Although Cambridge is extremely flat the river goes through two changes of height either side of the stretch running through the Colleges. Coming in from Granchester is the 'upper' river which hits a weir/sluice gate arrangement and drops about 5 or 6 feet into the college section. At the other end is another weir (feature of a number of photos!) and Jesus Lock and the river falls another 5 or 6 feet as it moves on to Ely. There is no lock at the upper/middle river junction as the river is much more rural in the upper section and unsuitable for large boats - at Granchester is splits into a series of tributaries. This is in fact why Cambridge became an important town as it was the most inland port for goods imported from Europe via King's Lynn. The middle river through the colleges has a submerged towpath as the barges were not allowed to use college land and the horses had to walk through the water. Blimey all that and I'm not on to the photo yet... You can move punts between the Upper and Middle rivers by taking them over 'the rollers'. This takes a fair bit of muscle as they are heavy and you have to remember to put somebody back in just before it hits the water!! These people were moving a whole set of punts ready for the summer season - it's hard work and they gave me a 'bit of a look' as I enjoyed the spectacle with my camera!
When I open the 365 for a look, it's like a world journal with pictures! Information, beauty, climate! From Cambridge to Lithuania to the USA with its wide differences, to Australia, Africa, Papua New guinea! Thanks for the river info! I've heard of the Jesus lock!
ooh, interesting, I'd read about the upper and lower rivers (settings for other books when the knowledge was assumed) and hadn't bothered stopping reading to go and find out what that meant - nice to have that gap in knowledge filled in.
I had no idea that the River Cam had all those different levels & weirs & as @maggiemae says the things you learn & see on 365 are wonderful ! This looks like back breaking work & not to be attempted after celebrating the night before !!
My husband reminded me that we actually walked past this area recently - it obviously hadn't registered with me. What a fascinating story, yes your right, you can learn so much through this site. I like the collage, it's very tastefully put together.
Great description and collage. I know that the Jesus Lock is now at Cambridge and not a relic of Christ in a Greek orthodox church. Now where is the Holy Grail?
I love the centre shot; loads of movement. It was always fun to sit by the path and watch punters using the rollers. As you say, it can be a problem if you don't get anyone in as the punt slides down the second set.
