Punt and punting
A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with no keel, moved by pushing a long pole against the river bed, and punting is the trip taken in one along the River Cam. The route past the Colleges is the city's signature outing.
In practice
Punts can travel between Grantchester and Jesus Lock, and the most popular tours take in the Backs: the river frontage of the old Colleges. You can hire a punt and pole it yourself or take a chauffeured tour with commentary. The Conservators of the River Cam have licensed six punting stations, from Jesus Green to the Granta mill pond, and tickets should be bought at a station from a licensed company. Unlicensed sellers tout tickets in the city centre, on King's Parade and Market Square: walk past them to the river.
Why it matters to newcomers
Visitors you host will ask to go punting, and team offsites tend to end up on one. Book a licensed chauffeured tour, go early or late to dodge the midday queue, and treat self-hire as a sport for the brave: the pole sticks, the river is busy, and dignity is optional.
Related
- The Backs - the scenery the route passes
- Cambridge parks and green spaces guide
Sources: Punting in Cambridge; Punting on the Cam, BBC.