Criss-crossed with pathways that rise and dip with the Teletubby-esque mounds, the otherworldly landscape was created from the spoils of a medieval quarry. Come at Easter to see the rare pasqueflowers, or in June and July when the reserve is scented with fragrant orchid and butterflies flutter through the profusion of wildflowers. 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. If that's not enough, you can join the public rights of way network to explore the surrounding Gog Magog Hills. To the north you can walk along the historic Roman Road and to the south you can cross the A1307 to explore the paths at Magog Down. Is Cambridge UK walkable? Oh yes, very much so. Actually, walking is the best way to experience Cambridge. It could so easily have been destroyed for redevelopment but a visionary refurbishment has given it new life. An ingenious adaptation of the previous corridors and wards was combined with a colourful approach to interior and exterior decoration, producing a distinctive post-modern appearance. Whether you think the 1990s development sits comfortably here or you find its pinks and greens jarring, the Judge Business School certainly makes an impact.

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. 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. Strolling through beautiful gardens especially during sunny days during the spring is absolutely stunning.

Cross Hemingford Meadow to Meadow Lane. Continue to a fork in the road, then follow the fingerpost to take a path that skirts the edge of Hemingford Grey (another Love Lane). Turn right on to Church Street and follow the path along the boundary of the graveyard to the River Great Ouse. Looking down King’s Parade, can you see how straight the road runs? It goes all the way from St. John’s southwards to Trumpington Street and beyond. This, of course, reveals its Roman origins, for the medieval High Street followed the line of the old London road. The High Street would have been narrow with rows of tall, timber-framed houses lining both sides. When the land was cleared to build King’s College, all the buildings on the west side were swept away. Imagine the impact this would have had on the medieval population! It is interesting to compare this to how communities today react to large redevelopments in their city centres. The BY BIKE auto-plot option will follow any roads and paths that are flagged as accessible for bikes on OpenStreetMap (OSM). You should assume that you will need a multi-terrain bike. 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. When you’ve had your fill of the chapel’s stunning architecture and history, exit King’s College and head towards Clare College, just to the west on the bank of the river. There are two stops left on our walking tour of Cambridge UK. 7. Fellows’ Garden at Clare College

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. Coming from London? Book a beautiful Cambridge tour from London. This tour will take you to most important attractions and it’s perfect, especially if you are short on time. By the time of the Norman invasion in the 11th century, two distinct settlements existed: the port on the east bank and the fortified township on the hill to the northwest. The Normans built a ‘motte and bailey’ castle on the hill and the Domesday Book recorded a settlement of 370 houses around the stronghold. From these modest beginnings, Cambridge has grown into a city with over 125,000 inhabitants. From the Gothic spires of the centuries-old university colleges and chapels, follow the River Cam for three miles through meadows to the famous Orchard Tear Garden. There are several miles of walks at this reserve on the western edge of Cambridge. We have four waymarked trails:Flower meadows, meandering riverside pathways, charming settlements of thatched cottages and historic churches, this flat five-mile walk has it all. Take time to explore the handsome market town of St Ives with its narrow streets and olde world pubs. Stop by at the Norris Museum to find out about the local history of the Great Ouse Valley and the town. Wandlebury has 8 miles of footpaths to explore wildflower meadows, woodlands, orchards and Iron-Age ditches. The paths are mostly flat and without barriers but only a short section near the car park is surfaced.