Accommodation: East Shallowford Farm, TP13 7PW

A great club weekend in Dartmoor, paddling on the Dart Loop and River Teign.

Day 1 - Fri 14th - River Dart Loop

Distance : 6 km - Grade: 2/3  - Time: 1.5 hours

Put In : Newbridge Take Out : Holne Bridge

River level gauge : Medium

Nine members of BDCC travelled to Dartmoor on Friday 14th in heavy rain, which gave us a positive feel for the weekend - previous trips having been either very cold, snow and ice and / or no water.

After breakfast at Cribs Causeway (a club staple) we headed for the River Dart loop, put in at Newbridge.  The water level was a good medium, with the water just lapping the rock ledge above the bridge.  Paddling from 12.30pm to about 3pm, in broadly two groups with the river mostly two ourselves, we paddled down through the variety of features to the get out just above Holne weir.  Only one slight mishap on the way down at the first feature on triple drop which has a very large recirculating boiling eddy, which Roger decided to test his boat exit skills being trapped on the eddy line with nor pressure on the blade for a roll, a quick self rescue and we were on our way again.  The afternoon was finished off at the Strawberry Fields cafe, for tea and cake etc.

The first evening was spent at the Bunk house, Shallowford Farm (a lovely, if not remote working farm that we have used before) with Chris producing a lovely evening meal of Fajitas - with help from everyone to chop vegetables or clear up afterwards, then having drinks and a film quiz.

Day 2 - Sat 15th  - River River Dart Loop

Distance : 6 km - Grade: 2/3  - Time:  1.5 hours

Put In : Newbridge Take Out : Holne Bridge

River level gauge : Medium

The water levels were still up at medium, so the group went to scout the Plym, a grade 3(4) section that was very pretty as well as inviting for the more adventurous, but very feisty and safety tricky to put on easily, combined with a tree that made negotiating one particular rapid very tricky. After discussion we made our way back to a very busy Dart loop.  

After finding some parking spaces and a short shuttle, we got on the river about 11.30am.  As we had more daylight hours to play with, folk took time to practice rolls, leading the group and setting up safety at Triple Step and practice throwing ropes to volunteer swimmers! 

The route down, was full of fun wavetrains and opportunities for surfing practice.  A couple of further mishaps on this trip caused boat exits - Al hitting a rock in his OC1, Chris not quite getting his set up right after a capsize, and John M capsizing on a steeper section.

We got off the river at around 3pm and went into Ashburton for a drink at the Silent Whistle pub to watch the England/New Zealand rugby match(and England won 33-19).  Those not interested in the rugby or desirous of a seat went to another pub down the road. 

The evening meal was had at The Old Inn, Widecombe in the Moor. Another great choice by Chris, I thoroughly enjoyed my liver and bacon and mash in a red wine jus.

Day 3 - Sun 16th  - River Teign

Distance : 5km - Grade: 2/3  - Time: 2.5 hours

Put In : Dogmarsh Bridge Take Out : Fingles bridge

River level gauge : Medium

Water levels had started to drop off, so after a good breakfast discussion we headed off the River Teign, for a grade three section followed by a further 2-3 section down to Fingle Bridge exit where there was a pub and good parking.  The get in for the grade three section proved challenging for parking so after discussion we went to the put-in at Mill End Hotel, A382, where parking was a little easier. 

On the way to the new chosen put in we encountered a van towing a wedding car iomn a single track lane with occasional passing spaces.. The driver said he couldn't reverse and so he expected the 5 vehicles in front of him to reverse up the single track road all looking for laybys to park in. We eventually persuaded him this was not a reasonable possibility. So he had to unhook the car he was towing from his vehicle and we pushed it backwards into a layby. Then he drove into a farm entrance  and the traffic jam was unblocked.

Chris did not paddle so we were able to move all the cars down to the get out.

Whilst waiting for the shuttle to complete Oliver managed to tread in some cow’s muck. In attempting to get this off his shoe he managed to make it worse by stepping in dog’s muck (out of the frying pan into the fire). Needless to say I didn’t laugh at his dilemma(much).

