walks in Cambridge

Cambridge is packed with beautiful buildings and surrounding countryside. With oodles of choices for a peaceful and scenic walk it will difficult to choose! Here are our favourite walks in Cambridge and nearby in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The Historic City Centre:walks in Cambridge

You really can’t visit Cambridge without seeing the famous university buildings can you? These historic and iconic buildings are over 800 years old. The Cambridge streets have been home to numerous famous people through history, including; Charles Darwin, Lord Byron, and Sir Isaac Newton to name just a few. You really can just wander and enjoy the city centre which is steeped in history but be sure to walk along the backs of the colleges on your travels. Kings College Chapel is also a must. Take one of the guided city tours and be sure not to miss a thing!

Granchester Meadows:

From the city, start at Lammas Land by the river Cam and walk about a mile to Granchester Meadows. A favourite venue for riverside picnics and a really beautiful walk. Enjoy the village pubs and perhaps take an afternoon tea at The Orchard Tea Gardens where you can sit back in the deck chairs and enjoy the views.

The Gog Magogs:The Gogs

The Gogs are ridges of low chalk hills to the southeast of Cambridge. Some 163 acres, this is a top choice for walkers wanting beautiful open spaces. See the website for routes and information of parking etc. The Gogs can be accessed from different starting points, for example Stapleford or Great Shelford and by doing this your can incorporate some great food options along the way by visiting the village pubs. Stop off on the way at The Gog Farm Shop which has a top quality butchery and deli to browse. Find something delicious to take home with you!  *Parking at the Gog Farm Shop is for customers only*.

The Thicket, St Ives:walks in Cambridge

Featured in the Guardian, this beautiful circular walk of just under 6 miles can be enjoyed by starting and finishing in the pretty market town of St. Ives where there is plenty of parking. Walk down the woodland path to Houghton, past Houghton Mill and across the meadows to Hemingford. From Hemingford you can choose to break your walk with a visit to village pub The Cock or walk back towards St Ives to visit to one of the great places to eat. We recommend The River Terrace for a great brunch or perhaps  Eric’s for some top-notch fish and chips?

Wimpole Estate:walks in Cambridge

Just over 8 miles from Cambridge, National Trust’s Wimpole Estate offers some of its 3000 acres of farmland and parkland to explore and enjoy to visitors. It is really beautiful here. You can find planned routes to walk on the website, or arrive, wander and find your own. The Wimpole Estate also has a mansion, beautiful gardens, a coffee shop and a home farm- something to please everybody. Runners can enjoy the sights by getting involved in the weekly Wimpole Parkrun. Book via the website. See the other National Trust sites in Cambridgeshire here.

Anglesey Abbey:

Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ Cambs walks
There is plenty to explore at National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey which is just over 6 miles from the city centre. Choose between a 30 minute, 60 minute or 90 minute walk, of varying difficulty. The 30 minute walk is fully accessible and good for all walkers, including pushchairs and wheelchair users. Expect beautiful views and plenty of nature along the way. The Abbey itself can also be visited and the site has a coffee shop for a refreshment stop so book in advance via the National trust website.
Be sure to check out the beautiful parks in Cambridge too- they are prefect for a lovely walk! Walking the dog? Check out these dog friendly pubs. More things to do in Cambridge here.