Punting on the Cam

Punting on the Cam

To punt is to maneuver a flat-bottom, wooden, gondolalike boat—in this case, through the shallow River Cam along the verdant Backs behind the colleges of the University of Cambridge. One benefit of this popular activity is that you get a better view of the ivy-covered walls from the water than from the front. Mastery of the sport lies in your ability to control a 15-foot pole, used to propel the punt. Collect a bottle of wine, some food, and a few friends, and you may find yourself saying things such as, "It doesn't get any better than this." One piece of advice: if your pole gets stuck, let go. You can use the smaller paddle to go back and retrieve it.

The lazier-at-heart may prefer chauffeured punting, with food supplied. Students from Cambridge may do the work, and you get a fairly informative spiel on the colleges. For a romantic evening trip, there are illuminated punts.