The river, a first for many, was a medium level and provided us with lots of opportunities for building paddling skills in some boulder gardens and in negotiating a number of hazards caused by a collapsed bridge, many trees down and other debris in the river. We also practised the skill of discretion. We  got out at the first weir and, on review, decided to portage that. We also scouted from the bank on several other occasions and on at least one instance we decided to portage round a tree blocked river.(The gorge section had a number of trees down, so careful scouting was of supreme importance.)

Conclusion

Such a good feeling to paddle the Dart and the Teign with water in them.

Superbly comfortable accommodation made for a great weekend. I would definitely stay there again.

Martin & Roger

Trip report and photos

Day 1 – Fri 15th – River Tryweryn (Upper)

• Distance: 2 km | Grade: 3/4 | Time: 13:00–16:00 | Water level: 9 cumecs

• Warm-up runs at the top before paddling to the café.

• Jon Otway demoed (and later bought) a Waka Skuzz, adapting quickly and paddling confidently.

• Martin Home called it a day early; Chris, Katie, and Jon continued paddling.

• Unluckily, Chris and Katie's camper broke down the next day, ending their weekend early.

• Evening meal: M’Eating Point – hearty, good value food, including gluten-free options.

Day 2 – Sat 16th – River Tryweryn

• Coaching: Martin with Mike and Colwyn; Roger and Gordon had a play run.

• Colwyn retired early with a flared-up elbow injury.

• Mike had a swim near Miss Davies’ Bridge; boat rescue led to a comedy fall by Martin, but all ended safely.

• Grace joined in the afternoon and was coached by Roger.

• Evening meal: Corn Mill, Llangollen – excellent food and gluten-free draught beer.

Day 3 – Sun 18th – River Dee (Horseshoe Falls to Mile End Mill)

• Distance: ~3 hours paddle | Grade: 3 | River level: Low – “bump and scrape”

• Paddlers: Grace, Mike, Gordon, Jon, Roger, Martin

• Colwyn sidelined (elbow); Chris & Katie already gone (camper issues).

• Encountered a large group monopolizing play spots.

• All paddled Serpent’s Tail; Grace’s first whitewater – big success!

• Gordon swam after breaking his paddle; used old splits Martin had carried for years.

• Get-out moved to Pavilion Car Park (Mile End Mill was full).

• Off the water by 14:00, home by 18:00.

Trip report and photos

Day 1 - Sun 31st Aug - River Ivel

Distance : 8 km - Grade: 2  - Time: 3 hours

Beeston to Church End(Tempsford)

At the first fork in the river by the first weir the party of 10 split into two. Six went over the weir,  the other four took the right hand fork to negotiate the other weir. 

The second weir was South Mills weir, a 6 foot vertical drop that everybody paddled.

Third main weir was  Blunham weir which all paddled with with no mishaps.

Martin Home played in the stopper and encouraged Simon Wightman to follow him.

Trip report and photos

Day 1 - Fri 18th - no paddle

People arrived at campsite then checked out Saunton Sands - no surfing today.

Martin Home had a flat tyre and did not arrive at his accommodation until 20.00. He was staying with his wife in self catering accommodation which was 45 mins from the Two Roadways campsite near Woolacombe.

Day 2 - Sat 19th  - Putsborough 

Martin Home reported in with migraine and didn't appear for the whole weekend.

The others surfed at Putsborough.

Day 3 - Sun 20th  - Woolacombe beach

Group surfed here then went home.

Day 4 - Mon 21st

Martin Home eventually got  two good surfing sessions at Putsborough on the Monday 21st July. The parking cost was a shock £14 for the day. Much more expensive than Saunton Sands.

Author: Martin Home

p.s. Sorry for sparse account but I wasn't around for the weekend to know what went on.

Trip report and photos

Simon Wightman: The plan is to.....

Day 1 - Paddle across Hickling Broad on Saturday, stopping at the pub at Hickling Heath.

