Cambridge is ideal for cross-country running as you are never far from the open country. Some of the more popular Hare and Hounds routes are listed below. The distances and terrain varies from route to route, with some on tarmac, some on gravel footpaths, and some across open fields. The level of mud varies too, though this is of course weather dependent... The best way to learn the route is to join the Hare and Hounds on one of their runs.
The construction of these maps has been aided by GPS-Visualiser.com
The maps open in a new tab, the options bar in the top right corner allows toggling between GPS and Map view. Not all routes start from the same place, although it should be trivial to get from John's plodge to the start point
Weekday Runs (Generally 8 miles or less) - in approximate order of frequency
Baitsbite (12km)- Map
- Get to Jesus Green
- Follow the South side of the river to Fen Ditton and continue through the fields to Baits Bite Lock
- Cross the river and head back into town on the cycle path, re-crossing the river at Chesterton
Fen Ditton Run (9km)- Map
- As Baitsbite except turn back after leaving the cycle path on the Southside of the river.
Grantchester (11km)- Map
Get to Cambridge Rugby Club. Follow fields, after crossing the road you want to stay left. Turn left as you enter Grantchester and then a sharp right to the Meadows.
Hill Run (15km) - Map
Follow cycle path past West Cambridge Site to Coton. Cross village green and take farm track to Coton Countryside Reserve. Turn right and cross the road. Follow the field boundaries to get to the top of the hill, then down the other side and along by the rifle range. Cross the road and go through the small wood, then cross bridge on your left. Round fields to get into Grantchester, then back by the meadows
The Grange Road Fields Run - Map
The Cabbage Patch Run (12km) - Map
Proceed down Trumpington Street. Cross Brooklands Avenue then immediately take footpath on left following Hobson's Conduit (the stream) south. Left into big field and in far corner of field turn right through bridge under Long Road. Straight along track. Right into Trumpington at T-juntion with square stone. West through streets to Trumpington Road (petrol station). Straight across and follow road into Grantchester. Footpath right (before church) and back into Cambridge via Grantchester Meadows.
Sunday Runs (Generally 9 miles or more)
Haslingfield (18km)- Map
Out along Grantchester to Haslingfield. From there to Hauxton (or Harston +2 km). Return via Trumpington Meadows and Hobson's Brook.
Histon Busway (20km)- Map
Run along Coton, the American Cemetery to Girton and Oakington. Run back along the railway to Histon and then the long way home
The Lode Run (22km) - (Rare) - Map
Out via Fen Ditton, turn East at church. Take footbridge (left) over A14(T). Then straight towards Lode on Railway. Sharp left and use the many footpaths to get to Horningsea. Return on either side of the Cam, use Baits Bite Lock to cross... 14.7 miles (23.7 km).
The Toft Run (20km)- Map
Out along past West Cambridge Site (or via Grange Road Fields) and continue through Coton. Cross a road and turn left, then follow the path to Comberton. Road back through Barton, then straight through fields to Grantchester and back by the meadows.
The Waterbeach Run (20km)-Map
Along the River Cam to Waterbeach and back. For a shorter run, return at Baits Bite Lock (see above).
The Mega Run
To Ely (28km)- Map
Follow the river north until you see a Cathedral. Run to Cathedral. Simple!