Weather was a bit less sunny than expected but still decent enough to get up to the River Wansbeck as planned. Put in at Cambois Rowing Club, with it’s own jetti and carpark it was ideal. Loaded up the canoe with some basics (lunch, drink, waterproof etc.) and headed off upstream to see how far I could get before either I gave out or it got too shallow.
Didn’t take too long from leaving the Rowing Club for the river to get a bit more scenic, lined with trees either side in their autumn colours. There was a good few that had lost their leaves already so would be nice coming back next year in full autumn.
Passed a park on the right which, would be nice to bring Oliver up to in the canoe, Sheepwash Weir comes up next. Easy enough to portage round (well, across actually as there’s parts of it without much water on). Couple of nice looking small waterfalls, and I bet with a bit more water running down the river you could have some fun here.
From above the wier the river gets even nicer as the trees take over more and there’s less and less within close proximity of the river. It’s very sheltered up here too so the waters were very still and lovely to paddle on. Strange spectator to find at the waters edge!
Past the first real tight corner (90 degree right hander, which got fairly shallow) there’s a few rocks and shallow sections to navigate but nothing too serious. Also the first time the river was noticeably flowing against me. More lovely trees before it got too shallow to get past, didn’t get up to Bothal Castle as hoped. Again with a bit more water it would probably be doable, or take some wellies and you could line the canoe up these small rapids. It looked like it deepened again afterwards and possibly round the corner to Bothal Castle. Pulled in next to the rapids for lunch.
Some energy drink to get me going for the way back.
Back to the wier which was easily portaged again, before a little bit play around in the moving water under the bridge. Canoe was nice and stable considering how fast it looked like it was moving. First time in any kind of white water and it was a good confidence builder.
Back down to the car which was in to the wind and a bit more work, took back out at the jetti and loaded back on the car to head home. Was out in total for about 4.5 hours and I think maybe around 6-7 miles. Definitely going to be going back up the Wansbeck!
