The best dog walks in and around Cambridge
You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks. But finding lots of lovely new walks to do together is another thing. Whether you’re just visiting Cambridge or you’ve lived in the area your whole life, this historic city is one of the most picturesque around. It’s perfect for exploring on foot with your dog by your side, especially as there are so many great pubs in Cambridge to end up at.
Check out our list featuring some of the best dog walks in and around Cambridge, as we pair each one with a perfectly placed pub. You’ll also find some handy dog walking tips later on too.
Jesus Green
Coe Fen
Coe Fen is less than a mile south of Jesus Green, and another ideal spot for a dog walk in Cambridge close to the city centre. A pretty local nature reserve that borders Sheep’s Green, the River Cam dissects the meadowland and attracts wildlife including herons, kingfishers, water voles and bats. Cross over the photo-friendly Crusoe Bridge, and pull up a seat with a view across Mill Pond at the Granta.
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
If you’re looking for dog walks around Cambridge, try the Paxton Pits to the west of town on the edge of St Neots. Lying on the western bank of the River Great Ouse, the nature reserve is home to lakes, meadows and woodland. As well as wildlife like nightingales, otters and weasels, plus wildflowers, dragonflies and butterflies. After exploring the Pits, visit the Coach House pub in St Neots for a tasty meal washed down with a refreshing drink. There’s a lovely courtyard where you can sit outside with your dog.
Grantchester Meadows
Heading back towards Cambridge, these handsome meadows stretch from Grantchester to the south-west outskirts of town. The meadows are bunched around the River Cam, with a lovely route you can pick south towards Grantchester. Don’t miss Gingi’s Willow, a beautiful tree named after a much-loved local dog. The Red Lion pub awaits just steps from the edge of the meadows along Grantchester’s High Street, where you can tuck into a hearty pub meal with your dog by your side.
Ditton Meadows
Finishing off back in town, you’ll find Ditton Meadows on the south bank of the River Cam as it flows through the east of the city. Keep an eye out for the resident Cambridge cows as you enjoy the waterside views. You can try heading over to Stourbridge Common next door if you want to get clear of the cows, before crossing the Chisholm Trail Bridge and strolling less than a mile to the Golden Hind. This welcoming pub is also only a mile from Milton Country Park, which is another lovely spot to head to for a relaxing dog walk in Cambridge.
Top tips for your next dog walk
Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen. So, they may not be able to tell you what they need for a great walk, but you can know what to do to make sure they have a blast.Remember your essentials
Lead? Check. Poo bags? Check. Treats? You better. Make sure you’ve got all your usual essentials to start with.Water and a bowl
For anything more than a short stroll, especially when it’s hot, you should take some water and a bowl so your dog can have a drink. If you haven’t seen them before, you can get handy travel bowls that fold up nice and small.Keep your eye on the clock
When it’s really warm, avoid the hottest part of the day wherever possible. The sun’s strongest between 11am and 3pm in Summer months, but try to take your dog out as early or late as you can if the mercury’s soaring.Keep cool
There are plenty of things you can get to keep your dog cool when it’s warm, like cooling coats or bandanas. Seek shade where possible, and consider a cool bag that you can keep a frozen treat toy in for after your walk.Protect their paws
Avoid hot tarmac when it’s hot, and look out for salty roads when it’s cold and the gritters have been out. Rough terrain can also damage their paws, so keep an eye on them and get a nourishing balm if needed.Be wary of livestock and wildlife
Some routes may have restrictions if there’s livestock around, while some nature reserves may have their own rules. Hunting is in lots of dogs’ nature, so be sensible and get them on their lead.Keep their microchip updated
This is always super important in case your dog becomes lost, but especially if you’re going on a walk in unfamiliar territory. There’s no other feeling like losing your dog, so give yourself the best chance possible of a reunion if it happens.Find a dog-friendly pub
The best dog walks in Cambridge, or anywhere else for that matter, have a pub at the end of them. Enter a postcode via the button below to pinpoint the nearest dog-friendly pub when you’re out for a walk, and book online to guarantee yourself a table.