The best gravel rides around Hardwick
4.4
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Gravel biking around Hardwick is characterized by its extensive network of unpaved roads and trails, set amidst rolling hills and dense forests. The region offers diverse terrain, from smooth, packed dirt paths to more challenging routes with significant climbs. Riders can explore open farmlands and picturesque landscapes, providing a varied experience for different skill levels.
Best gravel bike trails around Hardwick
- The most popular gravel bike trail is DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway – Southern Busway Cycle Path loop from Cambridge, an 18.9 miles (30.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Grantchester Village – DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway loop from Cambridge, an easy 15.0 miles (24.1 km) path. This route provides a scenic ride through the local landscape.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Cambridge Railway Station – Stapleford to Babraham Track loop from Cambridge, a 15.7 miles (25.3 km) trail leading through varied local scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Hardwick is defined by unpaved roads, rolling hills, and forested sections. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to moderate climbs.
- The routes in Hardwick are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 120 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Hardwick's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
4.5
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21
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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25
riders
47.6km
02:58
190m
190m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.2
(6)
25
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
21
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
10
riders
44.7km
02:40
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Small village really worth visiting on a bike tour with several nice houses.
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The Windmill at Fulbourn stands on an outlier of the Gog Magog Hills 4 miles east of the City of Cambridge. Low chalk hills run to the south of it; northwards the Windmill overlooks the Fens which are at most only a few feet above sea level. The cap of the Windmill rises to 160 feet above sea-level and from it there is an uninterrupted view of the roofs and towers of Ely Cathedral. It has long been an outstanding landmark in the south Cambridgeshire countryside. It was the enclosure of the parish for the improvement of cultivation that led to the building of the present Windmill. Much of the land in the north of the parish was low-lying and waterlogged and needed draining to convert it into profitable arable land. Fulbourn Fen was a peat fen only 20 feet above sea level over which the Great Wilbraham River spread its waters in times of flood. The Act of Enclosure for Fulbourn was passed in 1806 and the Commissioners completed their work two years later. The drainage of the parish reduced the level of water in the upper reaches of the Great Wilbraham River on which the manorial watermill was situated. The loss of power brought to an end the life of a mill which had first been recorded in Domesday Book. In 1808 the machinery of the watermill was put up for sale. A new mill was therefore needed and the Enclosure Commissioners allotted one acre on Mill Hill, on which to build a mill and miller’s cottage, to John Chaplin, a considerable landowner and farmer. He used copies of Old Moore’s Almanack as a diary, entering personal events and business notes in the margins of the calendar. In 1808 he recorded against 11 July, ‘I laid the first brick of my mill’; 22 November, ‘Mill sails put up’; 15 December, ‘Began grinding’. It is a large octagonal smock mill with a brick base and wooden superstructure. Its outline is squat with a shallow conical cap. The fantail, as usual in Cambridgeshire mills, is close against the cap. The mill holds three stones, one of French burr and two of Derbyshire stone. With floors 24 feet in diameter, there is exceptional space for working the mill. (https://fulbournwindmill.org.uk/history.html)
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Great double-track circumventing Hauxton High St, incl. underpass of M1, leading all the way to Great Shelford
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Independent coffee shop situated in the Stapleford Granary arts centre. Indoor seating as well as a terrace at the back and a few outdoor tables at the front. Plenty of bike parking available too. Open 8.30am-4pm in the week (closed Wed), 9am-3pm Sat, 10am-3pm Sun.
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After being closed for 9 months, the bakery has reopened as a cafe/deli. There’s not really anywhere to park a bike but you can prop a couple outside while you sit at the bar just inside the door. Great coffee, pastries, cakes & toasties. Open Wed-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-2pm.
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Haslingfield is a charming, thriving village in South Cambridgeshire. It has two beautiful churches, a number of quaint properties, and a pleasant, serene village ambience. The village easily dates back to mediaeval times, and even Queen Elizabeth I stayed here back in 1564.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Hardwick?
