Scudamore's - The River Cam

Copyright Thirdlight Photography Ltd. 2004

St. John's College, Cambridge. Copyright Richard Bowring 2004

The golden willows by the riverside
Are young brides in the setting sun;
Their reflections on the shimmering waves
Always linger in the depth of my heart.

Farewell Again to Cambridge ~ Xu Zhimo

As the river flows through Cambridge it drops through 3 levels, respectively known as the Top, Middle and Lower River. A weir at our boatyard marks the division between the Top and Middle River. Another weir at Jesus Green marks the start of the Lower River.

We have punts available for hire on the Top and Middle River sections, but not the Lower River, which is home to Cambridge's rowers.

Middle River & The Backs
Guide to College Backs	The 1.5km stretch of the Middle River from Queens' College to Magdalene College is known as the College Backs and it is one of the most beautiful stretches of river in England. Set amongst spacious lawns and intimate gardens are some of Cambridge's grandest buildings, including King's College Chapel and the Wren Library.

Top River & Grantchester
Guide to Grantchester	More rural than the Backs the Top River stretch winds through woodland and open meadows to Grantchester, once the beloved home of the poet Rupert Brooke. Generations of visitors have punted the 4km journey to this "upriver resort" to relax on the meadows, enjoy lunch at a pub or take tea under the trees at the famous Orchard.

Ecology

The Cam is fed by springs rising from chalk aquifers south east of Cambridge. The water quality is good, so the river supports plenty of fish including pike, carp and eels. Ducks, geese, swans and moorhens are a common sight; if you are lucky you may also see a kingfisher or heron on the Top River.