Cambridge Walks for Nature Lovers
Cambridge may be best known for its historic colleges and charming cobbled streets, but it’s also a city rich in green spaces and parks that offer the perfect place for a city walk.
From tranquil riverside walks to hidden nature reserves, Cambridge and its surrounding areas provide countless opportunities to step away from the bustle and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lunch spot, a scenic walking route, or simply a quiet place to pause and recharge, there’s a green retreat to suit every mood.
Best of all, these natural escapes are easily accessible by public transport, making them perfect for anything from a quick stroll to a full day out. Each location invites you to stretch your legs, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
If you’re unable to visit Cambridge, for similar walking inspiration in and around other cities, take a look at other locations in our city walks series. Below are a just few of the cities included in our series:
Where are the best city walks in Cambridge?
The River Cam
Nearest bus stop: Bridge Street (West), Silver Street Queen’s College (South), Victoria Road (North)
Nearest train station: Cambridge North (North Cam)
Meandering through the city of Cambridge, the River Cam offers a unique way to explore both nature and Cambridge as one.
Its banks provide a peaceful setting for walking, with views that shift from college gardens and historic bridges to open meadows and quiet woodland edges. The river has played a role in Cambridge’s development for centuries, once serving as a vital trade route. Today, it’s a popular destination for outdoor activities, where you can enjoy a blend of green spaces, wildlife, and architectural heritage.
Following the river reveals a connection to long-distance walking, as parts of the River Cam form sections of National Trails, including the E2 European Long Distance Path. Walkers can enjoy a mix of city and countryside, strolling past parks and historic landmarks without needing to choose just one to visit.
Baits Bite Lock offers a scenic spot to pause and watch the water flow, while the upper reaches of the river are known for wild swimming, adding to its appeal for nature lovers. Whether you’re after a short walk or a longer journey, the River Cam invites exploration at a gentle pace.
Wandlebury Country Park
Nearest bus stop: Fort
Nearest train station: Shelford
Just a short distance from the centre of Cambridge, Wandlebury Country Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Covering 150 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and meadows grazed by cattle, it’s an ideal setting for walking and outdoor exploration.
Wandlebury Country Park is Cambridge’s oldest country park, and its rich natural environment is complemented by eight miles of footpaths that weave through varied landscapes, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and take in quiet views across open fields and shaded woodland. The park also holds historical significance, featuring the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and the grounds of an 18th-century estate. These elements add depth to the walking experience, blending heritage with nature.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll or a longer walk, the park’s well-maintained paths and tranquil surroundings make it a rewarding destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors near Cambridge.
Sheep’s Green, Lammas Land and Coe Fen
Nearest bus stop: Causewayside
Nearest train station: Cambridge
Almost hidden in plain sight, the collection of Sheep’s Green, Lamas Land and Coe Fen offers a countryside atmosphere just minutes from the centre of Cambridge.
Traditionally used for grazing sheep and cattle, the area retains a pastoral charm that contrasts with the nearby urban environment. The area is dotted with waterways, including a mill pond, and features open green spaces that invite quiet walks and moments of reflection. Its proximity to the city makes it easily accessible, yet it feels like a step into a more rural landscape.
Walking through Sheep’s Green and Coe Fen provides a gentle way to experience nature without leaving Cambridge. The meadows, water channels, and grazing animals create a serene setting for observing wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful break or a scenic route to explore on foot, Coe Fen and its neighbours offer a unique blend of natural beauty and a city setting.
The Backs
Nearest bus stop: University Library (West), Corpus Christi Col (East)
Nearest train station: Cambridge
Set behind some of Cambridge’s most historic colleges, the Backs offers one of the city’s most picturesque walking experiences.
The Backs refers to the area where several colleges, such as King’s, Clare, and Trinity, back onto the River Cam, creating a unique blend of manicured lawns, ancient architecture, and natural scenery.
Historically, this area developed as college grounds expanded westward, and today it remains a peaceful haven for both locals and visitors. Walking here allows you to wander among the colleges and stroll through open spaces that feel both secluded and steeped in tradition.
The views from the Backs are among the most iconic in Cambridge, with grand college facades rising above the riverbanks and framed by trees and meadows. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, whether you’re admiring the changing seasons or watching punts glide gently along the River Cam. Nature and heritage coexist beautifully here, and walkers can enjoy quiet paths, glimpses of wildlife, and the opportunity to pause and take in the surroundings.
For those looking to extend their time outdoors, nearby locations offer places to hire a punt and explore the river from the water, adding another layer to the experience of Cambridge’s natural and historic charm.
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Go to the shopGrantchester Meadows
Nearest bus stop: Eltisley Avenue (North) Burnt Close (South, Grantchester)
Nearest train station: Cambridge
Set along the western bank of the River Cam, the 50-acre stretch of Grantchester Meadows offers one of the most scenic and peaceful walking experiences on the edge of Cambridge.
Grantchester Meadows is known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for walkers and those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Historically grazed and preserved as open land, the meadows provide a lovely walk toward the village of Grantchester, with views of the river, open fields, and occasional cattle adding to the rural charm.
The area is ideal for both walking and punting, and its accessibility via the Backs and Coe Fen means it can be part of a longer, varied walk through some of Cambridge’s most iconic green spaces. The meadows have even found their way into popular culture, staring in a relaxing Pink Floyd song of the same name.
Jesus Green
Nearest bus stop: Carlyle Road (North)
Nearest train station: Cambridge
Easily reached from the centre of Cambridge by following footpaths through the city, Jesus Green provides a refreshing space for walking and outdoor activity.
The park sits beside the River Cam and provides a mix of natural and recreational features, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Historically part of the common land associated with Jesus College, the green has evolved into a well-used public space, with wide grassy areas and an avenue of plane trees that adds shade and structure to the landscape.
