Tips
July 22, 2021
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Stunning Church
4.5
(4)
15
riders
73.9km
04:36
380m
380m
Embark on the Cambridge to Royston loop, a difficult touring cycling adventure spanning 45.9 miles (73.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1247 feet (380 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. This route offers a varied experience through picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside and charming villages, featuring a mix of paved roads, cycleways, and some unpaved or compacted gravel sections. You will pass by notable landmarks like the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory and the expansive Wimpole Estate, providing a blend of natural scenery and historical sights.
When planning your ride, be aware that while many sections are paved, some parts, particularly the A10 path from Royston to Melbourn, have been described as poorly maintained with narrow, overgrown, and cracked surfaces, which might be less ideal for road bikes. The overall difficulty can vary depending on the specific route chosen, but this particular loop is rated difficult, suggesting you should have very good fitness. Consider the varied terrain and potential for challenging segments when preparing your bike and gear.
This touring cycling route is notable for combining historical and scientific landmarks with evolving cycling infrastructure. You can visit significant sites such as the Wimpole Estate and the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory, adding cultural and educational stops to your journey. Efforts are underway to improve cycling paths, including proposals for the Melbourn Greenway, which aims to enhance connectivity and create a more cohesive active travel corridor between Cambridge and Royston in the future.
87.1km
05:45
290m
290m
Embark on a challenging touring bicycle loop from Cambridge to the famous Shuttleworth Collection, covering 54.1 miles (87.1 km) with an elevation gain of 948 feet (289 metres). This difficult route, which takes around 5 hours and 44 minutes to complete, offers a diverse cycling experience through picturesque countryside and quaint villages. You'll encounter varied terrain, including significant sections of asphalt, unpaved paths, and gravel, making it suitable for those with very good fitness. Look out for the unique experience of cycling beside the Shuttleworth airfield, where you might see planes landing overhead.
Planning your visit requires good preparation, as this is a hard bike ride with segments that may necessitate pushing your bike. While Cambridge is known for its flat, bike-friendly infrastructure, the journey to Shuttleworth introduces more varied and demanding sections. The route incorporates mixed-use paths like the Ashwell Street Bridleway, which is ideal for off-road cycling. Ensure your bike is suitable for mixed surfaces, as the trail combines road, cycleway, singletrack, and street sections.
The primary highlight of this loop is the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden, a renowned museum showcasing historic aircraft and vehicles, including Edwardian aeroplanes and the oldest British plane still flying. You can also explore the Shuttleworth Airfield Trail for opportunities to observe aircraft activity. This trail stands out for its blend of challenging mixed-surface riding, scenic rural landscapes, and the unique destination of a world-class aviation and automotive museum.
3.8
(9)
61
riders
37.0km
02:08
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation 40 m
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Thursday 9 July
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