The College Backs punting route, landmark by landmark
A standard trip from Quayside runs upstream past the principal river-facing colleges and some of Cambridge's best-known bridges. This guide follows them in the order you meet them.
The route at a glance
A College Backs trip typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes there and back and passes around seven colleges and nine bridges. Counts vary depending on where a publisher draws the route boundary, and exact routes and timings vary by operator and river traffic. The sights below are listed in the order a passenger leaving Quayside sees them.
1. Magdalene College and the Great Bridge
The trip begins beside Magdalene Bridge, the cast-iron span of 1823 at Cambridge's oldest river crossing. Magdalene College stands on the water's edge. What to notice: the single iron span and the railings ending at stone piers.
2. St John's College
St John's is known for Kitchen Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, two of the most photographed crossings on the route. What to notice: the covered bridge linking the college's older and newer courts.
3. Trinity College
Trinity Bridge and the river frontage of the Wren Library are the highlights here. What to notice: the library's long river elevation.
4. Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall sits beside Trinity and Clare, with gardens that run down to the river. What to notice: how close the college buildings and lawns come to the water.
5. Clare College and Clare Bridge
Clare Bridge is a distinctive stone bridge at the heart of this section of the Backs. What to notice: the bridge and the college garden behind it.
6. King's College and the Chapel
King's College Chapel rises above the lawns running down to the river and is one of the best-known views in Cambridge. What to notice: the chapel's height against the open grass.
7. Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
The route reaches the Mathematical Bridge at Queens', which links the two halves of the college across the Cam. What to notice: the bridge's timber structure.
Then back to Quayside
Chauffeured trips normally return along the same stretch to the starting station. Whether a trip goes the full length of the Backs depends on the operator and the conditions on the river.
For tips on what to wear, how to choose between chauffeured and self-hire, and how to book, see the punting guide. To compare all six licensed stations, see the punting stations guide.
Plan your visit
Routes, timings and which sights are included change between operators and with water levels and traffic. Ask your operator which stretch of the Backs your trip covers.
Information checked October 2026.
Frequently asked
A typical chauffeured trip takes about 45 to 50 minutes there and back. The time depends on the operator and river traffic.
A standard trip passes about seven colleges and nine bridges. Exact counts vary according to where the route boundary is drawn.
It is the covered bridge at St John's College, one of the best-known landmarks on the route.
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