Saturday 18th October 2014 River Wye ( Upper)

River Wye, Llangurig to Rhayader approximately 10 miles, 4 hours paddling time.

After more rain at the tail end of last week more opportunities came to the fore, so with a shot gun start from Cannock, Stourbridge Bewdley etc a group of 12 paddlers headed for the Afon Dulas, no it’s not a mistake the first choice instructions given by phone was the Dulas, which after covering a number of miles in mid Wales changed to the Upper Wye. Eventually we all arrive at the get in, which on the long haul trip is the bridge in the lane just down from the church in Llangurig, kitted up and shuttle dropped off we set it was now 12-02 pm. The river here is flat and fairly exposed to the elements such as wind etc, winding our way through some tight trees, we suddenly came across a length of reasonably new looking barbed wire stretched river wide. It was attached river right to what looked like a newly erected fence, then across the rivers full width and hanging just on the water line at the level on Saturday. I was last through and felt uneasy here so took a look at releasing the wire from the left hand side of the river and moving it to the right bank, however this was not possible due to the wire still being attached to the wooden reel which aids working with barbed wire. The reel had been deliberately submerged and wedged in the roots of a tree on the opposing bank. It had been set as a trap !!!! The Police have been informed.
Moving on we arrive at the first feature which is an S style rapid, all through and a break was taken. Swiftly back on the water a few more interesting rapids and features and we approach the letter box, the most technical feature on this section of river. We had to portage here about 100 meters above the feature due to a huge fallen tree which was not passable. We studied the Letter box and all agreed on the level it was running it was to low and deemed a risk so a lengthy portage was taken. Back on the water and off we paddle some more interesting features and lovely scenery made extra special by the frequent over head visits from the local Red Kite community, fabulous to see. We came across a lone fisherman several hundred metres before the end of the trip who completely blanked us and turned his back, bless him I think he was shy. Approaching the end of a long paddle the discussion was who if any were going to tackle the last feature which was at the get out in Rhayader. This has a grade 4 drop on it and was tackled by 4 of the group with success. A couple of silly and very late swims, one due to lapse of concentration the other we feel was due to fatigue I shan’t post names but for a small cash bung I may divulge. This trip is around 10 miles and takes around 4 hours but a nice day out. Paddlers were Rich D, Barry, John, Dave Y, Andy G, Mr Lewis Senior, (nice to see you on the water again Sir), Mr Lewis junior, Paul, Big Rob, Sheamus Shane, Ricardo and myself. A great day albeit a little tiring for a number of the team. The real disappointment was obviously the Barbed wire Trap which was a blatant intent to cause Canoesist or Kayakers problems harm or even a risk of a drowning.
Thanks to all for the usual great company and banter, Shane you owe me 2 packets of Headache tablets as for 2 half hours going to the river you didn’t come up for air I have never been to Lee Valley but know every inch of the course now for which I thank you NOT !!!! lol 😉

• This topic was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Nigel.
• This topic was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Nigel.
• This topic was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Nigel.
• This topic was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Nigel.