NCN 51 Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
NCN 51 links Thame in Oxfordshire with Lincoln in Lincolnshire, via Aylesbury, Luton, Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Ely and Boston. Along the way it uses sections by the River Great Ouse and the Fen Rivers Way, and finishes in the River-Witham valley.
NCN 51 is 379,2 km long and runs from Thame (Oxfordshire) to Lincoln (Lincolnshire). You track a north-east line via Aylesbury, Luton, Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Ely and Boston, then roll into Lincoln through the River-Witham valley. What makes it different is the mix of everyday cycle route and long-distance link: sometimes you’re on roads, sometimes on traffic-free stretches like the towpath on the River Great Ouse or the Fen Rivers Way. In between, you’ve got some clear sightseeing anchors: Cambridge as a university city and Ely Cathedral are the stops you’ll want to actually budget time for. This one suits touring riders who are fine with changing surfaces and a fairly high on-road share; with an e-bike or a sporty setup you can stitch the distances together nicely. Planning your ride independently, no tour operator involved? Use NCN 51 as your backbone and build your daily stages around towns and sights.
Route Profile
| Distance | 379 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
NCN 51 Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the NCN 51
For me, the strongest bit is around Cambridge and Ely: you get a clear long-distance line, plus two proper anchor points for a break. Highlight: Ely Cathedral – when you roll on from Cambridge towards Ely, the cathedral is the reason to back off the pace and make the stop more than “just a quick one”.
Highlights on the NCN 51
- Cambridge (university city) as the classic sightseeing stop on the route.
- Ely Cathedral as a standout landmark right on the line through Ely.
- Traffic-free towpath on the River Great Ouse as a calm, car-free section.
- Fen Rivers Way as another traffic-free section on NCN 51.
Accommodations on the NCN 51
Along the NCN 51 you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the NCN 51 there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your NCN 51 Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
NCN 51 is a long link from Thame to Lincoln, with strong fixed points in cities like Cambridge and Ely. The big positives are the traffic-free sections on the River Great Ouse and the Fen Rivers Way; the downside is the overall high on-road share. If you can plan flexibly and don’t need every single minute to be car-free, this route works really well.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.