Dog walks in Cambridge you’ll love

As regular readers of my blogs may know, I have two dogs: Sugar, a 13-year-old Jack Russell-Golden Retriever cross (yes, I know, the mind boggles but she’s gorgeous) and Roscoe, my three-year-old Springerdor.  They get me out every day for their much-loved dog walks in Cambridge that does me as much good as it does them. My morning walk fulfils many needs, for example,  exercise, catch up phone calls, seeing friends, listening to podcasts, or simply a bit of quiet head space.

Over the years I have discovered many lovely walks, somewhere the dogs can rush around off lead, or others which offer a gentle stroll. All the walks offer something special.  But, what I most love about them, is that they take me into open spaces where I can connect with nature and take in a bit of peace and landscape.  Whether a dog owner or not, I hope you discover somewhere new to walk in Cambridgeshire.

My favourite 15 dog walks in Cambridge

It is so difficult to whittle down my favourite dog walks in Cambridge.  Where I go each day depends on my schedule. If I’m in a hurry, a quick walk in my local park, common or cemetery will suffice, however, given time these are worth a trip.

Fulbourn Nature Reserve

Wander through the woods and picnic under what I think is the most beautiful tree in Cambridge.  Dogs are sometimes not allowed in parts of the reserve when grazing animals are present, but it usually offers a lovely easy circular walk.  In addition, to make it a bit longer you can walk along Fleam Dyke.

Gog Magog Hills and Magog Downs

The best view around after a short climb – a rarity in Cambridge.   The ‘Gogs’ has a dedicated dog-walk around the two and a half-mile perimeter.  The main meadow requires dogs on leads but there are a couple of playing fields for your dogs to socialize.  If you want to make it a bit longer, you can cross over to Wandlebury (see below), though dogs must be on leads here.  Map here

Roman Road and Fleam Dyke

The Roman Road and Fleam Dyke run parallel. Both are designated for nature conservation, with the Roman Road 10 miles long and Fleam Dyke three miles. If you combine them into a circular route, they give you 25 miles which will be more than your mutts could wish for.  The Roman Road stretches from south-east of Cambridge to north of Linton. You can pick it up from many locations, and each spot delivers interesting walks and things of historical and archaeological interest. Getting there

Grantchester Meadows

Quintessentially Cambridge with beautiful, scenic walks along the meadows and River Cam.  With lots of riverside activities, the friendly cows on the common and a good selection of pubs in the village, it presents the perfect place for a walk.   You may even come across filming the series Grantchester.  Selection of walks here

Paradise Nature Reserve

Paradise LNR is located south-west of Sheep’s Green and Lammas Land Recreation Ground on the west bank of the River Cam. This gorgeous little woodland contains a central marsh area, wet woodland, and several riverside mature willows.  Being so close to the city centre it’s the perfect location for a walk, and perhaps a coffee afterwards in one of the dog-friendly cafes in Cambridge.  How to get there

Milton Country Park

Created from old gravel pits the park offers a varied natural habitat with woodland, lakes, and attractive pathways suitable for bicycles and wheelchairs. The park has a combination of woodland, water and grassy meadow habitats which are carefully managed to support and enhance diversity and the natural environment.  Throughout the year there is an abundance of wildlife to see and enjoy.  You can walk your dog off-lead anywhere north of the 13th public drain, which runs the length of the park – see map.

Bryons Pool

A small but perfect little walk, approx. 4.4.hectares. Byron’s Pool was named after Lord Byron who used to swim there. This pleasant woodland site offers a lovely circular walk next to the River Cam where kingfishers and grey wagtails can be seen on the weir. How to get there

Wandlebury

Country estate, highland cattle, pop-up cafes, woodland, and wildlife, there is much to keep you entertained on a walk even if your dog must be kept on a lead. How to get there

Wimpole

Whether it’s a Sunday stroll or a 4-mile hike, Wimpole has plenty of space to stretch your legs in the outdoors. Importantly, there are lots of walks around the estate, through the park, into the woodland belts or out onto the arable track ways.  All you need to know here

Lode to Horningsea

A 10-mile circular walk that takes in Lode, Bottisham Lock, and Quy Fen.  Fabulous open countryside with uninterrupted views and space to explore. With plenty of options to shorten the walk or during the summer month you can camp overnight at Lode Star Fields. It’s an adventure you will love.

Stourbridge Common

This extensive riverside floodplain offers wonderful walks along the river where there is always plenty of going on.  The herons take pride of place as they sit majestically on the river bank.  The rowers who represent numerous clubs are always out and about, and the river houses and barges glide past.  The grassland is managed by grazing cattle throughout the summer months.  In conclusion, it’s a hive of activity. How to get there

Coton Nature Reserve

300 acres of attractive countryside on the west of Cambridge. There are miles of paths for visitors to enjoy the countryside, including a walk up to Red Meadow Hill, where there are fantastic views. Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on leads except in the dog run area (located next to the spine path near the car park). How to get there

Coldhams Common

At approximately 40 hectares Coldhams Common is one of the largest green spaces in Cambridge.  So, where better to take your dogs with its mixture of grassland, scrub, and pockets of woodland? And if you’re lucky in the spring it’s possible to hear chiffchaffs, blackcaps, whitethroats and wrens all busy establishing their territories. How to get there

Fen Drayton Nature Reserve

Originally a flooded sand and gravel quarry next to riverside meadows and now a variety of RSPB managed wetlands, grasslands, and woodland. It is host to a huge variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. Without a doubt, you and your dogs will love it. How to get there

Trumpington Meadows and Hobsons Park

This parkland sits alongside Addenbrookes Hospital and can be accessed from Long Road or Trumpington Road.  This wonderful expanse of meadows, riverside, woodland, hedgerow, and parkland has been created for wildlife and for people. It’s a place to discover and enjoy nature, explore diverse habitats and wander by the river and through flower-filled meadows. Dogs must be on a lead in some areas, see this video explaining where you can and can’t walk your dog.

WANT TO GET MORE STUFF LIKE THIS?  YES PLEASE!

And after a long dog walk in Cambridge, you may want some liquid refreshment.  Take a look at our suggestion of pubs that welcome dogs.

The 20 best dog-friendly pubs in Cambridge

Dawn Giesler, is the founder of scuseme Cambridge, an online marketplace that helps your family run smoothly. She has lived in Cambridge for over 20 years and offers advise based on her own experiences. For more information visit scuseme