Day 2 -Probably a shorter paddle through Martham Broad on Sunday. Those options are both from the campsite.

Trip report and photos

Day 1 - Sat 14th June - River Cam - Grantchester to Jesus Green

Distance : 12km - Grade: 1 - Time: 3 hours

Great trip on the Cam today! Nice scenic paddle to start, followed by interesting buildings and bridges as we paddled along ‘the backs’ past the colleges. Lunch and ice-creams on Jesus Green, whilst we watched the end of the Cambridge Pride march and listened to music from DJ Goose!

Then a slightly tougher paddle back to Grantchester, with some quite strong gusts of wind. Lots of wildlife spotting too, from a heron in the sluice to geese with their goslings, a pair of grey wagtails and several punts of Japanese tourists! 

Martin Home and Fee McCusker

Trip report and photos

 Day 1 - Sat 31st – River Nene  - Wansford Loop

• Distance: 7 km  Duration: 3 hours

A relaxed paddle on the River Nene starting at 10:45 AM. After a short 15-minute paddle and portaging the first lock, the group paddled 30 more minutes to Yarwell Mill for a coffee and ice cream stop. Some fun was had playing in the mill stream near the café.

Back on the river, the group reached a gentle weir, paddled with the flow down a narrow flood relief channel, and eventually returned to the first weir to descend and play in the stopper.

The trip ended with a short paddle back to the start, a change of clothes, and a well-earned meal and pint at The Paper Mill pub—highlighted by an excellent gluten-free burger.

Overall: A great day out with good paddling, food, and company

Trip report and photos

Day 1 - A motley crew of assorted kayakers and canoeists gathered to clean up rubbish on the River Ouse near Cardington.

As you can see from the photo much rubbish was cleared away from the river.

Followed by a pub lunch at the Kings Arms , The Green , Cardington

Trip report and photos

Day 1 - 17.00-1900 hrs

BDCC hire the ‘Lee Valley Legacy Course’

Twice a year BDCC hires the Lee Valley ‘Legacy white-water course’ to provide members with access to this artificial, grade 2-3, white water facility. 

Each time we have hired the course we attract 30 paddlers, from both BDCC and Waveny Canoe Club (who regularly join us for this event).

We are lucky enough too, to be supported by the Mid-Shires Search & Rescue team that provide bank safety and get the opportunity to test their drysuits in an end of session swim!!

Paddlers of all levels of experience join the 2 hr session and are supported with coaching, with novice paddlers staring on the flat water lake and progressing to the moving water environment.

Our next event will be in October 2025 - see you there!

Roger Barrett

Trip report and photos

Day 1: The team of five arrived at the Llechfaen farmhouse, a spacious and cosy base with a log burner that provided both warmth and entertainment. Beers and whiskey were cracked open to kick off the weekend in the usual relaxed (and slightly chaotic) BAD fashion.

Day 2: River Tawe – Country park to upstream of Abercraf (Grade 3+).

The day started with bacon and egg baps (for those who replied) before heading to the River Tawe for two runs. The first, led by local paddler Jamie Bingham, was at a medium level with great slides and features, and only one swim. The second, led by Rob C, was at a lower level but still fun, with another swim and a heroic throwline moment from Olly. The day ended with pub food, rugby, pizzas back at base, and a surprisingly sophisticated cheese and whiskey night hosted by Simon.

Day 3: River Usk - Tal y bont to Crickhowell section Grade 3, River bank full.

After breakfast and moving out, the crew hit the River Usk (Tal y Bont to Crickhowell) in wet, windy conditions. Despite a flat start and shuttle faff, the river delivered some fun surf waves and scenic moments, with Colin showing off the Riot Inferno’s unexpected skills and Simon spotting a rare (and exhibitionist) mink. The trip wrapped up with a pub roast, more rugby, and a universal attempt to dodge writing the trip report.

Trip report and photos

Day 1: A low-water paddle on the Dart Loop (5 km, Grade 2/3)
Today set the tone of the trip, with rocky challenges but a pleasant start. Evening antics at the bunkhouse included cider, whisky, and plenty of laughs.

