Cambridge to Granchester and The River Cam
Today, we’re embarking on a journey that combines the charm of historic Cambridge with the tranquillity of the English countryside. Our destination? The picturesque Cambridge to Granchester Circular Walk (via Ditton Meadows).
This trail, a delightful blend of town and country, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From the bustling streets of Cambridge to the serene banks of the River Cam, and the quaint village of Granchester, this walk offers a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes.
Route Details
Distance: 22km / 13.5 miles
Option to visit the Cambridge Botanical Gardens, adding further walking within the gardens - a great addition!
Time: 5hrs-6hrs (allow more time if visiting the Botanical Gardens)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Pretty flat: 150m / 490 feet
Terrain: A blend of riverside towpath, paved city streets, countryside tracks and fields. Can get muddy in some sections of the country parks
Start & Finish: I parked for free in Cheddars Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD. See What3Words. If no spaces are available then use the Tesco car park. Costs £8.25 all day. Download the Your Parking Space app, or book via the website.
Getting There
By Train - Either from Cambridge Station (1.4 miles walk), or Cambridge North Station (1.3 miles walk) to the Cheddar Lane Car Park.
By Car - From London, approx. 60 miles. Exit the M11 at junction 10 (if coming from London), or junction 11 (if coming from the North), and follow signs into the city centre.
Highlights
The hike from Cambridge to Grantchester is a journey through both natural beauty and rich history. Here are some of the main highlights and historical points of interest along the way:
Cambridge highlights
The city itself is steeped in history, with numerous museums, bridges, and other historic sites including…
King’s College Chapel: A historic place and architectural marvel, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Cambridge
St Mary Magdalene Church (the Leper Chapel): This historic chapel on the East side of Cambridge, dates back to around 1125, and is one of the oldest complete surviving buildings in Cambridge
The Fitzwilliam Museum: A must-visit for art and history enthusiasts, this museum is also an art gallery
Notable Cambridge Bridges:
Mathematical Bridge: This iconic wooden footbridge is supported by the Riverside Building
Bridge of Sighs: A landmark connecting parts of St John’s College
Magdalene Bridge: It connects Bridge Street with Magdalene Street
Jesus Lock Footbridge: This is Lock No. 1 on the navigable portion of the River Cam
Trinity College Bridge: It is a Grade I listed building
Clare College Bridge: The oldest of Cambridge’s current bridges
Cambridge Streets:
King’s Parade: Walking down King’s Parade is a beautiful experience
Sidney Street: Packed with upmarket stores and cafes
Petty Cury: Another street filled with shops
St Andrew’s Street: Known for its shopping options
Market Street: Offers a variety of shopping and dining options
River Cam: The trail follows the scenic River Cam, offering beautiful views of the water
Grantchester Highlights
Grantchester Village: Dating back to the 9th Century, Grantchester is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Grantesete and Grauntsethe.
Grantchester Meadows: A picturesque location along the River Cam, it’s a popular spot for walkers, picnickers, punters, and swimmers. It’s also the setting for many memorable scenes in the TV show, Grantchester
Orchard Tea Rooms: A Cambridge institution, it’s a lovely place to stop for afternoon tea in deck chairs under the trees
Church of Saint Andrew and Saint Mary: This magnificent medieval church features heavily throughout all 6 series of Grantchester
Grantchester Filming Locations Walking Tour: A guided tour through the idyllic village on the outskirts of Cambridge, as seen in the hit ITV drama
Paradise Nature Reserve: A beautiful nature reserve you’ll pass through on your way to Grantchester
Other meadows including: Ditton Meadows, Sheep’s Green and Skater’s Meadow, Trumpington Meadows
Additional Tips:
The best times to visit this trail are March through October
The paths can get a little muddy at times, so waterproof footwear is advised
Consider visiting The Orchard for tea, a tradition started by Cambridge students in 1897
Trail Sections
Section 1 – Cheddars Lane to Anchor Pub, via Ditton Meadows (7km)
Section 2 – Scudamores to Granchester (4.5km)
Section 3 – The Orchard to Cambridge Botanical Gardens, via Trumpington Meadows (6km)
Optional Section - Cambridge Botanical Gardens
Section 4 – Trumpington Road to Cambridge Museum of Technology, and Finish (4.5km)
BLOG: Cambridge to Granchester Circular Hike (via Ditton Meadows)
SECTION 1
Cheddars Lane to Anchor Pub, via Ditton Meadows (7km)
START
I parked my car round the back of Cheddars Lane, where i managed to find a free space…nice!
