Best Jogging Routes in Cambridge

Best Jogging Routes in Cambridge

Best Jogging Routes in Cambridge

With such beautiful countryside surrounding the city, and the River Cam flowing through it, you’re truly spoiled when it comes to deciding where to go for a run in Cambridge.

Whether you want to pound through woodland trails or on tarmac roads, you are bound to find something you enjoy. Even nearby villages, such as Grantham, are within a decent running distance of the city.

As journalist @katehelencarter puts it: “As Cambridge is flat as a pancake, the question is simply one of finding the nicest, most scenic and least tourist-clogged routes.” 

Here are some of our favourite runs right here:

 

Cambridge City Circular 

This is a 6.4-kilometre loop located in Cambridge City Centre. Starting from Castle Street, this level trail goes through Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece. It also weaves past many bridges over the pretty River Cam. The pathway is tarmac and between five miles wide

 

Grafham Water

A beautiful lake around a 45-minute drive from Cambridge, Grafton Water offers more than 10 different runs. All are set within 2,400 acres of woodland and fields. A favourite trail is a nine-mile run around the lake. Only a small section – 1.5 miles is on road.

 

Cambridge to Gog Magog

If you want to try a that’s a little steeper than most in Cambridge and its surrounds, then head for the Gog Magog Hills.

From the city (start south along Hills Road then on to Babraham Road and turn left) to the Hills and back it’s 11 miles.

 

Anglesey Abbey to Quy Fen

This lovely 5.6 km circular route takes in a picturesque lake and suits most running levels. This circular trail is all on footpaths and bridleways.

Go down to Anglesey Abbey via the river then back via fields and woodland via Quy Fen. Look out for mud near the river if it’s been raining!

Jogging in Cambridge
Cambridge sign

Barnwell Loop

Barnwell Loop is a short 3.46 km loop route that starts at Abbey Leisure Complex in Whitehill Road. It’s currently a favourite of the Cambridge Jolly Joggers group – and who are always looking for new recruits.

 

Trumpington Meadows & Byron’s Pool

The lovely 58-hectare Trumpington Meadows sits in the southeast of Cambridge. The three-mile trail, with a wide path, takes in meadows, fields, woodland, and the River Cam.

Start at the notice board in the Meadows and follow the path to the Rangers hut in the northeast corner. You’ll finish back at the notice board.

 

Park runs in Cambridge

And finally, if you’re just starting out running, you might want to do so in the company of others to help keep you motivated. And there are certainly lots of ‘others’ at the city’s two organised Park Runs.

Great for families as well as solo runners, they are currently at Coldhams Common in Whitehill Road and at Milton Country Park.

Both 5k runs are on Saturdays at 9am. Both events are free but you should register with organisers beforehand.

Get other ideas on how to spend your time staying in this wonderful, historic city by taking a look around our website.