From Great Shelford, the route follows a path alongside the railway to Addenbrooke's Hospital before joining roads and cycle paths heading towards the centre of Cambridge. Care is needed in Cambridge city centre which can be quite busy. From Cambridge, the route follows the River Cam to Waterbeach.
The section between Great Shelford and Addenbrooke's hospital marks the 10,000th mile of the National Cycle Network which was opened in September 2005 by Sir John Sulston, the Nobel Prize-winning British Scientist behind the Human Genome Project.
The artwork along this section of the route celebrates the role of the nearby Sanger Institute in decoding the vital human gene BRCA2. A series of stripes in four colours representing the 10,257 genetic letters, or bases, of the gene BRCA2 have been laid on the path using thermoplastic strips heat-welded onto the tarmac. Sustrans commission Katy Hallet to design the unique and memorable art.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.