I do find it very peaceful sitting by the river, today adjacent to the sluice gate bringing water from The Granchester & Byrons Pool stretch down to the level of The Backs, along which you could punt to see world famous sights such as Kings College.
In this sketch you can see Darwin College which nestles comfortably between Silver Street and the River Cam.
To the right of the sluice are The Rollers, used for transferring punts from The Backs to the Granchester/Byron's Pool level. This is not an easy job, going up takes a lot of effort of pushing, pulling and shoving, passersby often lend a hand. The downward journey can be somewhat more fun. Some will gently hold back the punt as it begins to roll downward towards the water, others board the vessel as it gains momentum down the rollers crashing and splashing into the water below.
Sadly this activity is no longer available to many members of public as the punt yard with almost complete monopoly will not allow its craft to transfer from lower to upper or t'other way round. You hire your craft for the stretch you wish to use.
