Sandy Banks, Godmanchester

Thin strip of ‘beach’ about 0.5m or so wide during average summer water level for the river. The meadow is approximately 0.5m above this water level, with a slightly steep slope to get between the two. Current flows from right to left as you face the river with your back to the meadow. The riverbed slopes gently for 6 to 7m from the ‘beach’ before becoming too deep for average height adults to stand. Swans and ducks likely.

Parking is available in Godmanchester near the Chinese Bridge. Go over the Chinese Bridge (pedestrians/similar only) and walk past the portage points (still closed for repair in June 2024) and lock bridge to reach the meadow. Walk along the riverside path until you reach the ‘beach’. If you reach the railway bridge, you have gone too far. The walk from the Chinese Bridge is 20 to 25minutes for unaccompanied adults who know where they are going, or more.

Narrow and sometimes steep foot bridges (3), gates to the meadow (2) and long grass on the meadow tracks may make the route from Godmanchester parking areas to the spot inaccessible to disabled people. Stepping up/down from meadow’s ground level to the water level requires care, particularly when the ground or grass is wet, as there are no manmade steps or ramps and mud/grass may be slippery. Plantlife along the rivers’ edge makes exiting the water difficult or impossible once away from the ‘bea