The best cycling routes around Cambridge

Cycling through history 

Cycling in Cambridge is one of the best ways to become acquainted with its incredible history and around 30% of trips taken within the city are done by bike, so you’ll be in good company. From the extraordinary King’s College Chapel and the Cam’s beautiful bridges to the stunning colleges and the relaxed Midsummer Common, two-wheeling around allows you to see everything. What’s more, you’re never far from a cafe or peaceful park where you can enjoy a sandwich. 

The countryside surrounding this university city positively hordes history. Ride south to the majestic 17th-century Wimpole Estate to marvel at its grandeur; head northeast to find the early 17th-century Anglesey Abbey and its wonderful watermill; pedal west to find the old Bourn Windmill and visit any of the local villages to find thatched cottages and churches that have seen more centuries than the keenest road cyclist. 

Flying through the fens

Some of the most beautiful cycle routes from Cambridge take you into its gentle fens. It lies in the south of the fens and within moments of leaving the city, you’ll find yourself flying along flat lanes with water meadows and drains unfolding on each side. To the northwest, you can ride to the Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve where it feels as though there’s more water than land. If you want to experience a particularly unique way of reaching it, you can use the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, a bus and cycleway that cuts through the landscape. 

Northwards, ride the tranquil lanes to Wicken Fen, which is another well-known nature reserve with a large population of waterfowl. Along the way, you can pass through picturesque villages each with their own sights. 

Ride from Cambridge throughout the year

Bike rides in Cambridge and its surroundings take on different personalities in every season. Spring and summer are particularly excellent times to ride thanks to the abundance of wildlife and the vibrant flora the fens are known for. The long, warm days allow for relaxed rides and lazy rest stops.

Autumn and winter bring their own magic, with overwintering birds, low-lying mist and golden light. Dress warm and wear windproof layers as there are no hills to offer protection.