19 Beautiful Walks in Cambridgeshire

Looking for the best walks in Cambridgeshire? After living in the county for over 5 years, here are all my favourite spots to explore the outdoors.

One of my favourite things about going for a walk is that it doesn’t cost a penny. Aside from the occasional National Park entry fee, it’s a free day out that you can have all over the world, any time of year.

Even in the dead of winter, it’s nice to get outside and stretch your legs. With all the beautiful walks in Cambridge, it’s so easy to fall in love with the countryside.

There’s marshy fenland, stunning nature reserves, leafy woodland trails, National Trust sites, a network of flowing rivers and, of course, the historic streets of Cambridge and its surrounding market towns. Have your binoculars ready for the abundance of wildlife that you might see, too!

There is no end to gorgeous Cambridgeshire walks to explore, but I’ve compiled this list with a little something for everyone. 

Can you walk along the river in Cambridge?

No, you can’t walk directly along the River Cam – this is called Quayside. However, you can take a punt boat along the river to the famous Backs, where you will find a delightful little circular walking route.

What are the Best Walks in Cambridge?

There are also plenty of stunning walks in Cambridge itself, as well as in Cambridgeshire. This includes meadows, riverside trails, and woodlands.

Among the best things to do in Cambridge, a few of these spots include Jesus Green, Stourbridge Common, and Paradise Local Nature Reserve. Plus, there are some wonderful places to eat in Cambridge after your walks, especially along Quayside.

The 19 Best Walks in Cambridgeshire

So, do you feel like getting outdoors? Whether you want to go for a run, let the dog blow off some steam, have a leisurely family stroll or push yourself with a challenging uphill hike, there’s something for everyone in and around Cambridge.

The wonderfully picturesque city, its suburbs and surrounding villages offer the very best walks near Cambridge. Now that you’re ready to get your hike on, here are the 19 best walks in Cambridgeshire.

Top Tip: If you’re looking to track your Cambridge walks, try using a walking app like Komoot to plan and save your favourite trails!

1. Grafham Water

One of my all-time favourite spots, Grafham Water is the 3rd largest reservoir in England. The whopping 6.27 km² lake is surrounded by 1500 acres of beautiful countryside trails for either walking or cycling, plus a fishing area, kayak and canoe hire and even dog training classes.

As a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s one of the prime bird-watching spots in the country and there are some unusual flower species to spot too. But, on the other hand, it’s also dog-friendly and a perfect place to take your pooch for a game of fetch or a dip in the lake! 

For families, there’s also a picnic area, a children’s playground and a cafe for snacks and ice cream after those lazy summer strolls. One of the walks in Cambridge with a bit of something for everyone, Grafham Water is one of Cambridgeshire’s best-kept secrets.

2. Houghton Mill and the Hemingford Loop

Houghton Mill is just the starting point for this family and dog-friendly National Trust loop. Cross the water meadows, through the Ouse Valley and discover the gorgeous market town of St Ives and the Hemingfords villages. These quintessential English villages ooze charisma and you may even be able to stop for a traditional cream tea while you’re there!

This is one of the mid-length Cambridgeshire walks at 5 miles in total which will take roughly 2 hours, but it’s suitable for all types of trekkers. If you’re into history, you’ll also pass the Parish Church, Holt Island Nature Reserve, Victoria’s Memorial, and the church of Hemingford Grey. 

3. Hinchingbrooke Country Park

Hinchingbrooke Country Park is another of my favourite walks in Cambridgeshire. With grassy fields, muddy paths, wetlands, woodland trails and two lakes, it features a variety of walking routes for you to get stuck into, in its over 170 acres.

Whether you are bird-watching or going for a walk, you’ll soon be back to explore more of the paths and get deeper into the reserve.

4. Godmanchester Nature Reserve

Situated along the River Great Ouse, Godmanchester Nature Reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

A combination of four former gravel pits which are now lakes, thick grassland, meadows and clustered reedbeds, it’s a great place to go for a walk in Cambridgeshire.

5. Paradise Local Nature Reserve

Situated in Newham, a suburb of Cambridge, Paradise Local Nature Reserve is owned and managed by Cambridge City Council. Containing a combination of marshland, wetland, and woodland, on the west bank of the River Cam. As it’s susceptible to flooding, boardwalks have been installed, however, the paths can still become difficult in wet or wintery weather. 

