The Cambridgeshire landscape is beautiful during the winter months, and despite the days getting shorter and colder, we shouldn’t miss out on enjoying it.
While we all make the most of the city and its surroundings during the summer, we all should pay a little bit more attention to our mental health during this period, with many suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder and many others just feeling their anxieties and stress a little bit more as a result of not being able to get out or leaving for work in the dark and returning home in it too.
It’s a period where every private mental health clinic sees an increase in admissions, and getting out and making the most of the fresh air and nature is still one of the key ways in easing any mental health conditions a little more. So, as we approach the colder and shorter days, here are five Cambridge winter walks perfect for easing your daily stresses and strains…
The Backs
No list of Cambridge walks would be complete without mentioning The Backs. This stunning stretch of land behind some of the University of Cambridge’s most iconic colleges offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In winter, the frost-touched lawns, bare trees, and misty mornings create a tranquil environment perfect for reflection.
As you stroll along the River Cam, you can take in the breathtaking views of historic buildings like King’s College Chapel and Clare College. The peaceful river, combined with the grandeur of the surrounding architecture, provides a sense of calm that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the city. The Backs is ideal for a quiet, meditative walk, allowing you to immerse yourself in Cambridge’s rich heritage while nurturing your mental well-being.
Grantchester Meadows
Just a short walk from the city centre, Grantchester Meadows has long been a spot for locals to enjoy a winter walk, with the meadows stretching along the Cam and into the beautiful village of Grantchester.
It’s a straightforward walk that surrounds you with the sound of water and bird song alongside being able to see just how much it changes from summer to winter. It’s ideal for contemplation, to slow down and to appreciate life.
Of course, once you reach Grantchester, there’s also plenty of spots to enjoy a cup of coffee to warm back up again!
Milton Country Park
A few miles north of the city, Milton Country Park offers a great network of paths that’ll take you through woodland, open fields and around lakes. There’s something for everyone and all surrounded by a real sense of tranquility.
What’s great about Milton is that the variety of routes mean you can tailor your walk to your abilities, pace and mood. You’ve got the calming presence of water, the vast woodland to get lost in and the open space that can really allow you to contemplate. However you’re feeling, it’s a great spot for clearing your mind and ridding yourself of life’s stresses.
Wandlebury Country Park
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, Wandlebury Country Park on the Gog Magog Hills is a good option. It’s a park that is steeped in history, with it first being inhabited in the Bronze Age.
Once an Iron Age hill fort in the location, the ancient woodland is the perfect escape, particularly when you take in the nature but also appreciate that people have walked these pathways for thousands of years.
Wandlebury Hill offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding area, while there’s something especially beautiful about that view with a frost covering and a gentle mist in the air.
Fen Ditton and the Riverside
For a longer, more rural walk, try the Fen Ditton riverside route. This walk takes you from the city out towards the charming village of Fen Ditton, following the River Cam along the way. In winter, the riverside path offers a refreshing escape, with frosty reeds and wintry skies reflecting off the water.
This peaceful, countryside walk allows you to experience the tranquillity of the river while leaving behind the noise of the city. As you approach Fen Ditton, the open fields and quiet roads give the feeling of being in a different world. The simplicity of this walk, combined with the natural beauty of the river, makes it perfect for clearing your head and finding some mental clarity.
Image: Unsplash, Christina Gottardi
