Comments on: Waterbeach along the River Cam

By: Barry Keywood

Barry Keywood — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:46:52 +0000

I wanted to cycle from Waterbeach to Wicken Fen a couple of weeks back. On the E side of the Cam (across the lock and then a little way N) there was a sign saying ‘Cycles need written permission’. Does anyone know by whose authority this has been erected? I don’t mind walking with my bike (I think we’re talking about 3/4 mile) but why not allow cycles?

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:24:21 +0000

I work in Cambridge and live in Ely and regularly cycle this route. It is a delight but I wish that I could carry onto to Ely rather than waiting for the train at Waterbeach station.

By: Stuart Bell

Stuart Bell — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:24:34 +0000

Thanks for the recommendation, Katie — the Bridge doesn’t seem to have been as good lately, so will have to give the Crown & Punchbowl a shot…

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:28 +0000

As a Waterbeach dweller, this is a sort of regular ride for me (and will become more regular when Spring finally arrives!) – I would recommend the Crown & Punchbowl pub in Horningsea over the Bridge at Clayhithe, especially if you want food, but then again the location of the Bridge in summer can’t really be beaten!

By: Stuart Bell

Stuart Bell — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:03:13 +0000

How fantastic — it’s great to hear that you used this ride as a way of exploring the area, John and Suzanne. Thanks very much for posting and letting me know — I’m glad you had such a good time!

By: JohnandSuzanne

JohnandSuzanne — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:50:12 +0000

I’m in London visiting my daughter who has 2 Brompton folding bikes. We found your website via google and decided to take the train to Cambridge and do the ride to Waterbeath. It was brilliant. Stuart, thanks so much for writing about it in such detail. We didn’t quite make it into Waterbeach because the Bridge Pub was too inviting and we spent longer there than we had anticipated. Thanks for making our day so enjoyable.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:13:09 +0000

I did this ride yesterday and really enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting the to see the extended route that carries on to Ely!

By: Stuart Bell

Stuart Bell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:23:08 +0000

@Steve: I was close to trying this myself, but have been put off by some of the comments that other folk posted on my Cambridge to Ely cycle ride post. Take a look at some of those comments, but do let us know how you get on if you try!

By: steve

steve — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:07:12 +0000

Sir.. Do you happen to know if its possible to continue the river side bike ride along the Cam thru to Ely?

By: Bert Santilly

Bert Santilly — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:16:55 +0000

I use this route a lot for a gentle ride (I live in Horningsea which is sort of half way round the loop!). It makes a pleasant circular route if you go along the road from Horningsea to Waterbeach station then turn onto the cycle path and head back south along the river towards Cambridge.

If you want to add a pleasant extension, turn right just north of Baitsbite Lock towards Milton and enter MIlton Country Park shortly after the level crossing. You can add in a lap of the country park with optional coffee stop at the cafe before returning to the river and continuing south towards Cambridge.

This route could be started from any point along the river in Cambridge and Jesus Lock makes a good focal point from which to start. You follow the riverside path north continuing under Elizabeth Way Bridge, over Stourbridge Common and up Waddeloes path which brings you out at Fen Ditton Church. You can then continue down Green End and join the B1047 by riding up a track which can be found at the north end of Green End. From there it`s over the A14 bridge and on into Horningsea with possible stops at the Plough and Fleece, The Garden Centre Cafe, or the Crown and Punchbowl. Have Fun.