Hardwick offers a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll find an extensive network of unpaved roads, ranging from smooth, packed dirt paths to more challenging routes with frequent, steep climbs, some reaching grades of 20% or more. The landscape features rolling hills, dense forests, open farmlands, and picturesque scenery, providing varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.
Are there any easy or family-friendly gravel biking options in Hardwick?
Yes, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is an excellent option for easy and family-friendly gravel biking. This 93-mile multi-use recreation trail passes directly through Hardwick, offering a flat and accessible path suitable for all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to enjoy the scenic rural landscapes with minimal traffic.
Where can I find parking for gravel bike trails in Hardwick?
The main trailhead for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Hardwick offers convenient parking. Additionally, for accessing the Hardwick Trails network, parking is available behind Hazen Union School. Many local gravel roads also offer roadside parking opportunities, but always ensure you are not blocking private access or traffic.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks to look out for while gravel biking?
Hardwick's gravel routes offer stunning views. Bridgman Hill Road is particularly praised for its epic views of the Green Mountains and winding paths through open farmland. You'll also encounter picturesque lakes, dense forests, and tranquil farmlands throughout the region. For specific points of interest, consider visiting King's College Chapel or the Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College, which are notable landmarks in the broader area.
Are there any specific gravel roads recommended for a scenic ride?
Beyond the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, local favorites for scenic gravel rides include Bridgman Hill Road, known for its Green Mountain vistas. Other routes like Bunker Hill Road to Simmons Road and Marsh Road, or East Elmore Road to Kate Brook Road and Buffalo Mountain Road to State Route 14, offer beautiful rides through rural Vermont landscapes.
Can I incorporate single-track mountain biking into my gravel rides?
Yes, the Hardwick Trails network, located on the western slopes of Bridgman Hill, offers over 6 miles of single-track mountain biking trails. These can be incorporated into your gravel rides if you're looking for varied terrain and a more challenging experience. Access is conveniently located behind Hazen Union School.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Hardwick?
Hardwick is suitable for gravel biking across multiple seasons. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures, while summer provides lush green landscapes. Be prepared for potential mud in spring and early summer, and check local conditions, especially for steep climbs, which can be more challenging in wet weather.
Are there any natural attractions or points of interest near the gravel trails?
Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore Nichols Pond, a peaceful spot ideal for kayaking or swimming, or Barr Hill, a Nature Conservancy property with easy hikes and beautiful views. Cheever's Falls is a scenic local waterfall accessible via a short hike, and Caspian Lake is known for its public beach and sunsets. While a bit further, Green River Reservoir State Park also offers significant natural areas.
How many gravel bike routes are available around Hardwick?
There are over 15 gravel bike routes available around Hardwick, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. This includes 7 easy routes and 8 moderate routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and those seeking a more challenging adventure.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Hardwick?
The gravel biking routes in Hardwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the extensive network of unpaved roads, the stunning scenic views of rolling hills and farmlands, and the diverse terrain that caters to different skill levels.
Are there any long-distance gravel cycling options near Hardwick?
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is a significant long-distance option, stretching 93 miles. While it passes through Hardwick, you can ride extensive sections of this multi-use trail, connecting various towns and offering a continuous, relatively flat gravel experience.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in the Hardwick area?
Yes, many of the gravel roads in Hardwick can be combined to create circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, local routes like Bunker Hill Road, Simmons Road, and Marsh Road can be linked to form loops through the scenic countryside. You can use komoot to plan and discover various circular options.
What are the typical elevation changes on Hardwick's gravel routes?
While many gravel roads are relatively smooth, riders should be prepared for frequent and sometimes steep climbs, especially in the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom regions. Some routes feature grades of 20% or more, offering a good challenge for those seeking significant elevation gain. Even easier routes like Cambridge Railway Station – Stapleford to Babraham Track loop from Cambridge can have over 139 meters of ascent.
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