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Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

Easy

4.3

(31)

151

hikers

Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

02:00

7.83km

20m

Hiking

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 75 feet (23 metres), takes about 1 hour and 59 minutes to complete. You will wander past renowned institutions like King's College and St John's College, admiring their grand architecture. The route follows the River Cam through "The Backs," where you can watch punters glide by and enjoy tranquil riverside views. Expect a mix of paved city streets, riverside towpaths, and open fields, offering a diverse and picturesque experience. While mostly flat, some rural sections can become muddy after rain.

This accessible trail is suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great option for a leisurely exploration of the city. The research does not provide specific details on trailhead access, parking, or public transport options, but as a city loop, it is generally well-connected. You can start your hike from various points along the route, depending on your preference. Consider checking local conditions, especially after rain, as some sections may be muddy.

The Cambridge loop of the colleges and the River Cam is notable for its unique blend of academic heritage, architectural grandeur, and natural tranquility. You will experience bustling city scenes alongside peaceful countryside, walking among some of the world's most famous university buildings. The trail passes iconic landmarks such as the Mathematical Bridge and King's College Chapel, offering a distinctive glimpse into centuries of history. This route provides a memorable way to enjoy the scenic River Cam and its famous "Backs" views.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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947 m

Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge

Highlight • Religious Site

The Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs is an English Roman Catholic parish church in Cambridge. It is a large Gothic Revival church built between 1885 and 1890. The church is Grade II-listed.

Tip by

1.14 km

The Polar Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute

Highlight • Monument

The Scott Polar Research Institute was founded in 1920, in Cambridge, as a memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott, RN, and his four companions, who died returning from the South Pole in 1912. When Scott's last words, "For God's sake look after our people" were made known to the British nation, the response was tremendous. Scott himself had emphasised the importance of science and from this plea, the Institute was born.

The Institute is the oldest international centre for Polar Research within a university. During the early years when it occupied one room in the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences in Cambridge, the Institute's aim was to provide a place where polar travellers and explorers could meet, and where material of polar interest might be collected and made accessible for future research.

(spri.cam.ac.uk/about/history/)

Tip by

1.37 km

Hobson's Conduit Monument, Cambridge

Highlight • Monument

In the late 1500s, Cambridge was affected by the plague and other fatal infections. These were thought to be caused by ‘bad air’ resulting from the sewage contaminated water in the river and local ditches.

The Nine Wells Springs were a source of clean water. The authorities from Cambridge Town and University collaborated with the Lord of the Manor in Trumpington to create a ‘new river’ to divert some of this fresh water into Cambridge.

In 1631, Thomas Hobson, whose income came from transporting goods to and from London, bequeathed land to fund and maintain this public water supply – hence the association with his name. Hobson’s Conduit Trust is now a registered charity, that was established to have rights over the stream and to maintain it in good order for the town and the University.

(hobsonsconduittrust.org/)

Tip by

1.67 km

Fitzwilliam Museum

Highlight • Monument

The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, located on Trumpington Street opposite Fitzwilliam Street in central Cambridge, England. Admission is free.

The museum is the lead museum for the University of Cambridge Museums consortium, one of 16 Major Partner Museum services funded by Arts Council England to lead the development of the museums sector.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzwilliam_Museum

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sundays & Bank Holidays: 12:00 - 17:00
Closed Good Friday, 24-26 & 31 December and 1 January
FREE ADMISSION

Tip by

1.77 km

Peterhouse, University of Cambridge

Highlight • Settlement

Peterhouse is the oldest of the Cambridge colleges, founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely in 1284 and granted its charter by King Edward I. The College is a Registered Charity, no. 1137457. As a charitable institution dedicated to education and research, the College has made its own distinctive contribution to society for over 700 years, surviving the Reformation, Civil War and the upheavals of every century since. It remains the smallest college in terms of number of Fellows and students, but as the late Noel Annan put it in his 1999 survey of the universities and society, The Dons, this small College has always had "an intellectual influence … out of all proportion to [its] size"

pet.cam.ac.uk/about-college

Tip by

1.97 km

St Botolph's Church, Cambridge

Highlight • Religious Site

The church offers a moment of peace and contemplation in the bustle of the tourists in Cambridge. Cambridge is beautiful, but the weekend can be really busy. The peace in the church was very welcome.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.16 km

Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College

Highlight • Monument

This bridge cannot be entered by visitors during the exam period, but you have a better view from the neighboring bridge anyway.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.56 km

King's College Cambridge University

Highlight • Religious Site

Visitor information is available at kings.cam.ac.uk/visit/index.html

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.71 km

The Backs

Highlight • Religious Site

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.

Tip by

3.47 km

Trinity College Chapel

Highlight • Historical Site

Dating back to Tudor times, the building of Trinity College Chapel was started by Queen Mary and finished by Queen Elizabeth I. It is open to both visitors and member of the college. For more information see the website trinitycollegechapel.com

Tip by

3.79 km

Punting on the River Cam

Highlight • Viewpoint

With a nice view over the ponts on the Cam and quite many pubs around.

Tip by

4.16 km

Jesus Green

Highlight • Viewpoint

On the banks of the River Cam, Jesus Green is a public park which is incredibly popular on warm summer days. Avenues of horse chestnut and London plane trees line the pathways and a 90m outdoor pool, the Jesus Green Lido is open all year round (shorter opening hours during the winter).

Tip by

4.89 km

Midsummer Common

Highlight • Natural

Midsummer Common is an area of common land close to Cambridge city centre, situated on the south bank of the River Cam. The common hosts a packed calendar of events throughout the year, including the annual Midsummer Fair, one of the oldest fairs in England, as well as Bonfire Night and Strawberry Fair. The common is grazed by a herd of Red Poll cattle between April and October each year, who can be quite inquisitive.

Tip by

5.75 km

Emmanuel College, Cambridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Those who have the opportunity should take a look inside the courtyards and buildings - it's worth it.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.14 km

Parker's Piece

Highlight • Natural

This 10ha of common land is named after Edward Parker who farmed it and was a cook at Trinity College who owned the land before 1613. It is now regarded as the birthplace of the rules of Association Football.
In 1838, a feast for 15,000 guests was held on Parker's Piece to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria

Tip by

7.83 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.73 km

2.06 km

1.65 km

889 m

488 m

Surfaces

6.61 km

483 m

459 m

252 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 6 May

14°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Cambridge loop of the colleges & the River Cam

Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge

The Polar Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute

Hobson's Conduit Monument, Cambridge

Fitzwilliam Museum

Peterhouse, University of Cambridge

St Botolph's Church, Cambridge

Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College

King's College Cambridge University

The Backs

Trinity College Chapel

Punting on the River Cam

Jesus Green

Midsummer Common

Emmanuel College, Cambridge

Parker's Piece

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