The Cambridge Arm

The Cambridge Arm is in fact the canalised lower part of the river Cam, which runs down from Dursley, through Cam and eventually into the G&S canal. It is barely 2 km long, but is quite a pretty little waterway. At one time it was navigable, but the way is currently blocked by the swing bridge at the entrance to the canal and the concrete bridge next to the water pumping station about halfway along. The upper limit of navigation was at Cambridge, where the river passes under the A38 in a low culvert.

The arm could easily be opened to navigation. The only significant obstacle is the concrete bridge halfway along, which it is said is to be replaced anyway in the near future. There is a reasonable depth of water along most of the arm, and the width is adequate for two narrowboats to pass in most places. A winding hole would need to be dug out near the top to accomodate boats longer than about 8 m.

There is a footpath running alongside the Arm from the A38, through the George's garden, and along as far as the junction with Wickster's Brook. At this point, it is feasible to walk almost all the way to the junction with the G&S although there is no right of way. The "official" footpath veers north, over Nebrow Hill (13 m) (is this the lowest hill graced with the name "Hill"?)and on towards Splatt Bridge at Frampton on Severn.

The Cambridge Arm junction from the G&S. The swing bridge is inoperable at the moment.	Looking towards the junction with the G&S. The defunct swing bridge is just out of view.	The bottom few hundred metres of the Arm is piled. The bridgekeeper's house at Cambridge Arms Bridge can just be seen in the background
Looking up the Arm towards its junction with Wickster's Brook	Near the middle of the Arm	Daffodils on the bank.
Approaching the pumping station	The pumping station, and the bridge causing the main obstruction.	The Arm meanders towards the village of Cambridge.
The footpath alongside the Arm crosses this footbridge in the trees. There is enough headroom under the bridge for a narrowboat to pass.	The Arm goes through the garden and caravan site at the rear of the George Inn.	The Arm passes into a low culvert under the busy A38.