One of the nicest ways to experience Cambridge is by taking a punt along the river.
A punt is a long narrow boat with a squared-off bow and stern. An average punt holds six people. Men, women and even some larger children have been seen powering punts. The punt is propelled by pushing a long pole against the bottom of the river. The pole also acts as the tiller for the craft. Turn the pole so that the part that is in the water goes left and the punt will go left and turn the underwater part right to go right. Keep the pole straight behind you to go straight. Most often, the person propelling the punt stands on the back deck. However, the punter can also stand in the aft end of the passenger compartment that takes up the middle of the punt where it feels less precarious. |
Although the two names are sometimes used interchangeably, the river is called the Granta above the Silver Street Bridge and the Cam below A trip up the river to Grantchester is quite rustic and pretty but a trip down the river takes you past the spectacular College Backs.
Going down the Cam from the Mill Pond, you get glimpses of eight of the colleges - - Darwin, Queens, King's, Clare, Trinity House, Trinity, St. John's, and Magdalene. Moreover, you get to see some of the most notable buildings in Cambridge in a beautifully landscaped setting. These include the Queens' College President's Lodge, King's College Chapel, and the Wren Library. There is also the Care Fellow's Garden - - perhaps the most beautiful in Cambridge - - and the idyllic pasture on the left hand side of the river by King's. |
Above and below: The Cam
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Cruise destination guide - England - Cambridge - Punting