Riverside Walks, College Views, and City-to-Countryside Routes
A historic university city where architectural beauty, green spaces, and the River Cam create a perfect mix for walking holidays and outdoor adventures.
Cambridge is one of England’s most famous cities, offering a blend of academic history, riverside tranquillity, and easy access to surrounding countryside. Ideal for walking holidays and outdoor adventures, the city sits on the route of the Fen Rivers Way, a long-distance trail linking Cambridge to King’s Lynn via Ely and the Ouse Washes. From the cobbled streets and grand colleges of the city centre to meadows, commons, and peaceful waterside paths, walking in Cambridge offers both cultural discovery and natural escape.
Short strolls might follow the Cambridge Backs — a green ribbon of riverside lawns behind the colleges — while longer routes extend along the Cam past Grantchester, Fen Ditton, and towards the Fens. The surrounding countryside is flat and scenic, with well-marked paths connecting to nature reserves, villages, and historic sites.
Why Visit Cambridge for Walking and Adventure
- World-famous university city with iconic architecture and gardens
- Riverside walking along the River Cam and through meadows
- On the Fen Rivers Way, with onward connections to Ely and the Norfolk coast
- Close to Grantchester, Wicken Fen, and other countryside escapes
Nearby Trails
- Fen Rivers Way – Follows the River Cam and Great Ouse to Ely and King’s Lynn, passing nature reserves and historic towns.
- Grantchester Meadows Walk – A gentle riverside route from Cambridge to the village of Grantchester, popular for its tea gardens.
- Cambridge Backs and Riverside Circular – Explore the city’s historic riverside lawns, bridges, and college views.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Heritage walking – Visit Cambridge’s historic colleges, markets, and museums
- Cycling – Flat routes through the city and out to nearby villages
- Wildlife watching – Nature reserves like Wicken Fen and the Ouse Washes
- Punting and paddling – Self-guided boating along the River Cam
