W

hen you see a punt gliding serenely along the river Cam, you can be forgiven for thinking it looks effortless. But the UK’s answer to the gondola of Venice is inevitably a lot harder to control that it looks.

Thankfully, experienced guides are on hand to take you through the basic principles of punting. After a couple of hours, you should be able to propel the punt along by pushing that five metre pole against the river bed.

When you’ve got the action down, it’s time to concentrate on steering and avoiding all those other happy punters. Apparently, the key to success, as in with most things in life, is to stand looking to the right and let your inner rhythm take over.

And there’s no better place to study a new skill than in Cambridge, the most prestigious centre of learning. It might not be a degree, but you’re sure to impress your mates with your new-found ability to transport them through the pleasant meadows of Back’s and past the University’s historic colleges.

And even if you fail to master punting, then there’s no shame in letting an experienced punter take you around, explaining the local history.

Or better still, why not watch all the activity from one of the riverside pubs with a drink and without the need for poles or the fear of getting wet?