Walks you can reach from Cambridge North by train
MapA day hike is just a simple train journey away — plan your next day of green.
Cambridge Station Circular via Grantchester (Cambridgeshire)
5m direct from Cambridge North.
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)
5m direct from Cambridge North.
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)
5m direct from Cambridge North.
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.
Ely Station Circular via Ely Cathedral (Cambridgeshire)
15m direct from Cambridge North.
18km. 4h.
Open fenland, flat drained farmland, long straight tree-lined farm tracks, hedge-lined meadows, river banks, dykes and catchwater drains, quayside, and historic city. Exposed river banks.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Great Chesterford Station to Newport Station (Cambridgeshire)
30m direct from Cambridge North.
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.
Great Chesterford Station to Audley End Station (Cambridgeshire)
30m direct from Cambridge North.
20km. 5h.
Rolling Essex farmland, grassy field edges, small woods, river valleys, historic market town, parkland, and village with thatched cottages. Can be muddy.
A longer variant of Great Chesterford to Newport – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Newport Station to Audley End Station (Essex)
30m direct from Cambridge North.
14km. Moderate ascents. 4h–6h30.
Spoiled by a long trek along a busy road near Audley End.
Highlights: Saffron Walden.
Lunch stops in Saffron Walden: the Temeraire, Waffle, the Courtyard Tearoom, the Kings Arms, or the Eight Bells.
End-of-walk reward: Audley End House and Gardens.
Audley End Station Circular via the Cottage (pargeted house, Wendens Ambo) (Essex)
30m direct from Cambridge North.
23km. 5h30.
Gently rolling chalky uplands, farmland, woods and copses, green lanes, field boundaries, and pretty villages with thatched cottages and pargeted houses.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Arlesey Station to Letchworth Garden City Station (Bedfordshire)
30m direct from Cambridge North.
25km. 5h30.
Chalk stream meadows, field boundaries, hilltop village, open farmland with far views, green lanes, lavender farm, and Garden City.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Bishop's Stortford Station to Sawbridgeworth Station (Hertfordshire)
45m direct from Cambridge North.
14km. Flat terrain. 4h–6h30.
Highlights: Thorley Wash Nature Reserve.
Lunch stops: the Three Tuns, or Full of Beans Cafe (2h–3h30 in).
End-of-walk reward: the Moorhen.
Harlow Town Station Circular (Essex)
45m direct from Cambridge North.
14km.
Flat, easy farmland, open fields, riverside, and quiet villages. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Broxbourne Station Circular via Waltham Abbey (Hertfordshire)
1h direct from Cambridge North.
19km. 4h.
Flat river floodplain, towpaths, water meadows, lakeside paths, woodland strips, farmland fields, and open parkland. Can be muddy.