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Explore Cambridge's colleges and the Backs on a 4.7-mile route. Use the map to plan your walk and check college entry rules before visiting.
The mapped route on this page is approximately 7.6 km (4.7 miles), with a two-hour walking estimate. Allow longer if you stop to look around, take photographs or visit a college. Follow this route map rather than assuming it is a shorter four-kilometre stroll.
The walk explores the historic centre of Cambridge and the Backs, the riverside area behind the colleges. King's, Trinity, Clare and St John's are among the colleges described along the route, with views of the River Cam and its bridges.
College grounds are not all public paths. Check each college's visitor arrangements before entering, respect gates and signs, and use public alternatives if a section is closed. College admission and activities such as punting are separate from the walk.
For St John's, use the college's official visitor information to check current access arrangements.
Check the map for your starting point and compare the distance with your usual walking pace. Do not assume every surface or college entrance is suitable for every mobility need; check access before you visit.
Want company? Find walking friends and agree on the route, pace and stops before meeting.
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
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Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
Explore Cambridge's colleges and the Backs on a 4.7-mile route. Use the map to plan your walk and check college entry rules before visiting.
The saved map includes this introduction. Read the full route details and current access advice before walking.
For walkers
Watch: portrait video or landscape video.
Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: More walks in Cambridge Walks in Cambridgeshire
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
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