Cambridge is the cycling capital of the UK, so it is perhaps unsurprising that the famous university town, and the gorgeous countryside that surrounds it, has some of the best cycling routes in the country.
Whether you prefer the stunning architecture of King’s College Chapel, or the flat open fields of the Fens, Cambridgeshire has it all and everything in between.
With so much on offer it’s hard to choose where to go and which way to get there, but we’ve picked some of our top 5 rides around Cambridge to help you narrow it down.
We’ve mapped out all of the routes below on Google Maps, so that you know where to go. Click on the menu icon (top left) to switch between each route map.
Cambridge to Ely via Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen
Ely, home to the magnificent Ely Cathedral, is one of the gems of Cambridgeshire, and the ride from Cambridge is one of the most interesting on this list. Starting at the famous King’s College Chapel and finishing at Ely Cathedral, this route takes you along the River Cam and out into the wilds of the Fens, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the UK. Throw in a couple of National Trust sites and you’ve got a ride that can’t be missed!
Ride stats:
Distance: 22.9 miles
Time: 2 hours
National Cycle Routes?: Yes. Routes 11 and 51
Places of Interest: Anglesey Abbey, Wicken Fen (both National Trust)
Route map:
Cambridge to Huntingdon via St Ives and Houghton Mill
The historic market town of Huntingdon is another great day out just a stones throw (or a short cycle!) away from Cambridge. Straightforward and easy to follow, this route starts in the middle of the city and takes you out along the guided busway into the Cambridgeshire countryside. The town of St Ives is a great place to stop for lunch or a cup of coffee before continuing on towards Houghton Mill, a fully restored 18th century water-mill, and finally Huntingdon itself.
Ride stats
Distance: 20.6 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Places of Interest: St Ives, Houghton Mill (National Trust)
Route map
The Roman Road
The first half of this loop is a ride along the Roman Road, and is a route for those who want to go off the beaten track and travel along a road which has been in use for 2000 years! Cutting through the South Cambridgeshire countryside, it offers a gentle and easy to follow cycle, with some tough terrain depending on the time of year – it’s definitely more mountain bike territory in the winter months! The second half of the route sees a return to the roads, with a smooth ride back to Cambridge, albeit along some quite quick roads. Before you head home though, check out the Old Butchers in Balsham for some delicious cake and coffee! This route starts and finishes at the Beechwood Nature Reserve.
Ride stats
Distance: 19.2 miles
Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Route map
We’ve mapped out the route on Google Maps here.
The City of Cambridge
The city of Cambridge itself is best seen by bicycle, and is full of interesting things to see and do. Starting at the Reality Checkpoint on Parkers Piece, this route will take you through the lush green meadows of Grantchester, past the Colleges and back through the centre of Cambridge, showing you just about everything that this wonderful city has to offer.
Ride stats
Distance: 8.4 miles
Time: 50 minutes
National Cycle Routes: N/A
Places of Interest: Grantchester Meadows, King’s Parade, all of the Cambridge colleges!
Route map
Dinky Doors Tour
Hidden around Cambridge are ten dinky little doors, which can only be found by those who already know where they are… And also those who follow this next route! Starting at Wandlebury Country Park, and taking you down the Gog Magog Hills and through Cambridge in search of these tiny art installations, this jaunt through the city is a great day out for kids and adults alike.
Ride stats
Distance: 9 miles
Time: 1 hour
National Cycle Routes: N/A
Points of Interest: The Dinky Doors?!
Route map
We’ve mapped out the route on Google Maps here.
New Dinky Door installations are added fairly frequently, for the most up to date map check their website here.
We hope you enjoy our top 5 Cambridge cycling routes! If you give them a go, let us know – we’d love to know which is your favourite.
