a whole world of wildlife waiting to be discovered just outside the city centre. Just a few miles north you’ll find Milton Country Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A loop around the park takes you through woodland, along lakes, and down pathways that are suitable on foot, bicycle, and wheelchair. You’ll spot different animals and plants depending on the time of year you visit, making it worthwhile whichever month you’re visiting. Dog-friendly and suitable for beginner walkers, this takes our top spot for the best walk in Cambridge for the whole family.

Cambridge City Centre Sculpture Trail

Parker’s Piece sculpture in Cambridge

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 4 miles

Start: Cambridge Train Station

Finish: Midsummer Common

Have you ever seen a sculpture and wondered what it is, what it means, and who created it? You often find them dotted around city centres, and Cambridge is no different, with dozens of famous art works embedded in its streets. The Cambridge Sculpture Trail is a walk that invites you to learn about each piece. Whether it’s a monument from the 1920s or artwork from the 2010s, everything has a fascinating backstory that alludes to the city’s history and its community. It’s a gentle walk that can take as long as you want – depending on how long you spend learning about each sculpture.

Balsham and the Roman Road Circular

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 7 miles

Start: Black Bull Inn, Balsham

Finish: Black Bull Inn, Balsham

Just south of Cambridge is Balsham, a small parish village with a stunning woodland walk. Starting from the Black Bull Inn, this walk takes you on the outskirts of the wood until you hit The Roman Road, an ancient causeway which splits Blasham and Borley Wood. It’s one of the most famous roads in the UK, and it’s been in use for nearly 2,000 years. Once you reach Horseheath, you’ll loop back through Balsham wood to finish where you started. Suitable for all skill levels, this walk is widely regarded as one of the best in Cambridge for its blend of history and nature.

If you’re planning a trip to Cambridge, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.

Don’t forget the many other UK days out you can take part in, whether it’s the best zoos in the UK, the best castles in the UK, the best water parks in the UK, or the best theme parks in the UK.

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