Cambridge Mill Pond and Grantchester Meadows

A circuit from Cambridge’s Lammas Land to Grantchester, combining the Cam’s grazing meadows, Paradise’s wet woodland and the village’s old lanes with a short visit to the city Mill Pond. Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes at a relaxed pace, plus any longer tea or pub stop.

Start at the entrance to Lammas Land public car park on Driftway. Take the riverside woodland path south through Paradise nature reserve, then leave via Owlstone Road and follow Grantchester Meadows street to the shared surfaced path. At the meadow junction, take the riverside public footpath south, staying on the west bank of the Cam. The path winds through pasture and crosses small wooden bridges. Near Grantchester, turn west onto the public footpath leading to Spring Lane, then follow Mill Way and High Street past the Orchard Tea Garden entrance. The cafe and village pubs are optional stops, with their own opening hours.

Return north on the direct tarmac footpath through the meadows. Follow Grantchester Meadows, Eltisley Avenue and Grantchester Street to Driftway. Continue past the car park onto the public path towards Sheep’s Green, turn north and use the signal crossing at Fen Causeway. Follow the path to the Mill Pond and its public footbridge for views of the city river, then retrace this short section to the car park.

The route is mostly level, with tarmac, woodland paths and unsurfaced riverbank sections. Expect mud and slippery bridge surfaces after rain; the riverside meadows can flood, so postpone this circuit if the path is submerged. Some river edges are unguarded. Cattle graze April to October; keep dogs under close control and carry a lead. Under Cambridge City Council rules, dogs must be on leads in Paradise nature reserve from 1 March to 31 July; assistance dogs are exempt. Parts of the path are shared with cyclists, and local streets and the signal crossing require care. This is not an all-weather step-free route.

Lammas Land has public toilets and a cafe. Parking is charged, with an 8-hour weekday limit and 5-hour weekend limit. The barrier closes at 10pm April to October and 9pm November to March; check the displayed tariff and return before closing.

Route and access information checked against Visit Cambridge, Cambridge City Council’s park and parking pages, the county rights-of-way map and Cambridge Past, Present & Future’s Grantchester Meadows visitor information. Check current notices before setting out.