The Chisholm Trail - uniting fans, cyclists and walkers

The Chisholm Trail uniting fans, cyclists and walkers

People have been sharing how their journeys are now safer, faster and more enjoyable thanks to the Chisholm Trail – the walking and cycling project delivered by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

Phase one of the flagship trail opened in 2021, and since then thousands of people have been enjoying better walking, cycling and wheeling journeys via the mostly off-road route from Cambridge North to Coldham’s Lane.

The 40m-long Abbey Chesterton Bridge, part-funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, provides a new direct link over the River Cam while the addition of the Newmarket Road underpass means pedestrians and cyclists can continue their journeys without the need to use the pelican crossing.

Residents, workers and organisations have been sharing how the trail has transformed their daily journeys, made a positive impact to their wellbeing and how it has benefited the wider community.

Alex Tunbridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge United, said:

“Since the trail opened, we have seen an increase in people using bikes on a match day to come to our games, but also the number of people coming from Cambridge North Station.

“The Chisholm Trail has made a big impact not only for supporters walking to the stadium but for those coming on the train, as well as those cycling and coming by e-scooter.

“The Chisholm Trail is critical in connecting the North and South of Cambridge.”

Residents are also enjoying the scenery of the trail and Mary, a resident from Cambridge, said:

“I love this trail. It’s improved [how we travel] – suddenly you can get from Coldham’s Common all the way to Cambridge North Station. I really appreciate the thought and care that’s gone into the planting, the trees, and wildflowers.”

Another resident, Chris, said:

“I think the scenery is nice, it has nice wide paths so cyclists and walkers can all share the same space. It keeps us all off the main road and gives us some alternative routes, where we can walk and travel around Cambridge, get some exercise and enjoy ourselves.”

Another resident and Chisholm Trail user, Mike, said:

“I use the trail for walking the dog, so going from the river all the way to Coldham’s Common is really nice. It’s added to the [transport] options, which is great.”

Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the GCP’s Executive Board, said:

“It is fantastic to hear how well used the trail is for all sorts of journeys – from the commute to work or school, through to people taking their dog for a walk, enjoying a picturesque stroll by the river, or cycling to cheer on Cambridge United.

“The Chisholm Trail has brought everyone living in the most deprived parts of Cambridge within a 10-minute cycle of a rail station. As a representative for one such area, I have seen first hand the difference that a safe and segregated link into the city has made to the lives of my residents.”

The trail features fantastic artwork and segments of two poems written by the renowned author Michael Rosen. It also won the Active Travel Award (Sustainability) at the City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine (CiTTi) awards last year.

Once phase 2 is delivered, the Chisholm Trail will provide a 3.5km route linking Cambridge North to Cambridge Station via the city centre to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle to work, school or to meet their friends to help cut congestion on the roads and improve air quality. Find out more about the trail on the project page of our website.