Running Routes in Cambridge

Cambridge is ideal for cross-country running as you are never far from the open country. Some of the more popular Hare and Hounds routes are listed below. The distances and terrain varies from route to route, with some on tarmac, some on gravel footpaths, and some across open fields. The level of mud varies too, though this is of course weather dependent... The best way to learn the route is to join the Hare and Hounds on one of their runs.

These maps have been kindly constructed by Andrew Carter (cartera@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk).

Please note that the map files are quite large and could be slow to open. Distances are calculated from Darwin College.

Off road/mainly off road runs

The Baits Bite Lock Run

Map

Follow the South side of the river to Fen Ditton and continue through the fields to Baits Bite Lock. Cross the river and head back into town on the cycle path, re-crossing the river at Chesterton.

The Boundary Run

Map - view 1

Map - view 2

The Cabbage Patch Run

Map

Proceed down Trumpington Street. Cross Brooklands Avenue then immediately take footpath on left following Hobson's Conduit (the stream) south. Left into big field and in far corner of field turn right through bridge under Long Road. Straight along track. Right into Trumpington at T-juntion with square stone. West through streets to Trumpington Road (petrol station). Straight across and follow road into Grantchester. Footpath right (before church) and back into Cambridge via Grantchester Meadows.

Follow the paths behind the Grange Road rugby ground, over the motorway to Coton and back along the cycle path.

The Grantchester Fields Run

Map

Route Description

Head South through the fields from Cambridge City rugby club to Grantchester, loop round the village and come back into town along the cycle path by the river.

The Haslingfield Run

Map

Out along Grantchester to Haslingfield. From there to Hauxton (or Harston +2 km). Return via Trumpington and Hobson's Brook: 11 miles (17.6 km) or Trumpington road (-1 km).

The Histon Railway Run

Map

Route Description

Run along Coton, the American Cemetery to Girton and Oakington. Run back along the railway to Histon and then the long way home 13.8 miles (22.1 km).

Shorter options:

after Girton right turn and another right to the railway (11.8 miles 19 km).
go right in Girton and return via Girton College (~10 miles ~16 km)
several other options to return via Madingley Rd or Huntingdon Rd.

The Lode Run

Map

Out via Fen Ditton, turn East at church. Take footbridge (left) over A14(T). Then straight towards Lode on Railway. Sharp left and use the many footpaths to get to Horningsea. Return on either side of the Cam, use Baits Bite Lock to cross... 14.7 miles (23.7 km).

Several alternatives possible:

from 8.9 miles (just to the Lock and back).
via shortcuts from railway to BB Lock or Horningsea.
to 18+ miles (Lode, Quy water (very nice), Stow cum Quy (neutral) and Airport (not nice) or Cherry Hinton (...).

The Madingley Road Race

Map

The Roman Road Run

Map

Out on the bus to Horseheath then back via the Roman Road to catch the bus near the Park and Ride.

The Toft Run

Map

The Waterbeach Run

Map

Along the River Cam to Waterbeach and back. 12.8 miles (20.6 km) or return at Baits Bite Lock for an easy 8.9 miles (14.2 km). Possible extension to Ely (about 20 miles) and return by train.