It’s a short walk along Newmarket Road where i found St Mary Magdalene church. As i mentioned earlier, this historic chapel dates back to around 1125, and is one of the oldest complete surviving buildings in Cambridge.
A sign adjacent to the Church points the way towards Ditton Meadows and the river Cam. I head onto a flat, tarmac path, and soon arrive at Ditton Meadows.
With the view of the meadows on my right, i come to a footbridge, cross over and head left along the Cam towpath. It’s quiet, except for a few rowers, with the occasional sound of oars making their way in and out of the water.
As i continue, more and more rowing boats are on the river, looking like they’re getting ready for a race, as i spot some marshalls and supporters along the towpath.
A few hundred yards and i’m forced temporarily away from the river into Water St, and then make a left over a bridge back to the other side, and into the edge of Stourbridge common.
Back onto the towpath again, with the sun now out, it’s a glorious morning! I pass the Cambridge museum of technology on my left and Logan’s meadow on opposite side of river.
This stretch of river reminding me of some sections of the Regents Canal in London, with their cute barges moored along the river banks. Just gorgeous!
Passing the Combined Colleges Boathouses, the path then runs underneath Elizabeth Way, and then into a delightful stretch with Midsummer Common to my left. I’ll be passing right through the Common later on my journey when i head back.
A short while further is Jesus Green, with Christs college situated on the opposite side of the river. I first pass the Lido, before coming to a lock. I’m now 5km into my trail.
I’m now entering into the main Cambridge section of the river, with its flock of tourists, and the familiar scene of punting along the river.
I then head up onto Magdalene college bridge and cross and turn right and left at lights into Northampton Street and then follow into Queen’s road.
I follow the road now, which after walking along the quiet river path, i’m brought back to life with the sound of the cars and hustle and bustle of tourists. fortunately, it isn’t long before a path just off the road opens up to my left, heading through a delightful wooded park, with St John’s college on my left. The driveway to the college is lined with magnificent bluebells in full bloom!
A little further, and i pass another Cambridge classic, Clare college masters and fellows garden!
Continuing on, i follow park path to avoid Queens road, walk around the Grove, and come to one of most iconic Cambridge landmarks, the Mathematic bridge.
The Anchor Pub lies directly opposite the bridge, which marks the end of Section 1 of our walk, and 7km into our journey.
SECTION 2
Scudamores to Granchester (4.5km)
Go down steps next to the pub past Scudamores, one of the more popular places to hire a boat, or go with a guide (typically a University student), and go punting along the River Cam.
Go past the sluice, and you’re back along the river towpath. This section is stunning, as you start to make your way out of the City of Cambridge, and head towards Granchester.
Walk along the path until you reach Fens causeway, and follow wither under the subway, or walk around to Robinson Crusoe island.
It’s a beautiful little gem that’s tucked away just off a busy A road!
5 minutes or so later, i’ve reached Paradise Nature Reserve by forking right off the river and over a small bridge, before turning left and into a narrow riverside path. Despite the muddy paths, which haven’t had a chance to dry out yet due to our never ending Spring rainfall in the UK, the surroundings are lovely!
Reaching the end of the reserve, i head onto a quiet private road with signs towards Granchester Meadows, first passing Skaters Meadow.
I’m on a delightful countryside track, with stunning fields on either side. The path leads then into Granchester Meadows.
This section is simply gorgeous, and i can soon see why it’s such a popular place to come and meander through.
A couple of hundred yards along the track there’s an option to bear left through the meadow to walk alongside the river or to continue along the path. I head through the meadow, and head for the River Cam once more.
Eventually after basking in the beauty of the meadows, i go through a few gates and bear right again through the fields making my way towards Granchester.
At the end of the field, i turn left onto Broadway and into the village of Granchester. Following the road, it bears right, past some delightful houses and shops, until i reach Granchester Village Hall and the Reading Room. I’m met by a local who is more than happy to talk to me, and give me some advice where to go, and the most scenic route to take to the Orchard tea rooms.
I’m advised to turn left in between the Green Man pub and the Red Lion on the corner of the high street.
Just past the Red Lion i head onto a footpath and turn right and downhill towards the river. I’m feeling very grateful for the advice to take this route, as opposed to taking the more direct approach via the road!
Once past the herd of cows, i go through a gate and enter the cricket ground and cut diagonally through and into the Orchard Tea Rooms and Gardens.
11.5km in to the trail, and Section 2 is complete. Time for a well-earned break and some refreshments!
The Orchard is everything i hoped it would be. A beautiful garden is laid out, with a large number of people happily sitting on the available deckchairs, whilst sipping tea and eating some delicious scones or cakes. How very English! I love it!
