The best gravel rides around Thriplow
4.4
(38)
111
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking around Thriplow features gently rolling arable land within the Chalklands landscape type, characterized by open skies and level horizons. The region offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including historic routes and unpaved sections suitable for gravel cycling. The terrain provides varied topography for riders, with low-lying, well-vegetated corridors like the Hoffer Brook adding to the visual character.
Best gravel bike trails around Thriplow
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.6
(7)
15
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
53.6km
03:53
470m
470m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(8)
18
riders
48.0km
02:58
190m
190m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(8)
32
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
19
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Small village really worth visiting on a bike tour with several nice houses.
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The Windmill at Fulbourn stands on an outlier of the Gog Magog Hills 4 miles east of the City of Cambridge. Low chalk hills run to the south of it; northwards the Windmill overlooks the Fens which are at most only a few feet above sea level. The cap of the Windmill rises to 160 feet above sea-level and from it there is an uninterrupted view of the roofs and towers of Ely Cathedral. It has long been an outstanding landmark in the south Cambridgeshire countryside. It was the enclosure of the parish for the improvement of cultivation that led to the building of the present Windmill. Much of the land in the north of the parish was low-lying and waterlogged and needed draining to convert it into profitable arable land. Fulbourn Fen was a peat fen only 20 feet above sea level over which the Great Wilbraham River spread its waters in times of flood. The Act of Enclosure for Fulbourn was passed in 1806 and the Commissioners completed their work two years later. The drainage of the parish reduced the level of water in the upper reaches of the Great Wilbraham River on which the manorial watermill was situated. The loss of power brought to an end the life of a mill which had first been recorded in Domesday Book. In 1808 the machinery of the watermill was put up for sale. A new mill was therefore needed and the Enclosure Commissioners allotted one acre on Mill Hill, on which to build a mill and miller’s cottage, to John Chaplin, a considerable landowner and farmer. He used copies of Old Moore’s Almanack as a diary, entering personal events and business notes in the margins of the calendar. In 1808 he recorded against 11 July, ‘I laid the first brick of my mill’; 22 November, ‘Mill sails put up’; 15 December, ‘Began grinding’. It is a large octagonal smock mill with a brick base and wooden superstructure. Its outline is squat with a shallow conical cap. The fantail, as usual in Cambridgeshire mills, is close against the cap. The mill holds three stones, one of French burr and two of Derbyshire stone. With floors 24 feet in diameter, there is exceptional space for working the mill. (https://fulbournwindmill.org.uk/history.html)
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Great double-track circumventing Hauxton High St, incl. underpass of M1, leading all the way to Great Shelford
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Haslingfield is a charming, thriving village in South Cambridgeshire. It has two beautiful churches, a number of quaint properties, and a pleasant, serene village ambience. The village easily dates back to mediaeval times, and even Queen Elizabeth I stayed here back in 1564.
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Enjoyable off-road climb (northbound) into Ashwell, where the off-road path continues, passing behind houses and allotments
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A brilliant pub with great food on a really nice off-road route through this areas. Definitely worth the ride and stop to “rehydrate” and refuel. The tables outside are great for stopping, getting off the bike and recapping the ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Thriplow?
There are 16 gravel bike trails around Thriplow, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These include 6 easy, 6 moderate, and 4 difficult routes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Thriplow?
The terrain around Thriplow is characterized by gently rolling arable land within the Chalklands landscape type, featuring open skies and level horizons. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including historic routes and gravel tracks. Routes like the Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman Road Bridleway loop from Lime Kiln Close offer varied terrain through forests and grasslands, while others provide generally flat sections.
Are there any family-friendly gravel cycling routes in the Thriplow area?
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. The DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway – Southern Busway Cycle Path loop from Cambridge is an easy, generally flat path that can include unpaved sections, making it a good option for a family outing. The area's gently rolling landscape is generally accessible.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel trails around Thriplow?
Many of the gravel trails around Thriplow are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially those that follow bridleways or quiet country lanes. However, it's always best to check local signage and ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a lead where necessary, particularly when passing through agricultural land or nature reserves like Thriplow Meadows.
What are some scenic highlights or natural features I might see while gravel biking near Thriplow?
Thriplow offers an open, 'prairie-like' landscape with expansive skies. You might encounter the low-lying, well-vegetated corridor of the Hoffer Brook, and the surrounding arable fields interspersed with linear shelter belts. For specific natural beauty, consider exploring areas near Thriplow Meadows and Thriplow Peat Holes, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest known for unique flora and wildlife.
Are there any circular gravel cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around Thriplow are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman Road Bridleway loop from Lime Kiln Close is a popular circular option that takes you through varied landscapes.
Where can I park my car when visiting Thriplow for gravel biking?
While specific parking areas for cyclists aren't detailed in every route, Thriplow village and nearby towns often have public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options in Thriplow or starting points like Cambridge, depending on your chosen route, such as the Grantchester Village – DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway loop from Cambridge.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Thriplow?
The gently rolling arable land around Thriplow is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. During wetter periods, some unpaved sections might become muddy, so checking recent trail conditions is recommended. The open skies can mean exposure to sun or wind, so prepare accordingly.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along the gravel bike routes?
Yes, the region has historical and cultural points of interest. You can cycle past the Roman Road (Cambridge to Haverhill), a historic route. Other nearby attractions include the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway, and further afield, historical sites like Wimpole Hall and Gardens or Audley End House.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Thriplow?
The gravel biking routes around Thriplow are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the sense of open space, and the historical elements found along the trails.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes near Thriplow?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are routes with more significant elevation gain. The Therfield Village Green – Fox and Duck Pub, Therfield loop from Royston is a difficult 33.3-mile trail that leads through varied landscapes with notable inclines, often taking nearly four hours to complete.
Are there any permits required for cycling on the gravel trails in the Thriplow area?
Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on public bridleways and designated cycle paths in the Thriplow area. However, always respect private land and follow local regulations, especially when passing through nature reserves or agricultural areas.
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