My SUP Stories

Punts are to Cambridge what gondolas are to Venice. These flat-bottomed wooden boats have been around since the 19th century, navigating the shallow waters of the River Cam by way of a long pole. What started as a leisure activity for Cambridge University students has since become a top attraction for thousands of visitors. Can we add a modern twist to the classic experience? Here we are, two SUPers ready to embark on our take of the tour along The College Backs, donning our drysuits.

The gloomy forecast promises to clear up later in the day, so we set off upstream towards Grantchester first. We pass through a peaceful rural landscape. Striking really. I left London’s King’s Cross on a train just an hour ago. Cows and sheep graze in meadows and fields, as our SUPs glide past charming English cottages and stunning gardens. Wildlife surrounds us, from ducks and swans to herons. Even a kingfisher we are lucky to spot. We turn around at the Mill and go check out Byron’s Pool on the other branch.

Next up, we paddle The Backs. It’s a collection of gardens, parks, courtyards and bridges along the River Cam behind the grand facades of six Cambridge colleges. It feels like we’ve been transported back to the Jane Austen era. We dodge a few novice punters who underestimated the skill required to punt while admiring the professionals who glide by us elegantly. On a sunny summer’s day, it must be like the chaos of bumper cars on the water.

Nine bridges span over the river here. The Bridge of Sighs at St John’s is perhaps the most famous, but my favourite landmark is the Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College. It’s a flimsy looking wooden construction. I overhear one of the punt guides explain that it is constructed so that it looks like an arch, but it is built entirely from straight pieces of timber.

We reach Jesus Green footbridge and lock, then paddle back to our starting point. Cambridge is a city where ancient and modern happily coexist, like a postcard brought to life. This SUP bucket list moment will definitely be one to remember.

Weird & wonderful

• Meet the cute brown sheep with horns, video above – one of the many native British sheep breeds. With 21 to keep track of, it’s quite a challenge! These particular sheep may be Hebridean, but sorry, I’m not 100%. Either way, the Hebrideans were rescued from the brink of extinction by landowners who now keep them as ornamental parkland animals.
• Visit ‘The Orchard’ in Grantchester, famous for serving up steaming pots of tea and scrumptious cakes for over a century. Relax beneath the fruit trees and feel like you’re in an Enid Blyton novel. It was too early in the season for us, but during the summer, they have deckchairs clustered on the meadow.
• Dive into history at Byron’s Pool – the small, picturesque lake in Grantchester named after Lord Byron, who allegedly swam there as a student at Cambridge University. Once known as Trumpington Pool, the legend of the poet’s dips made it a must-visit spot.

Need to know

• Waterway: The River Cam is the main river flowing through Cambridge in eastern England.
• Entry: Lammas Land car park, Cambridge
• Exit: Lammas Land car park, Cambridge
• Distance: 12 km, can be shorter or longer
• More details: Weir – Mill pool and weir, Portages – 1 (punt rollers) each way, Authority – Cam Conservators, License – Yes

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Let’s make some waves! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.