An area of parkland along the River Cam, the Cambridge Backs, or usually known as The Backs, give a different perspective of the Cambridge Colleges. Across the water, the backs of the colleges can be seen from here and are quite different to the front.

Bumble-Bee

July 9, 2019

Hiking

The impressive backs of the colleges with their gardens can be seen most beautiful at the Ponting - or if you can of course.

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The Yawning Kea

November 17, 2020

Cycling

The Backs refers to the reclaimed land at the rear of Cambridge’s university colleges, made up of parkland, grazed land, orchards and gardens along the River Cam. Much of it is private and inaccessible, more so by bike, but there are several good viewpoints, this being one of them.

Nearby routes

Best routes near The Backs

4.3

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#1.

Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

7.83km

02:00

20m

Embark on an easy hike through the heart of Cambridge, exploring its historic colleges and the serene River Cam. This 4.9-mile (7.8 km) loop, with a minimal elevation gain of…

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4.6

(17)

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#2.

Corpus Clock – Trinity College Chapel loop from Cambridge

9.01km

02:18

30m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8

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#3.

Trinity College Chapel – The Backs loop from Cambridge

4.14km

01:03

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

12°C

5°C

40 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Cambridgeshire, East Of England, England, United Kingdom

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St John's College, Cambridge

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The Backs

#1.

Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

#2.

Corpus Clock – Trinity College Chapel loop from Cambridge

#3.

Trinity College Chapel – The Backs loop from Cambridge

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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