Cambridge
Escape the Crowds on Cambridge's Traffic-Free Cycle Routes!
Escape the Crowds on Cambridge's Traffic-Free Cycle Routes!
Cycle route to Waterbeach by Bill Boaden under license CC BY-SA 4.0
If you're looking for a great way to explore Cambridge, you should check out the local cycle routes. There are some amazing bike rides to be had, and you'll get to see all the best sights in town. Plus, it's a fun way to get some exercise! Check out this blog post for more information on the best cycle routes in Cambridge. I'm sure you'll love them!
You can take the same route as the famous University Boat Race along the Cambridge to Waterbeach route, cycle round the well maintained track at Grafham Water or test your mountain biking skills on the many trails at High Lodge!
Experience The Best of Cambridge By Bike
The table above lists all the best cycling routes around Cambridge. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
There's no better way to explore the beauty of Cambridge than on the saddle of a bike! Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel. The purple icons on the map indicate bike hire shop locations.
Cambridge to Waterbeach
The 8.5 mile route from Cambridge to Waterbeach is a particularly scenic one and is a great way to see all that this beautiful part of the world has to offer. The cycle path takes you through picturesque countryside, past historic landmarks, and along the River Cam (famous location of the university boat race between Oxford and Cambridge) - it's an unforgettable experience.
Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen Nature Reserve is a great place for a family bike ride, with plenty of paths to explore and wildlife to see like the konic ponies the reserve is known for. The reserve is also a great place to learn about the history and ecology of the area, as there are information boards along the way. In the summer, the reserve is a beautiful place to cycle, with wildflowers blooming and dragonflies darting around. No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to have a great time cycling in Wicken Fen Nature Reserve.
Wimpole Cycle Trail
The Wimpole cycle trail is a great way to experience the best of what Cambridgeshire has to offer for cyclists. The trail offers a scenic route that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the countryside. There are also plenty of places to stop and rest along the way, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery.
The Guided Busway at Oakington by Martin Tester under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Cambridge to St Ives
Cycling is a great way to get from Cambridge to the local towns and villages nearby. The traffic-free route to St Ives follows a disused railway line along the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, making it perfect for a relaxing cycle. You can experience all that the county has to offer including local lakes and the River Great Ouse while getting some fresh air and exercise. And once you reach St Ives, you can enjoy a well-earned break in the picturesque market town before pedaling back to Cambridge.
Cycle track at Grafham Water by Mat Fascione under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Grafham Water
If you're looking for a great place to go cycling, the 10-mile trail at Grafham Water is the perfect spot. With its beautiful scenery, picnic spots, and well-maintained paths, it's no wonder that the Site of Special Scientific Interest is such a popular destination for cyclists. And if you're not familiar with the area, don't worry - there are plenty of signs that are marked and easy to follow. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just getting started, you'll find that cycling around Grafham Water is a fun and enjoyable experience.
MTB: High Lodge
Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and explore the trails. And there's no better place to do it than High Lodge in Thetford Forest. With over 30 miles of trails to choose from, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll find the perfect route for you. The views from the top of the forest are incredible, and the sense of achievement you'll feel after completing the ride is unbeatable.
MTB: Maulden Wood
The wood is criss-crossed with a network of trails that are perfect for cycling, and you'll be able to take in some stunning scenery as you ride. Best of all, the surfaced gravel track trails are very well maintained, so you can be sure of a smooth ride. So if you're looking for a great mountain biking experience, be sure to check out Maulden Wood. You won't be disappointed.
MTB: Santon Downham
If you're looking for an incredible mountain biking experience, look no further than Santon Downham. The forest's numerous trails are perfect for both beginner and experienced cyclists alike, and the scenery is gorgeous.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you'll find exactly what you're looking for. And if you get tired of cycling, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the forest including hiking, horse riding, and picnicking.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best traffic-free cycle routes in and around the city of Cambridge. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the links below:
Free Things to do in Cambridge
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (11/11/22) licensed under the Open Government License.