FRRL have devised three walking trails that explore the neighbourhood around the Library; they are designed to be fun and informative.
Who will enjoy the walks? Anyone, of any age, who enjoys fresh air, nature and is curious about the history of the neighbourhood.
What to do? Follow the route on the map, read the notes and follow the instructions.
How long will it take? Each walk takes about two hours.
Accessibility: All paths are paved and flat but there are roadside curbs, options are provided to avoid significant steps.
Refreshments: You will pass cafes and shops but it is a good idea to take water and a snack.
Feedback: Please E-mail FRRL if you have any suggestions for future trails or would like to be sent the answers to the quizzes.
Stay safe – keep your distance from others, cross roads carefully.
Brief history of the area around Rock Road Library – a good introduction to all the walks.
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FRRL_Coleridge_Community_Trail – Building Styles Checklist
This walk (updated from 2016) explores the area to the north of the Library. It provides insights into local history and the different styles of building that have prevailed since the area was first developed.
To help identify key features, a checklist is included. As the terms Victorian and Edwardian are commonly used in architecture, there are columns for each of the monarchs who have reigned since development of the area began. Asterisks (*) in the walk instructions suggest typical buildings to observe.
This walk is suitable for all ages. As the focus is on architectural history, it is probably more suitable for children over the age of 8.
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This trail is an updated version of the 2017 walk with a new route made possible by the building of a bridge across Hobson’s Brook.
The walk explores the area to the north of the Library, once dominated by the railway industry. Despite much new building development, there are still precious pockets of nature to discover. Children (up to the age of 16) should be accompanied by an adult as there are sums (very simple), streams and some ‘off the beaten track’ paths to explore.
Accessibility: Enter Hobson’s Brook via the car park; avoid the steps down from Hill’s Road to the Leisure Park by following the path to the bottom of the bridge and entering via the main entrance.
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Wulfstan Way Trail – Tree Trail Map – Tree Checklist – Tree_Trail_General
This walk covers an area to the south of the Library. In addition to looking at local history, it invites you to enjoy the rich diversity of trees in gardens, along paths and in public spaces. FRRL hope that the walk will inspire you to plant a new tree – for advice, see https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/trees.
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Local Open Studios– In 2018, celebrating Rock Road library’s first Open Studio, FRRL suggested taking the opportunity to visit all the studios open in the area.
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2016 Know Your Place Trail The first trail explored the social and architectural history of the area around Cherry Hinton Road – it was updated in 2021 as the Coleridge Trail.
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Quiz Winners:
2016_FRRL_Book Titles 2016 FRRL Entry Sketches
The winner of a £50 book token for the first-drawn correct entry was 8-year-old Harriet Richards.
Know Your Place Trail 2017 – Map
2018 – no quiz
2019 Prize Competition Challenge Winners: Jane Blackmore, Honey Locust Tree, Cavendish Avenue; Marta Odudu, Untitled – Age 7 Felt tip on paper; Vaishnu Gwru Prasad, Orange Tree – Age 7 Felt tip on paper; Alex Richards, Lime Tree St Johns – Age 9 Mixed Media; Harriet Richards, Untitled – Age 11 Mixed Media
Friends of Rock Road Library 