6. Monk’s Wood

Located just north of Huntingdon, Monks Wood is a 157-hectare National Nature Reserve. One of the more secluded walks in Cambridgeshire, Monk’s Wood features a multitude of grassy trails that can be very muddy in the winter months, so remember to wrap up warm!

However, it’s full of bluebells and primroses in spring and summer. There’s such a diversity of wildlife, that you’re sure to see something different each time you visit.

The full walk round is 2 miles long but can be broken up with various side paths along the way. It’s a pretty easy walk, with some minor uphill stretches, so suitable for anyone and dog-friendly too!

It’s situated next to a quiet back road with very limited parking – the parking you do get is more or less a scrappy layby. But, don’t let that put you off! If you get a spot, you’ll likely be enjoying this beautiful, ancient woodland all to yourself.

7. Cambridge to Granchester along the River Cam

A beautiful riverside stroll and the most famous river walk in Cambridge, the route to Granchester route is another of the wonderful walks in the city. It takes you along the River Cam, through the pretty Granchester Meadows and into the surrounding countryside.

Just over 6 miles in total, you’ll pass the famous Cambridge Backs, along the rear of the colleges, through Sheep’s Green and Coe Fen Nature Reserve, before heading into Granchester Meadows.

It’s an easy walk, suitable for most people and exploring the wilder parts around Cambridge is a wonderful contrast to the busy city centre.

Plus, considering it’s so close to the city, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the peaceful walking route complete with cows grazing along the meandering river. Once you reach Granchester, consider popping into a pretty little tea room for a traditional scone and jam!

8. Wandlebury Country Park

Just south of Cambridge, on the Gog Magog Hills lies Wandelbury Country Park. This tranquil stretch of countryside offers 8 miles of meandering walking routes amongst the remains of a dilapidated, Iron Age Hillfort and a stunning 18th-century manor house, complete with stables and gardens.

One of the great places to walk in Cambridge, if you love being surrounded by wildlife; stroll through fields of yellow flowers, past grazing sheep and cattle, or step into the woodlands and wander the winding footpaths.

9. The Hills and Holes of Barnack

The Woodland Trust areas of Hills and Holes, mark the site of an old, medieval quarry. Located near Barnack, Stamford, this is one of the walks in Cambridgeshire that’s perfect for dog walkers and hikers alike. There are plenty of thin, chalky trails and footpaths to weave around but it’s quite hilly, so not suitable for wheelchair users. 

The 50 acres of nature reserve is rich with wildflowers, insects, trees and nature; you might also spot some grazing sheep that are sectioned off from the main paths. Dogs can be off-lead and will love charging up and down the slopes.

If you like long walks, then you can walk through the Hills of Barnack onto Burghley House, the Tudor Mansion in Stamford, and walk around the stunning estate and parkland as well.

10. Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

This lovely National Trust site is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Nature Conservation Review site. Located west of Wicken, this place has miles of walking and cycling trails.

Pop into the visitor centre before you set off on your trek to learn about the vast history of the reserve and the wildlife that calls it home.

As the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and therefore one of the most ancient walks in Cambridgeshire, the Fen is full of diverse environments including wetlands, meadows, reedbeds and lakes.

Each is buzzing with its type of wildlife: marsh harriers, bard owls, lapwings, herons and teal are just some of the feathered friends that you might spot through your binoculars. The reserve is also teaming with wildflowers and over 4000 species of insects.  

11. Fen Drayton Lakes

Offering a window onto a largely lost landscape, Fen Drayton Lakes is a collection of lakes, ponds, and lagoons, stemming from the River Ouse.

The RSPB Bird Sanctuary is located between Fen Drayton, Swavesey and Holywell. The wonderful wetlands are certainly one of the most beautiful Cambridgeshire walks and span about 25 miles along the Great Ouse floodplain. 

The lakes were formally sand and gravel pits which eventually filled with water. As well as lakes, you can also enjoy tranquil forest paths and, as you wander through the woods, you’ll catch glimpses of secluded pools. 

There are approximately 10 miles of circular trails in all and it’s suitable for anyone to visit, including families and dogs. Since becoming a protected reserve, the RSPB has continued to make the lakes an even richer home for wildlife.

You will now hear the sound of nature all around you as you walk along the well-trodden tracks. There are dozens of species to spot from the majestic Mute Swan to the tiny Reed Warbler, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

12. Wimpole Hall

Part of Wimpole Estate, Wimpole Hall is a grand house in the parish of Wimpole, just over 8 miles outside of Cambridge. Owned by the National Trust, the land consists of 3000 acres of parkland, farmland, manicured gardens and a family-friendly farm.

