Michaelhouse was originally the second residential college to be established in Cambridge, but on this trail, its recent alteration in use is of interest to us. The early 14th century collegiate church united with Great St. Mary’s in 1908 when its parish became too small. In 2001-2 it was converted into a multi-purpose building. It is now a gallery, small performance space and café and is still occasionally used for church services. Michaelhouse is a quiet testament to how the city is changing in more subtle ways. Silver Street also marks the southern edge of the former King’s Ditch. This was the boundary of the medieval town which ran from the Cam near Magdalene College, across the modern city centre towards the river. The King’s Ditch was chiefly built during the 13th century, in the long reign of Henry III. It ensured that travelling traders heading for Cambridge’s markets had to pay tolls when they passed through the gates. Walk along The Waits by the waterside and down the narrow street of Merryland to cross the charming 15th century footbridge. There are plenty of places to eat around The Quay and St Ives Bridge before you head west for Houghton Mill again. As well as places to walk in Cambridgeshire, there are also plenty of stunning walks in Cambridge itself, including meadows, riverside trails, and woodlands. Among the best things to do in Cambridge, a few of these spots include Jesus Green, Stourbridge Common, and Paradise Local Nature Reserve. Plus, there are some wonderful places to eat in Cambridge after your walks, especially along Quayside. 19 of the best walks in Cambridgeshire

Get ready for a climb! At the North end of King’s Parade, we will come across Great St Mary’s Church. Great St. Mary’s lives up to its name with one of the best vantage points in the city atop its tower. This University Church was completed in 1205 and remodelled in the 15th century, with the west tower being added in the first half of the16th. Many churches have received similar treatment, changing in size and design over the years to accommodate new architectural tastes and requirements. Cambridge lies in the south of the Fens, a vast, low-lying plain which, in some places, lies below sea level. A network of footpaths and byways criss-cross this region, allowing you to hike for as long as you like. There are numerous idiosyncrasies of the Fens that you can seek out too, like its old windmills: Madingley, Fulbourn, Impington and Swaffham Prior. As you walk, you’ll find drainage channels, historic halls and former Roman roads.

Sign Up for a monthly enewsletter

Grab a pint at The Shed in Lode – you will need it to sustain you over this ten-mile walk. Follow High Street onto Station Road, becoming Fen Road and Lug Fen Droveway, to Bottisham Lode Pumping Station. From here, follow the River Cam southwest to Clayhithe, pausing at Bottisham Sluice to watch any river vessels passing through – and rest up weary feet. This social group meets all year round at 10am every Thursday morning, with the slower walk starting at 10.30am. Walks are well-attended, with 40 people joining most weeks. Some people like it so much they do both walks! Teas/coffees are available afterwards.

Park in the village and walk down Walcot Road to the entrance of Hills and Holes. Follow the boundary path that runs between the nature reserve and Walcot House and emerge at Heath Road. At the junction, where The Green Drift and Mill Road meet, cross over and follow the old Roman Road, Ermine Street (also on the Hereward Way) through fields, then into the parkland of Burghley House. Summer is also a special time at the reserve, when the meadows are filled with orchids and wetland flowers – such as water dropworts and the delicate lesser water plantain – attracting an array of colourful butterflies. Look out for great crested newts too, along with grazing ponies and deer. There are approximately 10 miles of circular trails in all and it’s suitable for anyone to visit, including families and dogs. Since becoming a protected reserve, the RSPB has continued to make the lakes an even richer home for wildlife.

1. The Round Church

Sun 3 Dec, 1.30-3.30pm at Cambridge Leper Chapel. Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings which is not usually open to the public. The lakes were formally sand and gravel pits which eventually filled with water. As well as lakes, you can also enjoy tranquil forest paths and, as you wander through the woods, you’ll catch glimpses of secluded pools.

This is a walk to do in spring or early summer, when the route is alive with students punting on the river or enjoying a picnic on the meadows beside abandoned bicycles. Spread out your own rug and indulge in a little al fresco dining, with delicatessen ingredients, crusty bread and fine wine, befitting of a prestigious university town.The church has a close relationship with Cambridge University – in fact, it is still required that undergraduate students live within three miles of the church. Inside, enjoy the quiet atmosphere under wooden beamed ceilings and learn about the church’s two impressive organs.