Best walks in East Anglia by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in East Anglia and plan your next day of green.
Cambridge Station Circular via Grantchester (Cambridgeshire)
Easy: 12km, flat terrain. 3h30–5h30.
Beginner-friendly: A straightforward walk along the River Cam with many lunch options in Granchester. Within Cambridge itself, feel free to wander about randomly rather than following the route — there’s plenty to appreciate.
Highlights: King's College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum, Hobson's Conduit Monument, Cambridge, and Cambridge itself.
Lunch stops in Grantchester (1h30–2h30 in): the Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester, the Red Lion, the Rupert Brooke, or the Blue Ball Inn.
End-of-walk reward: the Panton Arms.
Waterbeach Station to Ely Station (Cambridgeshire)
9m direct from Cambridge.
Tough: 22km. Gentle ascents. 5h30–9h30.
A rambler favourite!
Highlights: Ely Cathedral, Oliver Cromwell's House, and Ely itself.
Lunch stops: the Five Miles Inn (2h–3h30 in), or Wren Cafe (3h–5h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Cutter Inn, the Drayman's Son, the Kings Arms, the Minster Tavern, or the Prince Albert.
Shelford Station to Cambridge Station (Cambridgeshire)
7m direct from Cambridge.
23km. 6h.
Flat farmland, permissive river paths, open fields, light woodland, and historic city centre streets. High tarmac count.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Great Chesterford Station to Newport Station (Cambridgeshire)
15m direct from Cambridge.
17km. 4h.
Rolling Essex farmland, grassy field edges, small woods, river valleys, historic market town, parkland, and pylons over crop fields. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Huntingdon Station Circular via Portholme Meadow (Huntingdonshire)
1h 15m from Cambridge, with one change.
19km. 4h.
Flat riverside paths, water meadows, farmland tracks, tarmac lanes, nature reserve, and market town streets. Prone to flooding.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Melton Station to Woodbridge Station (Suffolk)
1h 30m from Cambridge, with one change.
20km. 4h30.
Lowland heathland, river marshes, estuary walls, reedbeds, poplar rows, quiet lanes, heathland golf course, and compact riverside town. Café in ticketed area.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Wickham Market Station to Felixstowe Station (Suffolk)
1h 45m from Cambridge, with one change.
35km.
Farmland, Suffolk heathland (Sandlings), river bank, grassy sea wall, shingle beach, isolated coastline, and urban Felixstowe approaches. Long shingle sections.