A meander around Wimpole Hall is a great place for walks in Cambridge if you have children, as they can explore the tractors, and trailers and interact with the animals. 

For others, the gardens are alive with insects and beautiful blossoms and a stroll around the hedgerows is a wonderful way to spend the day.

If you want to explore even further from the manor house, the surrounding parkland is also rich with wildlife and a great place to escape. Make sure to visit the Chinese bridge whilst you’re exploring the woodland!

13. Paxton Pits

Head to Little Paxton to pay a visit to Paxton Pits, a 127.4-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The flooded former gravel pits are a haven for wildlife and perfect for keen birdwatchers.

It’s not uncommon to spot nightingales, cormorants or wintering wildfowl, especially gadwalls, as well as many other species in the trees and on the waterside.

The reserve is also home to an Environmental Education Centre, managed by the local Wildlife Trust, where people organise events to raise funds to improve the reserve and protect the wildlife.

There are several trails to follow and a circular route that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to walk around. There is also a small cafe serving drinks and snacks if you’re feeling pecking after your walk.  

14. Beechwoods Nature Reserve

Owned by County Farms and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, the beech trees of Beechwood Nature Reserve were originally planted in 1840.

Over two centuries later, you can still see where the Medieval ploughs raked through the earth beneath the trees. 

Located southeast of Cambridge city, the woodland is rich with wildflowers, such as the delicate, white helleborine orchids which thrive there.

The rest is a diverse landscape of wildlife habitats covering just 10 hectares and the trails are peaceful and easy to navigate, making this one of the Cambridgeshire walks for all the family.

15. Anglesey Abbey

If you love old buildings and landscaped grounds, you’ll love Anglesey Abbey. Just over 5 miles outside of Cambridge in the village of Lorde, the stunning National Trust property is built on the remains of a priory.

With 98 acres of beautiful grounds, a day out at the art-filled mansion house would be one of the more historic walks in Cambridge.

As well as the Jacobean-style Abbey itself and its perfectly manicured hedgerows, there’s also a working mill, an array of statues, and a wildlife area teeming with creatures and gorgeous florals.

With a green space for a much-needed escape, this is a perfect family-friendly spot to take a trip into Cambridgeshire’s history. For an even longer walk, you could include a loop around Quy Fen.

16. Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits

For one of the slightly different Cambridge walks, head to the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, on the south-eastern outskirts of Cambridge.

The former chalk quarry now used to provide the chalk and lime to build Cambridge’s Universities; now they provide a haven of habitats for wildlife, including more than 60 species of bird, nesting in the scrub.

The 12.8-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest has a combination of grasslands, and woodlands full of ash, maple and cherry trees. You can also find wildflowers such as milkwort and harebell and the rare moon carrot, which only grows in two other places across the whole country!

Dogs will also love it here and owners can take advantage of the enclosure created by the surrounding cliffs to let them run wild.

17. Trumpington Meadows Country Park

This is one of the newer walks in Cambridge thanks to the new housing development.

The builders of the Trumpington estate at the centre of Cambridge have vowed to plant an average of 20 trees or shrubs for every house that it builds, whilst ensuring that these are the perfect ones for the wildlife in the area.

Hence, the mile-long nature path is now beginning to blossom.

The collaboration between Barratt Homes and The Wildlife Trust has brought a great space for the community to come together. It’s family and dog-friendly and features meadows of wildflowers, ponds and large open fields.

There is also a series of sculptures including a woodpecker and a hare, perfect for a treasure (or sculpture) hunt with the kids!

18. Stourbridge Common

If you’re a fan of simple walks in Cambridgeshire and want something easy and chill with great picnic potential, then Stourbridge Common is perfect for you. The picturesque parkland and 1.5 miles of walking trails are situated just outside Cambridge.

With the swans swimming regally on the River Cam which runs through the centre and cows grazing on the greenery, a walk through Stourbridge is suitable for all skill levels.

19. Castor Hanglands Nature Reserve

This area of woodland, grassland, wetland and scrub contains an abundance of plant and animal life. Situated 3km north of the village of Ailsworth, this is one of the most historic Cambridgeshire walks as areas of the woods and heath were declared one of England’s first National Nature Reserves.