Day 2: The River Teign (8 km, Grade 2/3)
The River Teign proved tough with low water, requiring frequent portages and some bruising encounters with rocks. A dramatic swim underscored the importance of safety planning. The day ended with a hearty meal at Dartbridge Inn.

Day 3: Back on the Dart Loop
Today included a full team of nine paddlers, including two newcomers, which wrapped up the weekend with confidence, despite a single swim and tricky low levels.

Despite challenges, the trip was filled with camaraderie, adventure, and lessons learned, making it one to remember!

Trip report and photos

Day 1: Arrival and settling in

After a long drive from Letchworth, the group arrived at their farmhouse accommodation on the Achaderry Estate. The evening was spent relaxing in the hot tub and enjoying a pre-cooked spaghetti bolognese dinner.

Day 2: Arkaig

With storms brewing, the group scouted the River Arkaig and embarked on their first paddle. Despite some challenges, including Jon feeling unwell, everyone managed the rapids well. The day ended with a power cut due to the storm.

Day 3: River Roy

Post-storm, the River Roy was high but navigable. The focus was on improving lateral movement. After a successful morning paddle, some members went for a second run. Dinner was a spicy curry in Fort William.

Day 4: Findhorn

A scenic drive to the Findhorn included a hearty Scottish breakfast. The river offered stunning views and challenging rapids. Mike had a mishap and had to walk out due to an injury, but the group managed to recover his boat.

Day 5: Spean Gorge

With Mike resting his leg, the group tackled Spean Gorge. They practiced eddy hopping and navigated tricky features. Despite a few swims, everyone enjoyed the descent. The day ended with fajitas and beer slushies.

Day 6: River Etive

The much-anticipated River Etive did not disappoint. The group successfully navigated several challenging rapids, with a few swims and some impressive runs. The day concluded with pizza and craft beer in Fort William.

Day 7: River Awe

Opting for a shorter paddle, the group enjoyed the River Awe’s grade 2 and 3 rapids. The trip ended with a scenic paddle and a final dinner at the Bothy Bar in Kinlochleven.

Trip report and photos

Twice a year BDCC exclusively hires the Lee Valley Legacy course to provide members with access to this artificial, grade 2-3, white water facility.

Each time we have hired the course we attract 30 members from BDCC, and from Waveny Canoe Club who regularly join us for this event.

We are very fortunate to be supported by the Mid-Shires Search & Rescue team that
provide bank safety and get the opportunity to test their drysuits in an end of session swim!!

Paddlers of all levels of experience join the 2 hr session and are supported with coaching, with novice paddlers starting on the flat water lake and progressing to the moving water environment.

Our next event will be in April 2025 - we hope to see you there!

Trip report and photos

Day 1: Symonds Yat

The group arrived at Symonds Yat and spent the afternoon practicing ferry gliding and breaking in and out of the main flow. John McKenzie achieved his first combat roll! They then drove to Rhayader and settled into their accommodation at Ty Morgans guest house. Dinner was at the Castle Inn, offering good value pub grub.

Day 2: Marteg Confluence with Wye to Rhayader

The river was low, making for a challenging day with several grade 2/3 rapids. The group had to portage some rapids due to low water levels or technical difficulty. After finishing the paddle, they sought coffee and cake but ended up at the Castle Inn for drinks. Dinner plans changed due to a low hygiene rating at the Spice Hut, so they enjoyed a meal at the Lamb and Flag instead.

Day 3: Rhayader to Llanwrthwl

With the river at a good flow, the group enjoyed a fun day of paddling with lots of grade 2/3 rapids. They encountered a problematic tree branch but managed to navigate it with some difficulty. The day ended with a long, winding rapid before the get-out bridge, followed by a 4.5-hour drive home.

This trip was a mix of challenges and achievements, with everyone improving their paddling skills. Looking forward to more adventures in the future!

Trip report and photos