Off-Road Running Routes near Cambridge

Cambridge is not known for its mountains, so training for a sky-running event is going to require some lateral thinking. But if you’re just looking to get away from the traffic and breathe fresh air, there are plenty of country footpaths to explore, not all of which require slogging across muddy fields or battling through overgrown nettles.

Here are a few good options, for anyone looking to get off road (you can download the GPX files from the plotaroute website):

Wandlebury and the Roman Road from Magog Down

Just over 10km, with a few minor inclines (i.e. hilly by Cambridge standards). Park at Magog Down car park (£3, but if you visit often you can pay £15/yr to get a parking permit). Short sections can be muddy in winter, and parts of the Roman Road are a bit uneven but that’s all good for proprioception and ankle strengthening, right? Lots of trees so it’s especially lovely in autumn, and there’s plenty of bird life to distract you if that’s your thing. The out-and-back section of the Roman Road can be extended or shortened to suit.

Post-run refreshments: there is sometimes a pop-up coffee stand at Wandlebury, or the Gog Farm shop has a cafe (temporarily substituted with a food truck, due to social distancing restrictions).

River Cam towpath

Update (Autumn 2024): the Bait’s Bite Lock crossing is temporarily closed for repairs, timeline for re-opening unknown. So if you want to get over the river, you’ll need to go at least as far as Clayhithe for the road crossing (handy pub for refreshments) - this adds about 6km to the short route.

Probably the most frequented off-road route for Cambridge-city dwellers. Start anywhere convenient along the river and follow the tow-path northwards. The main crossing point is Bait’s Bite Lock, or if you’re feeling in need of more distance, you can add another 8km and cross at Bottisham Lock. The lock crossings and footbridges will provide your only elevation of the day, but nevertheless a mostly scenic route with opportunities to spot not only Cambridge’s famously aggressive swans but also herons, terns, swallows and cormorants. If you feel frisky, you can race the various rowing crews that will be out training.

The longer route is here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1323756?units=km

Post-run refreshments: take your pick of Cambridge coffee-shops, depending on your start point.

Happy Running!