The best cycling routes around Huntingdonshire

Huntingdonshire offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 390 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging long-distance loops.

Yes, Huntingdonshire is well-suited for beginners and families, with over 160 easy touring cycling routes. Many paths are flat and well-maintained, such as the Huntingdon to Fen Drayton Lakes via St Ives on the Busway river path, which is an easy 17.7-mile ride following the river and Busway. The 10-mile circular path around Grafham Water is also popular for its accessibility and scenic views.

Huntingdonshire features several excellent circular routes. The Grafham Water loop from St Neots is a popular 20.8-mile moderate ride offering stunning reservoir views. For exploring the unique Fenland landscape, consider The Great Fen loop from Yaxley, a 25.4-mile moderate trail through open Fens and Holme Fen National Nature Reserve.

Huntingdonshire offers diverse landscapes. You'll find the distinctive low-lying, flat Fens in the north, characterized by wide-open views and drainage channels. The Great Ouse Valley provides picturesque river paths and fertile meadows, particularly around towns like St Neots and St Ives. The region also features the stunning Grafham Water reservoir with its surrounding woodlands, and gently undulating claylands in the central and southern parts.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Huntingdonshire offers several options. The Grafham Water & Stanwick Lakes loop from Huntingdon is a challenging 46.7-mile route. Another option is the Ely Cathedral gravel loop from St Ives via the Busway cycle path, a difficult 36.6-mile journey.

Many routes pass by notable attractions. You can cycle past the historic St Ives Bridge and Chapel, one of only four bridges in England with a chapel. The Grafham Water area is a major draw, and you can explore Houghton Mill, a National Trust property. For natural beauty, routes often skirt Godmanchester Nature Reserve or Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.

The touring cycling routes in Huntingdonshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse and accessible landscapes, from the tranquil river paths along the Great Ouse to the scenic reservoir circuits and the unique open Fens.

Yes, Huntingdonshire's diverse natural areas provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Great Ouse Valley, with its floodplains and nature reserves like Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, attracts diverse birdlife. Holme Fen, part of the Great Fen project, is another key area for nature observation, especially for wetland species.

Huntingdonshire offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for exploring the Fens and river valleys, with lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the woodlands and reservoir areas. While some paths might be muddier, many routes remain accessible in milder winter conditions.

Many routes in Huntingdonshire pass through or near towns and villages where you can find pubs and cafes. For example, the The Wheatsheaf Pub – Riverside Park loop from Little Paxton is designed to include a pub stop. Routes around Grafham Water also have facilities and cafes available.

Absolutely. Huntingdonshire is rich in history. You can cycle past the iconic St Ives Bridge and Chapel, or visit Houghton Mill. Hinchingbrooke Country Park, near Huntingdon, also features historical landmarks like Hinchingbrooke House, offering a cultural dimension to your ride.

Yes, National Cycle Route 51 (NCN 51) passes through Huntingdonshire, particularly around St Ives. This route offers scenic sections winding through quaint villages like Hemingford Grey, providing a well-established path for touring cyclists.