This was the second of three visits to Cambridge for Sarah and me. Sarah is completing a Coaching in Running Fitness course. Last time, I visited Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen and cycled to Ely. This time I decided to cycle to St Ives … the market town in Cambridgeshire, not the seaside hotspot in Cornwall.

We were staying again at Cambridge Orchard Park Travelodge.

Thankfully, this time I had my Garmin Edge with me so navigating my route was much easier. Leaving the hotel, I quickly found the Cambridge Guided Busway. This forms part of NCN Route 51.

After a mile or so, I left the busway and joined NCN Route 11.

This took me towards the centre of Cambridge, crossing the River Cam.

Indeed, I followed the River Cam for the next few miles.

Eventually, my route turned and made its way out of Cambridge and, following local cycle route 24, I cycled towards the village of Girton.

There were some interesting sculpture railings near to the church called Girton Golden Goose Railings.

Next, I cycled through Oakington.

My route then seemed to hit a block.

Thankfully, there was a way through for walkers and cyclists. It meant a nice quiet car-free section followed.

This took me on to the next village, Longstanton.

From there I continued on through the villages of Swavesey, Fen Drayton and Fenstanton.

At the next village, Hemingford Grey, I picked up NCN Route 51.

Soon, I arrived on the outskirts of St Ives.

The most famous landmark of the town is probably St Ives Bridge and the Chapel of St Ledger that sits on it.

St Ives was a key crossing point of the River Great Ouse. So much so that Oliver Cromwell blew up sections of the bridge to prevent King Charles I crossing it to get to London.

For me, it was time to enjoy lunch. I settled on the nearby River Terrace Cafe. The Pea and Courgette soup was just ok, the Mediterranean Veg sandwich, however, was top notch.

Refuelled, I continued following NCN Route 51 through the town.

St Ives was, and still is, an important market town. It has been home to some of the biggest markets in the country.

On the other side of the town, I rejoined the Cambridge Guided Busway again.

Along the way, I passed the Fen Drayton Lakes. These are reflooded sand and gravel quarries that have now become important natural habitats.

I followed the busway for some fourteen miles.

It is long and straight, and apart from a few structures to look at …

… and buses … TBH, it is boring.

It did, however, make for a quick return back to Orchard Park.

I covered nearly 35 miles cycling to St Ives and back. It had been an interesting and enjoyable cycle ride. It always is when I’m out in my bike.

You can view my Cambridge to St Ives cycle route below: