Exploring the Rivers of Cambridge
Bridge of Sighs
During 2021’s summer season, we embarked on a little exploration trip. Packing the car with a trusted iSUP we headed for Cambridgeshire, stopping off on the way to purchase a hard board. India found us a quaint Airbnb which luckily for us back onto the stunning Wicken fens, definitely worth a visit for any nature lover.
Day 1 Ely / Great Ouse River
After exploring the fens and a relaxing night's sleep, we packed the paddle wagon, loaded the new hard board on the roof and headed for Ely. Ely is a cathedral city located around 14miles north of the city of Cambridge, situated on the Great Ouse River. This medieval city was built on the highest island in the fenlands, some still call it the “The Isle of Ely”.
Parking and facilities: After a quick Google search in the morning we found a suitable parking and launch site, a car park called Fisherman's car park on Willows Way. We opted to park on the road of Willows Way as it was closer to the water's edge and free to park.
Willows Way
Launching was easy enough but just note the river bank is pretty high up. Once on the water we turned right and paddled through Ely itself, past the Cathedral Marina then under a railway bridge before going under the road bridge. Passing the road bridge it opens out into open fields and becomes a more pleasant and peaceful paddle. Although we did have to engage in some evasive manoeuvres in order to dodge a couple rowing skiffs filled with excitable school kids who seemed to be replicating the Oxford Cambridge boat race.
First Step Back Turn on a hard board, on Great Ouse River
The Isle of Ely
Great Ouse River
Cathedral city, Ely
This being the first time either of us had been on a hard board we took it in turns paddling and testing our skills. We discovered the following: we both love paddling on hard boards and find it a completely different experience to inflatable paddle boards, more on that another day.
After a mile or so we turned around and headed back towards the car. We continued past Willows Way (where our car was) as a floating house caught our eye, just under the bridge of the train tracks. We paddled over and had a rather interesting chat with the guy as he admired our hard board. He built this floating house himself, I wish I took a photo! It was tiny, but unique and pretty eccentric. He was trying to flog it to us, and fair play to him, it would have been a pretty cool shack to run a second Paddle Up from.
In Ely opposite the marina, there seemed to be plenty of places to stop for food and drink, perfect if you like to have a post paddle pint!
Day 2 Cambridge City / on foot
We decided to stay on land and explore the city by foot. We lazed about in the park, did a bit of shopping, ate pizza at Franco Manca and spent the afternoon in the Kettle's Yard gallery. We did squeeze in a quick punt as when in Rome… I mean Cambridge. Back in Wicken we tested out the local pub in the evening, and walked around the quaint little village as the sun set.
The garden gate at The Koya Villa backing right onto the fens
Summer nights in Wicken
Day 3 Cambridge City / River Cam
After another restful sleep, we packed the car and headed this time for the City of Cambridge itself. Shout out to Brett who we purchased our hard board from, he recommended we went to Lammas Land car park to launch. We also met Martin, @sup_cambridge another BSUPA instructor who funnily enough recommended the same car park. Top guy and offers tours if you’re looking for a guide.
Parking and facilities: Parking was easy at Lammas Land. There is a max 2 meter height barrier but this is normally opened up like a gate, perfect for those with SUP’s on the roof. This is a paid car park either at the machine or via JustPark app. Facilities include WC and cafe where we purchased tea and cheese toasties; much needed energy for our early morning paddle! Pleased to say that this launch site seems to be popular with 4 other paddleboards and Kayaks pumping up when we arrived. Launching here was super easy and we parked literally next to the river. The river bank was almost level with the river itself so getting afloat was simple.
Launching: A small offshoot of the main river runs alongside Lammas Land car park, so we launched here then turned left to join the main river. We headed towards Cambridge city centre to join the hustle and bustle of the punters.
The first bridge you come to is the A1134, then the first place of interest is Scudamore’s Boatyard and Workshop on Robinson Crusoe Island, where you can see an array of punts in different stages of repair. Scudamore’s is the most famous punting company, established in 1910. In fact, I found a great map of the River Cam on their website that might be worth printing out before your journey, get it here.
Portage point and paddling along The Backs: You will paddle past the back of the Hilton Hotel until you come to Millpond Portage point where you will need to get out and cross the path with your board, and re-launch on the lower level of the Millpond. Take care carrying your boards down the slipway, there is a handy purpose built platform which makes launching a doddle. Once back on the water, follow the river round to the right and start taking in the architecture! Oh and watch out, this is when we came across our first punt! Scudamore’s and other punt company’s often start their punt tours from here, so it was a little busy.
The portage point
Other than punt dodging, it’s plain sailing from here. Travel along The Backs where you'll find landmarks, picturesque sights, and an abundance of famous bridges.
Points of interest you can’t help but stop and take photos of include: Silver Street Bridge, The Mathematical Bridge, Clare College, King’s College Chapel, Jerwood Library, Wren Library, Bridge of Sighs (our personal favourite) and New Court.
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful, and if you're wondering whether to paddle The Backs in Cambridge, I hope this blog makes you do it! It was one of our favorite ever paddles. Drop us a message if you have any questions :)
