Getting a bit fed up of your college room? Do not fear! Here is a list of some excellent places to explore during lockdown if you need a quick break, want some geography inspiration or want to go on a mini fieldtrip.
- Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits.
This is a hidden gem outside of the city centre for all those physical geographers who get excited about rocks. The area used to be a chalk quarry that provided materials for building Cambridge colleges. It was functioning up until the early 1980s but has now become a nature reserve. The scrub habitat provides nesting and feeding sites to more than 90 species of bird, so ideal for anyone interested in biographraphy. This site is also a Local Geological Site, recognised for its local geological diversity and earth heritage value.
Cycle out to these pits for a Geography-filled trip. Check out this PDF from Cambridgeshire Geological Society for more info http://www.cambsgeology.org/565-2-2-2-2 and the website with location details here https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/cherry-hinton-chalk-pits
2. Granchester
A classic afternoon walk setting for you with nothing dramatic, but few things can beat the beautifully peaceful and reflective scenery. Pink Floyd even wrote a song about it in 1969, and it features in Silvia Plath’s poem ‘Watercolour of Granchester Meadows’. There is also a legend that an underground passage connects the Old Manor House in Granchester village to King’s College Chapel. Head here for a sunrise or sunset walk, take in the scenery and return to college feeling refreshed.
3. Castle Mound
Perhaps the closest thing to a ‘proper hill’ in the city this location is a popular date spot as well as being a fun mini Geographical excursion- perhaps even combining the two!? Castle Hill was once occupied during the Bronze and Iron Ages, and then in 1068, Cambridge Castle was built by William I. Over the subsequent centuries, different monarchies faced attack and the task of rebuilding of the castle (see http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/east/cambridge_castle.html for more information) but all that remains today is the earth motte. It does, however, provide a panoramic view of Cambridge rooftops, and on a very clear day you may be able to see Ely Cathedral to the North.
4. Botanical Gardens
This is another great place if you are interested in ecology, evolution, dendrochronology or just really like trees. The garden was first created in 1762 and grew plants used to teach medical students at the University. When the garden was expanded and moved to its current site, Charles Darwin was one of the students who was captured by the variation and nature of species. This site has therefore played a pivotal role in the way we view and interact with our environment today. There are clear paths to lead you round and even a Winter Scent garden. It is wheelchair friendly, open 10-4 every day, and bookable here: https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/
5. Coton Countryside Reserve
This is a fab place to look back on the city from the great heights of Coton Hill. In the 1930s, 300 acres of farmland were secured to prevent urban sprawl and since then the project has evolved into a reserve for nature, public enjoyment and sustainable farming. The local community helped out with the planting of orchards, hedges, woodlands and a meadow which have characterized this landscape. Head out to the west of Cambridge to enjoy a nice bit of countryside. There are several off-road routes as well as one concrete path for cyclists or wheelchair users. See here for a map https://www.cambridgeppf.org/coton-countryside-reserve-visitor.
Written by Izzy Taylor, 2nd year Geography student
DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR ONLY AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF COMPASS MAGAZINE AS A WHOLE OR THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY