Fall punting in Cambridge

Though I travel to Cambridge once a month for business, I never get the chance to be a tourist. Having a friend in town is the perfect excuse to try out all the fun things I sometimes put off.

Two weeks ago I went punting in Cambridge for the very first time!

Some of you might be wondering what exactly is punting?

It is a lot like a gondola ride, where you sit in low, flat boats and a "punter" stands and uses a long stick to push you along the river.

with our tour guide Frank

I have always thought of punting as a summer pastime, but a crisp autumn day is the perfect weather for sitting underneath a cozy blanket for a peaceful ride along the river Cam.

The river is especially nice this time of year, since there are virtually no tourists and you have the river to yourself. As a bonus the slow days can mean the punting companies will offer generous discounts on tickets.

Cam sits in between a few of the historical colleges of Cambridge, so punting offers you a unique view of St Johns, Trinity, Kings and Queens Colleges.

The bridges:

oldest bridge on the Cam

The Bridge of Sighs

The wildlife:

The scenery:

I am dissapointed that I have waited 2 years to go punting in Cambridge and after this fun experience I can not wait to do it again.

The only thing I would change? Next time, I will definitely be bringing some mulled wine for a fall punting session. Or maybe champagne in the summer!