About two years ago, a work colleague recommended a few rivers which, on reading a few guides, I decided were beyond me at the time.  However, after a couple of years of some decent paddling I now feel in a position to branch out a bit more and investigate a few more of those, not-so-often-paddled rivers.  

So, after a characteristically vague bit of 'planning', Craig, Alistair and I began the 4hr trek to the west coast of Mid Wales just north of Aberystwyth.  Unfortunately, our partner in crime (Chris aka ex-Pool Boy, general Muppet, and A&E regular) was unable to join us for reasons that many are probably more than aware by now!  Anyway, after a little uncertainty outside in the pitch black we found the somewhat odd and quirky hostel I'd picked for the weekend.  I'm not quite sure how to describe it beyond that!

Not actually owning any guidebooks, it was quite fortunate we had internet access and Sat Nav on the phone and were able (just) to find the typically obscure get in for the first river picked - the Twymyn.  "If the concrete bases on the bridge supports are exposed it'll be a low run." - writes one online guide...there was about a foot of concrete showing...it'll be very low then!  But, there was enough to float (just!) so on we got and set off on a bump and scrape for a little while.  

Not long though, past the multitude of little waterfalls flowing over steepening rock, this little river came into its own.  The scenery was stunning with buzzards, otters and all manner of birds all the way along.  The river itself is generally considered a G3 although the low levels when we ran it definitely altered this quite considerably in places up and down in scale.  The fantastic gorge in the lower section of the run was very technical in places and more than made up for the plastic losing characteristics of the first section!  Twisting boulder gardens through steep, moss drenched rock provided a great test of line, positioning and balance.  We all agreed that, with another foot of water, the gorge would be an amazing run and is without a doubt on my list of favourite runs so far - almost up there with the Ogwen and Troutbeck.

After a slog back to the car (Alistair and I couldn't find a suitable place to park at the preferred get out) we made a quickish shuttle to the Dulas get in - weaving all over the road as I flicked from Internet guidebooks to Google Maps in search of obscure little roads crossing a little blue line!  Turning off the main road and parking up by the get in bridge our mood turned.  Just over the bridge was a group of blokes looking at us, car loaded with boats, in a not so welcoming manner.  However, we needn't have had even a second of hesitation - we were greeted by some of the friendliest local farmers I think I've met!  

"Hello fellas, you got enough to paddle then?"
"Just about!"
"D'you want'a get in here?  I'll put the dogs away and open the gate here so you can get down if you like?!  Or, if you want to run that bit [upstream] just go up the road there and you can go through that field for as far as you like."
"What about the car?  Can we leave it there?"
"Yeah, no problem.  If it's in the way, we'll move it!"
"Ok?!?!"

So, upstream we went and ran the little bit 100m or so above the bridge before heading downstream.  Again, bump and scrape was the feature for the first section before the river began to deepen and the sides gorged up a little.  Almost everything was 'read and run' except where, due to the low levels, tight slots needed closer inspection.  Several low and fallen trees necessitated short portages but generally, the Dulas was another stunningly beautiful river.  It is written (in the guides I've read) as a river with everything although in reality is a G3 run.  In many ways it felt an easier river in general although several of the features definitely required more care and planning - as Alistair tried very hard to prove on more than one occasion!

The little gorge was, like the Twymyn, a great section which we all enjoyed running.  It was also great being out on our own too on, not necessarily bigger but definitely more technical and unknown water.  Confidence was high, we were all paddling well and exploring every inch that this low run had to offer but...  we had (in)conveniently forgotten about the G5 section somewhere in the lower section!  Oops!  Whilst busy taking photos we had failed to adhere to the most basic of principles - look where you are heading especially when there is an ominous horizon line approaching!  Alistair (in front and on a mission for most of the afternoon!) suddenly called out, "we need to get out here, quick!"  Bugger! Shit!  Alistair made his eddie on the left and Craig went right, finding the flimsiest of eddies to cling to but the low water and submerged rock prevented me from getting the only eddie now available.  Crap!  I had no choice but to run it, blind.  

At the lip of the first drop, I picked my spot and made my move...landed, next move...landed, next...shit, wrong way, micro-eddie, go for it, there...wow, made it...how the hell I don't know!  

Phew, a second to breathe - OH NO, blue helmet - Alistair's coming, shit, no...too late.  Over the lip sideways, upside down and sideways, next...shit...pinned!  Whistle, whistle, bloody whistle - Craig is already out and clambering over the cliff but the back of Alistair's boat pops over one rock and he's out.  It felt like ages despite being no more than 5 seconds but for that moment was damn scarey.  Alistair was safely in the eddie so I headed on down to retrieve his boat more than a little carefully, not having a clue what was waiting round the next ominous bend.  As it happened, the next rapid was a mandatory portage due to a tree strainer that was completely blocking the full width.  

We definitely cocked-up on that one and had a short, sharp lesson to bring us back down to earth!  A little wiser, we headed off to the get out to make our way back to our 'interesting' accommodation.  

That night, rain definitely didn't fall as hoped.  We had planned to run the Wnion (on Andy B's recommendation) and the Twrch flowing into the southern end of Lake Bala.  Unfortunately, after a familiar mad search for the get in, decided that it was lower than low and not worth the hassle.  The Tryweryn was releasing and only 15-20mins away so that was decision made.

After a couple of hours mucking about on the Graveyard, Alistair was pooped and called it a day.  Following a spot of lunch, Craig and I headed off to run the lower - our mission:  to hit every possible boof, slide and splat rock going.  We did a pretty good job even if I do say so myself!  Bala Mill Falls provided an interesting inspection - second note to self - think about how you are going to get off the rock in the middle of the river before you get on it!  Anyway, line scouted, back in boats and go...nailed it, wicked.

Despite a lack of decent water, it was a good weekend exploring new runs and definitely one to repeat after a bit of rain!  Cheers chaps!