Ok, so there’s a bit of a queue in the servery unsurprisingly! But eventually i make my way back outside to eat and relax for a while in the sun, as i drink in the very English scene.
Feeling refreshed, although hard to tear myself away, it’s time to move on.
Section 3
The Orchard to Cambridge Botanical Gardens, via Trumpington Meadows (6km)
Turning left out of the main entrance to the Orchard, i make my way first onto pavement before i branch left onto a footpath. It’s not really necessary to detour, but why not make the most of the beautiful surrounds.
I’m soon back onto pavement and now heading out of Granchester. I can’t wait to return here!
Following the road, i cross over where the road bends, and head right onto a canal footpath, which winds in between a wooded area, then through a picnic site. I pass through a small car park and immediate right onto path in the old mill plantation. Bear right back down to the river towpath and continue towards the weir.
Reaching Lingey Fen, the furthest point from the start, i turn left and head away from the river and the noise of the nearby M11!!
I won’t see the River Cam for a while now, until i’m back in Midsummer Common.
13.5km into my journey as i arrive at Trumpington meadows Country Park. I follow along a gravel footpath, with a large lake ahead to my right, before i turn left dissecting the meadow all the way through.
At the end of the meadow, i bear right, just before reaching the Granchester Road once more, passing some allotments on my left. I then turn left then right onto Granchester road.
I soon reach Trumpington village. A Church stands proud in the centre of the village, with some cute country cottages adjacent. I bear left onto Church Lane, passing the Lord Byron pub, before reaching some traffic lights at the High Street.
At traffic lights turn left onto a Trumpington high street and in the direction to Cambridge. This is a long stretch of busy road, which goes on for 2.5 km’s. To be honest, it’s pretty dull, and with the noise of the traffic, i get out my headphones and play some music to help me pass the time whilst i trudge along the pavement.
Thankfully, around 30 mins later, i arrive at the Cambridge Botanical Gardens.
17.5km into the trail, and Section 3 complete!
For Section 4 of the walk go here, otherwise you have the option to explore the wonderful Cambridge Botanical Gardens.
Optional visit the the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
As you can see, i chose the option to explore the Gardens! I wasn’t disappointed! After paying £8.50 for an adult ticket and taking a map of the gardens, i ventured in.
I could have spent hours walking around the grounds and admiring the vast array of plants, trees, rocks, and flowers. I explored as much as i could do given the time, and i’ll let a small selection of the photos i did manage to capture speak for themselves!
I can’t really do the Gardens the justice they deserve. You’ll just have to check them out for yourself won’t you!
The time i did spend there added on a further 2-3 km’s of walking around. You could definitely add even more if you take full advantage of the Gardens.
Time to move on and back onto the last section of our walk.
Section 4
Trumpington Road to Cambridge Museum of Technology, and Finish (4.5km)
Exiting the Gardens, our journey continues along Trumpington Road. I decide to break off this road, and head right into Lensfield Road, then a left into Tennis court Road, and Downing College Uni. It’s less busy down this road, and is home to some interesting buildings, including Downing College, and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.
At the end of the road i turn left into Pembroke Street and right back onto Trumpington Road. I’m back into the hustle and bustle of the City of Cambridge.
I first pass Corpus Christie College, which is adorned with posters and bicycles chained to its gates. Then i stop momentarily to admire the gardens of St Catherine’s College.
The sights and sounds of Cambridge city life are all around me. This is the beating heart of the City, where tourists flock to see of the most loved and iconic buildings and streets.
Kings college
Trinity Street, followed by Trinity College
St John’s street, with All Saints art and craft market on the right and St John’s college on left
Having passed through the City, i then head left onto Park Street and bear right into lower park street, which leads into Jesus Green. Remember, we passed along here earlier via the River Towpath. I’m on the home stretch now, and feeling happy to be back amongst the green fields and river close by.
I decide to sit on a park bench for 5 minutes, taking in some water, and watching the world go by. I’m transfixed by this young lad balancing on a tight rope.
Continuing on, the path skirts the edge of the Green until Victoria Avenue, where i cross the road carefully to enter Midsummer Common.
You can pretty much choose any number of paths that dissect the common if you wish, and head back down to the Cam Towpath.
Ah, the familiar sight of the rowers! This crew were obviously in party mode, as you can make out from their party hats!
From here, we simply follow back the way we came earlier in the day. First walking under Elizabeth Way, until reaching Logan’s meadow again.
This time we turn right at the Cambridge Museum of Technology, and back to Cheddars Lane.
Section 4 complete, and the end of our magnificent walk from Cambridge to Granchester!
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