Best walks near Royston 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)
15m direct from Royston.
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)
30m from Royston, with one change.
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.
Bishop's Stortford Station to Sawbridgeworth Station (Hertfordshire)
1h from Royston, with one change.
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.
Potters Bar Station Circular via Gobions Wood (Middlesex)
45m direct from Royston.
Easy: 8km, gentle ascents. 2h30–4h.
Gobions Wood is absolutely beautiful. The rest of walk takes you through unremarkable but quiet fields.
Highlights: Gobion's Wood.
Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!
Newport Station to Audley End Station (Essex)
45m from Royston, with one change.
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.
Finsbury Park Station to Harringay Green Lanes Station (Middlesex)
45m direct from Royston.
Easy: 1km, moderate ascents. 30m.
Field and woodland paths.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Drayton Park Station to Finsbury Park Station (Middlesex)
45m direct from Royston.
Easy: 1km, moderate ascents. 30m.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Kings Cross Station to Farringdon Station (Middlesex)
1h direct from Royston.
Easy: 6km, gentle ascents. 1h30.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Cannon Street Station to City Thameslink Station (Middlesex)
1h direct from Royston.
Easy: 1km, gentle ascents. 30m.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Highbury & Islington Station to Drayton Park Station (Middlesex)
1h from Royston, with one change.
Easy: 1km, moderate ascents. 30m.
Field paths.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Harringay Green Lanes Station to Harringay Station (Middlesex)
1h from Royston, with one change.
Tough: steep ascents. 0km. 0m.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Caledonian Road Station to Highbury & Islington Station (Middlesex)
1h from Royston, with one change.
Easy: 1km, gentle ascents. 30m.