Bridges of Cambridge

15.5km (9.6 Miles) out and back.

Time - 3 hrs 35 mins for 27 crossings.

A great way to see the heart of Cambridge and walk the city end to end, using the River Cam as your guide.

You will see, the best of the city centre and its colleges, the unique commons of the city, including Stourbridge and Midsummer Commons, Jesus Green and Coe Fen. You will also walk along the famous ‘backs’ of the colleges.

The key principle of the walk is to follow the river, crossing to the opposite bank at every opportunity. I have not included Elizabeth Way Bridge as I don’t think it adds much, but please include it in your walk if you feel the urge. The walk includes all of the public crossings only, not the colleges owned ones, where access is restricted.

Thanks to Andrew Sugden for the initial idea.

Directions

The bridges are listed here (from north to south), with a photo of each one to help

You can start and finish your route at any point and do as many of the crossings as you like. If you are travelling from North to South and want to cross all 14 bridges, start at the Abbey Chesterton Bridge on Stourbridge Common and return once you cross the Coe Fen footbridge in Newnham.

Once you have crossed all 14, come back the other way, but use the opposite side of the bank from the one you used on the outward journey.

We haven’t specified a detailed route as it is part of the interest to navigate your way along each bank. It shouldn’t be too hard to find your way. If in doubt, head back to the river.

1. Abbey Chesterton Bridge