The best gravel rides around Horningsea
4.5
(43)
129
riders
10
rides
Gravel biking around Horningsea offers diverse terrain across its distinctive landscapes. The region features largely flat surfaces with picturesque riverside paths along the River Cam. Expansive open fenland and meadows characterize much of the area, providing wide-open spaces and unique ecological features. The network of mostly wide gravel surfaces and byways provides authentic off-road cycling experiences.
Best gravel bike trails around Horningsea
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman Road Bridleway loop from Lime…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.6
(7)
15
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
17
riders
Moderate gravel ride. 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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P.S. The land owner/farmer has obviously had problems with unauthorised vehicles using this track, because there are now large hay bales installed either side of the ford and in front of nearby farm gates. Access across the stream via the adjacent footbridge is still possible, but don't be disappointed if you wanted to take a run through the ford. P.P.S. The hay bales have now been removed from the ford!
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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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nice sections of fast gravel on either side of the ford. great section from Babraham to Stapleford
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Horningsea?
There are over 25 gravel bike trails around Horningsea, offering a variety of experiences. This includes 14 easy routes and 12 moderate routes, catering to different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Horningsea?
Horningsea's gravel bike trails feature diverse terrain, including picturesque riverside paths along the River Cam, expansive open fenland, and meadows. You'll find mostly wide gravel surfaces and byways, which are often hard-packed mud in dry weather, providing an authentic off-road experience away from motor traffic.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in Horningsea?
Yes, Horningsea offers several family-friendly gravel biking options, particularly due to its generally flat terrain and numerous easy routes. The well-maintained cycleways and paths, like sections of the National Cycle Network, are suitable for riders of various ages and abilities. Consider routes that utilize established cycle paths for a smoother experience.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails around Horningsea?
Many of the public byways and paths around Horningsea are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, ideally on a lead. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or private land sections. The open fenland areas can be particularly enjoyable for dogs.
What are some notable attractions or landmarks I can see while gravel biking near Horningsea?
While gravel biking around Horningsea, you can encounter several points of interest. Routes along the River Cam offer views of structures like Bates Bite Lock. Longer rides can connect you to Cambridge, where you might see landmarks such as King's College Chapel or the Mathematical Bridge. The DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path are also notable features you might ride along.
Are there any long-distance gravel bike routes available?
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Horningsea offers routes that extend into significant fenland nature areas. An example is the White Fen – Wicken Fen loop from Lode, which is over 34 miles (54 km) long and takes approximately 3 hours 38 minutes to complete. Another option is the Southern Busway Cycle Path – DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway loop from Waterbeach, spanning nearly 37 miles (59 km).
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Horningsea?
The best time for gravel biking in Horningsea is generally during dry weather. The region's byways, while excellent for gravel, can become hard-packed mud, so dry conditions ensure a more enjoyable ride. Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures and drier paths, though autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Horningsea?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Horningsea are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman Road Bridleway loop from Lime Kiln Close and the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway – Southern Busway Cycle Path loop from Cambridge.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about gravel biking in Horningsea?
The gravel biking experience in Horningsea is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, including picturesque riverside paths and open fenland, as well as the well-maintained gravel byways that offer an authentic off-road experience away from motor traffic.
Are there any quiet gravel trails away from busy roads?
Yes, the region is known for its network of byways and gravel surfaces that provide an authentic off-road cycling experience away from motor traffic. The riverside paths along the River Cam and routes through open fenland offer peaceful stretches where you can enjoy the natural surroundings without significant road noise.
Are there any routes that include pub stops or cafes?
While specific routes are not explicitly designed with pub stops in mind, the villages surrounding Horningsea and along the River Cam often have local pubs and cafes. Planning your route to pass through villages like Horningsea itself or nearby Lode can allow for convenient refreshment stops. You can also extend rides towards Cambridge for more options.
How can I access the gravel trails around Horningsea using public transport?
Horningsea is situated north of Cambridge, which is well-connected by public transport. You can often reach starting points for trails by cycling from Cambridge city centre, which has good bus and train links. Some routes, like those utilizing the Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path, are specifically designed to integrate with public transport infrastructure.
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