The best gravel rides around Balsham
4.6
(43)
107
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Balsham offers diverse terrain across undulating farmland and a chalk downland ridge in Cambridgeshire. The area features historical routes, including sections of the ancient Roman Road and the Icknield Way, providing varied surfaces for cyclists. These paths often run between hedges and along field margins, connecting to significant earthworks like Fleam Dyke. The landscape provides a mix of conditions, from potentially muddy tracks to dusty sections.
Best gravel bike trails around Balsham
- The most popular gravel bike…
Last updated: May 22, 2026
4.6
(7)
14
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
13
riders
48.1km
02:58
190m
190m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(7)
27
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
20
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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Other adventures around Balsham
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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A completely different kind of travelling station, although it probably had a different intention when it was established in the late 19th century. https://www.theorchardteagarden.co.uk
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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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Great off-road alternative to Hildersham Road to ride from the Roman Road to Balsham and continue onto the Frog End gravel road
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Balsham?
There are 7 gravel bike trails around Balsham, offering a mix of easy and moderate routes. You'll find 4 easy and 3 moderate options to explore the region's diverse terrain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Balsham?
The terrain around Balsham is characterized by undulating farmland and a chalk downland ridge. You'll encounter a mix of conditions, from potentially muddy tracks in wet weather to dusty sections when dry, often running between hedges and along field margins. Historic routes like the Balsham Bridleway and sections of the Roman Road provide varied gravel surfaces.
Are there any easy gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Balsham offers 4 easy gravel bike routes. A great option for a smoother experience is the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway – Southern Busway Cycle Path loop from Cambridge, which traverses flat and open landscapes. Another easy route is the Cambridge Railway Station – Stapleford to Babraham Track loop from Cambridge.
What historical features or landmarks can I see while gravel biking in Balsham?
Balsham's gravel routes often incorporate significant historical features. You can ride along parts of the ancient Roman Road (Cambridge to Haverhill), which forms boundaries of the parish. The area is also close to historical earthworks like Fleam Dyke and the Icknield Way, offering a sense of the region's past as you cycle.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the Balsham area?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Balsham are circular. For instance, the popular Roman Road (Cambridge) – The Roman Road Bridleway loop from Lime Kiln Close is a circular trail, as is the White Fen – Wicken Fen loop from Lode, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking in Balsham?
While specific parking areas for cyclists are not detailed in the route descriptions, Balsham village itself offers amenities and potential parking options. For routes starting further afield, such as those from Cambridge or Lode, you would typically find parking facilities within those starting locations.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Balsham?
The best time to go gravel biking around Balsham depends on your preference for trail conditions. In dry periods, the tracks are delightfully dusty. However, in wet weather, some sections, particularly the Balsham Bridleway, can become muddy. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and varied conditions, while summer provides drier trails.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails in Balsham?
While many outdoor areas in the UK are dog-friendly, specific rules for dogs on gravel bike trails in Balsham are not detailed. When cycling on bridleways or shared paths, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a lead and ensure they are well-behaved, especially around other users like walkers and horse riders, and livestock in farmland areas.
Are there any cafes or pubs along the gravel bike routes in Balsham?
Balsham village itself, a charming historic settlement, offers amenities such as pubs and a cafe. These can serve as convenient resting points or places to refuel before or after your ride. Routes starting or passing through other villages like Lode or Cambridge will also have various options for refreshments.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Balsham?
The gravel biking experience around Balsham is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the blend of challenging and leisurely options, and the scenic landscapes that include undulating farmland and historical routes.
Are there any notable natural features or woodlands to explore?
The landscape features undulating farmland and a chalk downland ridge. While much of the land is agricultural, woodlands like Rosie Green Wood offer accessible routes through native trees. Balsham Wood itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, though it is private land without public access.
How challenging are the gravel bike routes in Balsham?
The gravel bike routes around Balsham cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 4 easy routes, suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride, and 3 moderate routes, which might include more varied terrain or elevation changes. There are no routes classified as difficult, making it accessible for most gravel bikers.
Can I reach the gravel bike trails using public transport?
While Balsham itself is a village, routes often start from nearby towns like Cambridge, which has excellent public transport links, including a railway station. For example, the Cambridge Railway Station – Stapleford to Babraham Track loop from Cambridge starts directly from a public transport hub, making it convenient for cyclists arriving by train or bus.
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