Is there a fee to walk along The Backs?

Walking along the public paths and bridges like Silver Street and Garret Hostel Bridge is free. However, if you wish to enter the private college grounds or walk on the manicured lawns behind the colleges, you may need to pay an entrance fee at the college porters' lodge.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

Early morning is ideal to avoid the crowds and capture the soft light reflecting off the River Cam. Late afternoon, known as the 'golden hour,' is also excellent for highlighting the honey-colored stone of the college buildings.

Is the Mathematical Bridge really built without nails?

No, that is a popular local myth. While the geometry of the bridge is designed so that the timbers support each other, it was built using iron pins and bolts, which were later replaced with nuts and bolts during a reconstruction.

Can I see the Bridge of Sighs on this walk?

The Bridge of Sighs is located further north at St John's College. While not a direct stop on this specific 60-90 minute trail, it can be easily added as an extension by walking north from Garret Hostel Bridge.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, the route follows paved public paths and is generally flat. Garret Hostel Bridge is the only section with a steep incline, but it is still paved and manageable for most.

Where is the best place to start the walk?

Most people start near Clare Bridge or Trinity Lane. This allows you to follow the river flow downstream toward Silver Street, ending near several cafes and public transport links.

Are there public toilets along The Backs?

Yes, there are public toilets located near the Silver Street Bridge at the end of the walk and near the Quayside area at the start. Many local pubs and cafes also offer facilities for customers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the timeless elegance of Cambridge through the lens of your camera on this self-guided walk along 'The Backs.' This scenic neighborhood stroll offers a unique perspective of the university’s most prestigious colleges, where manicured gardens meet the gentle flow of the River Cam. Unlike the bustling narrow streets of the city center, this route provides wide-open vistas and tranquil riverside paths, making it a favorite for those seeking the perfect architectural shot or a moment of peaceful reflection. As you wander, you will experience the harmony between nature and the scholarly heritage that defines this historic city. The route highlights the dramatic contrast between medieval stonework and the lush greenery of the college grounds. From the iconic Gothic silhouette of King’s College Chapel to the intricate design of the Mathematical Bridge, every turn offers a new story etched in stone and wood. This photography-focused trail is designed to help you capture the quintessential Cambridge aesthetic, whether it is the reflection of an ancient bridge in the water or the rhythmic movement of punts gliding by. This neighborhood stroll is not just about the landmarks; it is about the atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous academic landscapes. You can explore at your own pace, pausing to admire the weeping willows or the grazing cattle that still roam the meadows behind the colleges. This walking route is ideal for anyone who appreciates the intersection of history and natural beauty. By following this self-guided adventure, you gain access to the best vantage points that are often missed by those sticking to the main thoroughfares. Prepare to see the university from its most picturesque angle, where the 'backs' of the colleges reveal their true architectural splendor and the quiet charm of the river provides a constant, soothing backdrop to your exploration.

Highlights

The elegant stone arches of Clare Bridge, the oldest bridge on the river

Panoramic views of the River Cam from the modern Garret Hostel Bridge

The awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of King's College Chapel

The legendary 'no-nails' design of the Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College

Capturing the vibrant punting culture at Silver Street Bridge

The peaceful, scholarly atmosphere of the Darwin College grounds

Tour Stops (6)

Clare Bridge

Welcome to the oldest bridge currently spanning the River Cam. Built in 1639 by Thomas Grumbold, Clare Bridge is a masterpiece of classical elegance. As you look at the stone balustrades, look closely at the decorative stone balls. You might notice that one of them has a missing wedge. Local legend suggests the builder left it incomplete because he wasn't paid his full fee, though others say it was a clever way to avoid a 'bridge tax' applied only to completed structures. This spot offers a fantastic photography opportunity, especially with the reflection of the 17th-century masonry in the still water. The bridge connects Clare College to its beautiful gardens, symbolizing the link between scholarly life and the natural world.

Garret Hostel Bridge

Standing here on Garret Hostel Bridge, you are at one of the few public crossing points along this stretch of the river. This sleek, modern concrete bridge, completed in 1960, provides a stark but beautiful contrast to the surrounding ancient colleges. It is a prime location for photography because of the height it offers; looking south, you get a clear view toward Trinity and Clare, while to the north, you can see the Master's Garden of Trinity College. Watch the punters below as they navigate the narrow channel. The bridge's design, with its elegant curve, has made it a favorite for local cyclists and students rushing between lectures, capturing the lived-in energy of Cambridge.

King's College Chapel

This is perhaps the most iconic view in all of Cambridge. King's College Chapel is a supreme example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Started in 1446 by Henry VI and taking over a century to complete, its scale is meant to inspire awe. From this vantage point on the riverbank, you can appreciate the massive buttresses and the intricate stone carvings that adorn the exterior. Inside, it houses the world's largest fan-vaulted ceiling, but from out here, it is the sheer majesty of its silhouette against the sky that captures the imagination. It has survived civil wars and world wars, remaining a symbol of the university's enduring legacy and architectural ambition.

Queens' College

As you approach Queens' College, the architecture shifts from the grand Gothic style to the warm red brick of the Tudor era. The college was founded twice, once by Margaret of Anjou and later by Elizabeth Woodville, hence the plural 'Queens'. The highlight here is the Mathematical Bridge. Though it looks like an arch, it is actually composed entirely of straight timbers. A popular but false myth claims it was designed by Isaac Newton without any nuts or bolts. In reality, it was built by James Essex in 1749, and while it does use iron fastenings, the clever geometry allows the timbers to support one another in a sophisticated display of 18th-century engineering.

Silver Street Bridge

Silver Street Bridge is the gateway to the Mill Pond and one of the busiest hubs for river activity. From here, you can see the 'Anchor' and 'Mill' pubs, which have served students and locals for generations. This is the best place to photograph the 'chaos' of punting. You will see professionals effortlessly guiding their craft alongside struggling tourists trying to master the long wooden poles. The view looking back toward Queens' College provides a perfect frame of the Mathematical Bridge from a distance. The sound of splashing water, laughter, and the occasional clatter of a punt pole against the riverbed creates a sensory snapshot of Cambridge life.

Darwin College

Our final stop is Darwin College, the first college in the university to admit only graduate students. It was founded in the former family home of George Darwin, son of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. The architecture here is a charming blend of Victorian residential styles and modern additions. The college is unique for being built right over the river, with several islands connected by small bridges. It represents a more intimate, domestic side of university life compared to the grand royal foundations. This peaceful spot, surrounded by water and willow trees, is the perfect place to conclude your walk and review the photos you've captured of this historic riverside.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows for plenty of time to take photos at the six major stops, including the iconic views of King's College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge.