Top 10 Walks In Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire, located in the heart of East Anglia, is a county brimming with history, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes, making it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts. The county is known for its flat, rural expanses, with vast fields and meadows, along with peaceful riverside walks.

The iconic city of Cambridge, home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, provides an intriguing blend of history, architecture, and green spaces, ideal for those who enjoy both urban and nature-based walks.

Cambridgeshire’s countryside is just as captivating. The county is home to the unique fenland landscapes of Wicken Fen, one of Europe’s oldest nature reserves, where reedbeds, wetlands, and diverse wildlife create a tranquil escape. The Gog Magog Hills offer walkers stunning panoramic views, while the peaceful riverside paths along the River Cam and River Nene provide serene and scenic routes.

For history lovers, walks through the city of Ely and its iconic cathedral or through the charming villages of the countryside offer both a rich historical experience and beautiful natural scenery.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a more challenging hike, Cambridgeshire’s walking routes provide an array of unforgettable experiences, from quiet nature reserves to scenic views of historic landmarks.

The Top 10 Walks in Cambridgeshire

Grafham Water Circular

Start Point: Grafham Water Visitor Centre
End Point: Grafham Water Visitor Centre
Distance: 9 miles
Terrain: Lakeside paths, grasslands
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Grafham Water

This circular walk around Grafham Water offers stunning views of the reservoir, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for birdwatching. The path is well-maintained, making it suitable for most walkers.

Cambridge City Circular

Start Point: Cambridge City Centre
End Point: Cambridge City Centre
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: Urban streets, parks, and riversides
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: King’s College Chapel

Explore the historic city of Cambridge on this circular route, passing through iconic colleges, the River Cam, and picturesque parks. Ideal for those interested in history and architecture.

Anglesey Abbey and Quy Fen Circular

Start Point: Anglesey Abbey
End Point: Anglesey Abbey
Distance: 4 miles
Terrain: Woodland paths, wetlands
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Anglesey Abbey

This walk combines the beauty of Anglesey Abbey’s gardens with the natural wetlands of Quy Fen, offering a peaceful retreat with opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Houghton Mill to St. Ives

Start Point: Houghton Mill
End Point: St. Ives
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Houghton Mill

A scenic riverside walk along the River Great Ouse, passing through meadows and charming villages, culminating in the historic town of St. Ives.

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Start Point: Wicken Fen Visitor Centre
End Point: Wicken Fen Visitor Centre
Distance: 4 miles
Terrain: Boardwalks, reedbeds
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Wicken Fen

Explore one of Europe’s oldest nature reserves, featuring unique fenland landscapes, diverse plant life, and abundant birdlife.

6. Ferry Meadows, River Nene, and Peterborough

Start Point: Ferry Meadows Country Park
End Point: Peterborough City Centre
Distance: 7 miles
Terrain: Parkland, riverside paths
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Peterborough Cathedral

A varied walk starting in the tranquil Ferry Meadows Country Park, following the River Nene, and ending in the historic city of Peterborough.

7. Great Fen Last of the Meres and Northern Loop

Start Point: Great Fen Visitor Centre
End Point: Great Fen Visitor Centre
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: Wetlands, boardwalks
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Great Fen Nature Reserve

Discover the unique landscape of the Great Fen, a project to restore fenland habitats, with opportunities to see rare wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.

8. Gog Magog Hills and the Granta Valley

Start Point: Wandlebury Country Park
End Point: Cambridge City Centre
Distance: 10 miles
Terrain: Hills, woodlands, riverside paths
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Wandlebury Country Park

A challenging walk through the Gog Magog Hills, offering panoramic views, followed by a descent into the Granta Valley and a riverside path into Cambridge.

9. Abbotts Ripton to Kings Ripton

Start Point: Abbotts Ripton
End Point: Kings Ripton
Distance: 6 miles
Terrain: Farmland, quiet lanes
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: St. Andrew’s Church, Abbotts Ripton

A peaceful walk through the Cambridgeshire countryside, passing through small villages and farmland, ideal for those seeking a tranquil rural experience.

10. The Bishops Way (Ely & Little Downham)

Start Point: Ely Cathedral
End Point: Little Downham
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Riverside paths, farmland
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Ely Cathedral

A historic walk following the route of the medieval bishops, starting at the magnificent Ely Cathedral and passing through the Fens to the village of Little Downham.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Cambridgeshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Cambridgeshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.