A 25.8 km single-stage route heading far west toward Bar Hill and Girton via Huntingdon Road. It has the most traffic signals at Cambridge (30) but only 3 roundabout and just 8 turns. Speed limits reach 70 mph on the dual carriageway sections west of Cambridge. The route covers the widest geographic area of any Cambridge route, extending to Cottenham and Oakington.

Watch Out For

• 30 traffic signals. The most at Cambridge. Concentrated along the western A-roads and through the city. Do not accelerate through amber lights.
• Huntingdon Road (70 mph). The fastest section, heading west toward Bar Hill. Dual carriageway driving requires confident acceleration and mirror use.
• Rampton Road. Rural road through Cottenham. Speed limits change between 30 and 50 mph through the village.
• Oakington Road. Narrow rural road with 60 mph national speed limit. Be prepared for oncoming traffic and limited visibility.
• 20 mph zones. Extensive 20 mph zones in the Orchard Park and Impington areas near the start and end of the route.

Route Features

• 5 left turns, 3 right turns, 3 roundabouts, 30 sets of traffic lights.
• Only 3 roundabout. Direction changes rely on signals and standard junctions.
• 30 traffic signals, the highest at this centre.
• Speed limits: 20 mph in Orchard Park, 30 mph through villages, 40 mph on Bridge Road, 50 mph transitional, 60 mph rural, 70 mph on Huntingdon Road.
• Zero school zones. Covers the western villages: Histon, Cottenham, Westwick, Oakington, Bar Hill, Girton.

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near Kirkwood Road.

Key Tips

• The western extension to Bar Hill is unique to this route. Most learners are unfamiliar with this area. Make at least one practice run.
• With 30 signals and only 8 turns, this route is more about sustained straight-line driving and signal discipline than residential manoeuvring.
• The return through Cambridge Road has 20 mph zones after long 60-70 mph sections. Adjust speed well in advance.