Moorings on the River Cam
Key facts
- Type
- River
- Managed by
- Environment Agency
- Total length
- 55 km(34 miles)
- Region
- East of England
The River Cam flows 55 kilometres through Cambridgeshire, rising near Saffron Walden and joining the River Great Ouse at Pope's Corner near Ely after passing through the heart of Cambridge. The navigable river divides into two clear sections: the iconic upper river through Cambridge itself — globally famous for college punting between the Backs of King's, Trinity, St John's and the other riverside colleges — and the lower river from Jesus Lock downstream to Ely, which forms part of the wider Great Ouse navigation network. For boat owners, the Cam offers a uniquely picturesque cruising experience and access to Cambridge's full city amenity. Long-stay moorings are available at Cambridge Cruising Club, the Jesus Green moorings, Clayhithe (a popular liveaboard hub), Bottisham Lock, and at marinas at Ely Marina and Cathedral Marina further downstream on the connected Great Ouse. The connection at Pope's Corner opens the wider Fenland waterway network — the Great Ouse, the Wissey, the Lark and the Middle Level navigations — for extensive cruising. The river itself is gentle and well-maintained, suiting standard narrowboats and broader craft alike (within the wider Great Ouse system's dimensions). Liveaboards enjoy direct trains to London King's Cross from Cambridge in 50 minutes, plus a vibrant academic and cultural city.