On The River
Punting is a favourite summer pastime both among students and visitors, but handling a punt - a flat-bottomed boat ideal for the shallow waters of the Thames and Cherwell rivers - requires some practice. The punt is propelled and steered with a long pole, which beginners inevitably get stuck in riverbed mud: if this happens, let go and paddle back, otherwise you're likely to be pulled overboard. The Cherwell, though much narrower than the Thames and therefore trickier to navigate, provides more opportunities for pulling to the side for a picnic, an essential part of the punting experience. As regards boat rental , Magdalen Bridge boat house (tel 01865/202643), beside the Cherwell at the east end of the High Street, is the most central spot, but in summer the queues soon build up, so either get there early in the morning - at around 10am - or head off to the Cherwell Boat House (tel 01865/515978), by Wolfson College off Banbury Road, a mile or so north of the centre. Alternatively, there's the Thames boat station at Folly Bridge (tel 01993/868190), at the south end of St Aldate's, but from here you'll have to punt a fair way along a broad stretch of river before being able to turn off into the Cherwell. Expect to pay about GBP10 per hour for a boat plus a GBP30 deposit, and sometimes ID is required. Five people make an ideal group - four sitting and one punting. If you're determined not to do any actual punting, you might consider hiring a chauffeured punt (GBP25 for 30min, plus free booze). Other types of craft are also available for rent. Call the boathouses for more information or if there are any doubts about the weather.
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