A Cambridge Tradition: What is Punting?

But first, what is punting?

It may come as a surprise that punting isn’t sport-related and it’s got very little to do with Venician gondolas.

Punts are small, square-ended and flat-bottomed boats powered by a chauffeur with a long pole. The chauffeur uses the long pole to push against the riverbed in the right direction while passengers enjoy the scenery from the seating in front. That, in a nutshell, is punting - a quintessentially British experience.

Given that the riverbed needs to be within easy reach of a 15ft pole, punts are designed for fairly shallow, slow-moving water. This is one of the reasons that Cambridge is the perfect place for punting. A city surrounded by smooth rivers allows for a calm and comfortable way to see the sights.

History of punting in Cambridge

To get to the bottom of ‘what is punting’, we need to go back to its origins.

The practice of punting began in the 1800s. The first iteration of punting was as cargo transport, moving larger goods efficiently. The flat-bottomed boats carry impressively heavy loads as they distribute weight evenly. Fishermen also made good use of punts, enjoying the stable design, ease of turning and lack of keel which could go through shallow waters. In Cambridge, punts were already a familiar sight on the river and a key part of local industries such eel fishing and reed-cutting.

Punting for pleasure rose to prominence in the early 1900s. A few decades earlier, trendy Londoners were using punting to leisurely tour the capital from the lower-level areas of the River Thames. And where London goes, the rest of the country often follows - including the idyllic waters of the River Cam.

As river travel was in decline in the early 1900s, punting became more of a pleasure pursuit. Punts went through a redesign to make them more comfortable. Seats gained cushions. Awnings were fixed in for shade. Space was added for picnicking in comfort. Students and tourists especially took to punting, enjoying summer afternoons on the scenic views along the rivers. The perfect way to while away a relaxing day.

Punting in Cambridge: what to look out for

Depending on your personal tastes, there are two options for a Cambridge punting tour.

The first is the famous tour of the ‘College Backs’ in the very centre of the city. A one-mile section of the river runs along some of the biggest landmarks in Cambridge. The seven riverside colleges, including Magdalene, St John’s, Trinity and more, show off a new side from the River Cam. King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library, Clare College can all be taken in from the water. You’ll also pass under the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge, two of many highlights on a Cambridge punt tour.

If grand buildings aren’t to your taste, head out to Grantchester for a quieter time. Here you’ll find idyllic rural views, a quaint British village and plenty of tea rooms and pubs to quench your thirst. This section, the Upper River, wanders through fenland, woodland and meadow. Follow in the footsteps of generations of visitors relaxing in the tranquil meadows near Grantchester.

Self-hire vs chauffeured

Once you have ‘what is punting’ worked out, the next question is: do you want to be the punted or the punter. That is the question everyone taking to the River Cam will need to answer.

As you may have guessed, being a chauffeur and maintaining a calm, steady and enjoyable glide downstream requires a little practice. It’s not uncommon to see inexperienced punters wobbling their way back and forth across the river. However, if you are keen for a hands on experience, there are plenty of hire companies willing to provide a punt, pole and a few tips on steering.

The other option is to take an experienced chauffeur with you. They’ll be able to navigate the waterways for a smooth ride while you sit back and take in the scenery. Your chauffeur will also have a few interesting facts and insights into the amazing things you’ll see as you cruise along.