Cambridge and Grantchester, In the Footsteps of Poets, Beginner Hike

Join our friendly group for a walk from Cambridge to Grantchester and return, a classic, scenic riverside hike that follows the River Cam through open green spaces and quiet nature reserves. This walk starts with a City Centre tour of the University Colleges, before leading past historic punting spots, and into Coe Fen and Sheep's Green where cattle and sheep often graze right next to the water. We follow the meandering River Cam to Grantchester Meadows. A wide, open expanse of grass framed by weeping willows, famous for inspiring Pink Floyd's song "Grantchester Meadows" and Poets Lord Byron, Ted Hughes, Silvia Plath and Rupert Brooke. We arrive at Grantchester Village, a postcard-pretty English village featuring thatched-roof cottages and the 12th-century Church of St Andrew and St Mary. Here we will have time to visit the Orchard Tea Garden, established in 1897, this historic tea room lets you sit under apple trees for coffee, tea, and scones - following in the footsteps of famous historical figures like Rupert Brooke\, Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster. After lunch we make our way back through the meadows to Cambridge. There you can join the group for a drink at a local pub, or take a train directly back to London. GRADE: Beginner, 14km 3.30hrs walking time not including breaks. Flat. Pavement, footpaths, grass meadows, and riverside towpaths. Can be muddy after rain.