Chisholm Celebration brings fans out to mark phase one of Cambridge walking and cycling route

The Chisholm Celebration saw dozens of cyclists riding along the linked-up Chisholm Trail from Cambridge North, over the award-nominated Abbey-Chesterton Bridge and on to Abbey stadium.

Phase one of the active travel project has now been operating for six months and, delighted by its popularity from the off, cyclng charity Camcycle, supported by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), Cambridge United and other partners, invited the public to explore the route.

Starting at Cambridge North on Saturday at 10.15am, the celebration trail led to the Abbey stadium and stayed there until 1pm, with Marvin the Mascot on the loose, ice cream from local business Lewis & Sons, children’s activities from Cambridge Woodcraft Folk and a mini trail quiz.

Jim Chisholm, who was responsible for the initial idea in 1998, said: “These new links between Chesterton and Abbey are already proving great value. It has been a real joy to see children, teenagers, runners, dog walkers and people of all sorts on foot or cycle use the trail over recent months.

“The quality of the bridge, the value of the underpass, and the discoveries of the previously nearly hidden lands between, all bring their benefits and would not exist without the diligence of council officers, other active campaigners and local councillors; the essential support of local landowners including Cambridge Past Present & Future and Gonville and Caius; and funding from the GCP, county council and Sustrans.

“The Trail has already surpassed my original dream of a cycle link for commuters that avoided busy roads, with great access to green space being a particular benefit in these difficult times. Even more will be achieved with the extra links that are planned. Thanks to everyone who has supported this route over many years and those who continue to work hard on the forthcoming sections.”

Cllr Elisa Meschini, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership and deputy leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The opening of phase one of the Chisholm Trail was a landmark moment for active travel in Cambridge, providing truly transformational journeys over the River Cam by the Abbey-Chesterton Bridge and safer, traffic-free travel via the Newmarket Road underpass.”

Simon Wall, Cambridge United Community Trust’s community engagement manager, said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in this event. Since the Chisholm Trail has opened, it has had a really positive impact on the programmes that we deliver, particularly our walking and running groups, and so we are delighted to celebrate its completion.

“We also know that Cambridge United are incredibly keen for more supporters to use the Trail on matchdays when the new season starts, so this is a great opportunity to showcase it.”

Meanwhile the 40-metre Abbey-Chesterton Bridge, a crucial piece of the Chisholm Trail walking and cycling jigsaw in Cambridge, has been nominated for a prestigious award.

The bridge has been named on the shortlist for the Structural Steel Design Awards, a national competition which celebrates excellence through criteria such as cost effectiveness, aesthetics and innovation.

The 40m bridge – a joint project between the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Cambridgeshire County Council – was lifted into place over the River Cam in November 2020 during phase one of the the trail’s construction.

The first phase of the Trail was completed and opened to the public in December 2021 and has proved to be transformative, connecting Cambridge North station and the surrounding area to Coldham’s Lane and onwards, the route proceeds via the bridge, the new Newmarket Road underpass and a new, separate, car free path.

The architect of the bridge was Knight Architects, while the structural engineer was Milestone Infrastructure.

There are 21 shortlisted projects for the awards, with the winners to be announced at an evening reception in London on September 29.

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the project for the nomination and fingers crossed for the ceremony in September!”

Once the entire trail is complete, it will create a 26km mostly off-road and traffic-free route from Cambridge North to Cambridge Station via the city centre with links, including to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south and to the business and science parks in the north.