Walkers can enjoy peaceful strolls along the river, where rowing crews are often seen training between Jesus Lock and Baits Bite Lock. For those interested in swimming, the park is home to the Jesus Green Lido, which is one of the longest outdoor pools in Europe at 91 metres.
The combination of riverside views, tree-lined paths, and open lawns makes Jesus Green a versatile spot for enjoying nature, exercise, or simply a quiet walk in the heart of Cambridge.
Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits
Nearest bus stop: Limekiln Road
Nearest train station: Cambridge or Cambridge South (c. 2 miles)
Once a working chalk quarry, the 32 acres of Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits has been transformed into a nature reserve offering a unique setting for outdoor exploration.
The chalk pits, located on the edge of Cambridge, now support a range of habitats, including grassland, scrub, and woodland, making it an ideal location for walking and observing wildlife. The chalk landscape gives the area a distinctive character, with bright white pit edges and open spaces that contrast with the surrounding greenery.
Walking here provides a chance to experience a different side of Cambridge’s natural environment. The varied terrain and ecological diversity make each visit feel a little different, whether you’re spotting butterflies in summer or enjoying the quiet of the woodland paths. Its history as a quarry adds interest to the landscape, and the reserve’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot while still offering plenty to see.
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Go to the shopWorsted Street Roman Road
Nearest bus stop: Babraham Road Park-and-Ride
Nearest train station: Cambridge South
Running from Worts Causeway to Horseheath, the ancient route known as Worsted Street Roman Road offers a unique opportunity to walk through both history and nature.
The Roman road is a 31-acre linear site designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, preserving not only its archaeological significance but also its ecological value. Once part of the Roman transport network, the road now serves as a green lane flanked by thick hedgerows, creating a sheltered and peaceful corridor for walking.
The hedgerows and surrounding grassland support a variety of plant and animal life, making it a rewarding location for nature observation as well as quiet exploration. Walkers can enjoy the sense of stepping back in time while moving through a landscape that feels distinctly rural, despite being close to Cambridge. The linear nature of the site makes it ideal for a longer walk, with changing views and habitats along the way, offering a blend of heritage and natural beauty.
Milton Country Park
Nearest bus stop: Barnabus Court
Nearest train station: Cambridge North
Accessible by foot from Cambridge along the River Cam or from Chesterton, the 95-acre Milton Country Park offers a peaceful escape into nature with a variety of walking opportunities.
The park was created from former gravel pits and has since been transformed into a well-managed green space featuring lakes and woodlands. The bodies of water provide ample opportunity for wildlife watching, as they attract birds.
Walking here provides a chance to enjoy both the natural and recreational aspects of the park. The lakes offer scenic views and spots to pause, while the surfaced paths ensure accessibility for families, cyclists, and those with limited mobility.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll, a longer walk, or simply a place to connect with nature near the city, Milton Country Park offers a welcoming landscape on the edge of Cambridge.
Byron’s Pool
Nearest bus stop: Anstey Way
Nearest train station: Cambridge South
Nestled on the banks of the River Cam, Byron’s Pool is a tranquil, densely wooded nature reserve offering a peaceful escape just outside the bustle of central Cambridge.
Although it spans only 10 acres, the area feels secluded and serene, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet walk immersed in nature. The woodland canopy and riverside setting create a rich habitat for wildlife, and with a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a kingfisher darting across the water.
Named after the poet Lord Byron, who is said to have swum there during his time at Trinity College, the site carries a touch of literary history. Today, it’s a popular destination for gentle outdoor exploration. The reserve’s natural beauty and compact size make it perfect for short, reflective walks or leisurely strolls, with opportunities to observe seasonal changes in foliage and birdlife.
Where can you find more nature walks in Cambridge?
There are plenty more natural places to explore in and around Cambridge for the perfect break from the city. If you’re looking for further ideas for a day trip, consider venturing out to a few lesser-known but equally rewarding green spaces such as:
- Fen Drayton Lakes: A tranquil network of lakes and trails perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching.
- Wicken Fen: A historic wetland reserve offering boardwalks and wildlife-rich paths through reedbeds and fens.
- Stourbridge Common: A riverside green space ideal for relaxed urban strolls with views of grazing cattle and rowers.
- Beechwoods Nature Reserve: A quiet woodland escape near Cambridge with shaded paths and seasonal wildlife.
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden: A beautifully curated garden walk through themed landscapes and rare plant collections in the heart of the city.
- Wimpole Estate: Expansive parkland and countryside trails surrounding a grand historic house, perfect for longer scenic walks.
Do you want to go a little further than Cambridge for a walk?
Beyond Cambridge, the East of England has countless outdoor opportunities for those seeking their next adventure. If you’re looking to step from a city stroll into a countryside hike, get ready for adventure and take a look at our suggestions for inspiration of where to go:
- St Ives & Houghton – A charming riverside walk through historic villages and meadows along the Great Ouse.
- The Devil’s Dyke (Reach to Woodditton) – A unique linear walk along an ancient Anglo-Saxon earthwork with sweeping countryside views.
- Ely and the River Great Ouse – A scenic urban-rural blend featuring cathedral views and tranquil riverside paths.
- Ferry Meadows Country Park – A spacious parkland walk with lakes, woodlands, and accessible trails perfect for all ages.
- Norfolk Broads – Peaceful waterside walks through reedbeds and nature reserves, ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying flat terrain.
- Norfolk Coast – A dramatic coastal path with sandy beaches, salt marshes, and picturesque seaside villages.
- The Chilterns National Landscape – Rolling hills and beech woodlands offer varied walking routes with panoramic views and charming market towns.
