We ended up on the Cumbrian Esk after inspecting the Bleng and finding it needed more water. There was plenty on the Esk: 0.96 rising to 1.02. Surfing and tailies were practised when the opportunity arose. This entailed plenty of rolls by the usual suspects. We met the Wasdale Mountain Rescue team practising some swift water techniques at the take out. The rain held off as we got changed: always a plus. Hoping not to need another 8am start as the days grow longer!
Thanks to Martin, John H, Sten, Brian, Chris D and Mark M for joining me.
At 1800 Mike H, Natalie, Pete, Harvey Graeme, John S his brother James and John H Met at Waterhead, Ambleside to drop cars before driving to Millerground.
After a quick portage to the Lake, we set off with John H in the front sitting pace in his river kayak. Flickering light and tinsel helped illuminate our kayaks.
The rest floated behind in sea kayaks. Often counting to 8 proved tricky in the dark. But John’s light acted as a light for the rest to follow.
The wind blew at a mild force 2 with the odd short shower and gust.
Good progress was made. After an impressive 3 km or so the speed decreased as John’s arms tired. We play trying to identify landmarks on the way. But all too soon Waterhead came into view and we were done. Just over 90 minutes had elapsed.
All 3 pubs at Waterhead were closed so to Ings for a turkey sandwich and refreshments.
MikeH, John S and Pete Crompton met at Lazonby carpark at 10.00. During the week the other 8 declined to leave just 3.
It was -5oC and had been freezing for days.
A quick shuttle to Langwathby where the river was still flowing at 0.62 onto gauge.
Oh my. The trees wore an adornment of days of white hoarfrost which contrasted darker trunks against a pure blue sky, add some low-angled winter sun. Oh my.
The odd branch touched the water and allowed ice bells to grow
Not far from the start 11 swans glided, just staying ahead. They floated down the shallow pebble rapids, guiding us to the deeper flow. All sorts of ducks, and then 50+ geese join the throng. Hundreds of black-capped gulls rose in waves as we passed, still following the swans.
A buzzard glided over, 4 kingfishers flitted along the banks.
Drips of water from our paddles froze onto our kayaks and spray deck. The viaduct was impressive, soon followed, by the 1m drop of Eden Lacy Falls. We floated up to, and over in 3 different places.
Just around the corner are Lacy caves, commissioned by Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy in the late 1700’s
Could it be more pretty.
More swan herding brought us the egress. Two hours was enough, fingers now chilled, but it had warmed up to -2oC.
The 8 missed treat, but we can’t say that we will see it all again.
On Tuesday 5 December I went on my first LCC sea kayaking trip. Not to the sea but this trip was one of a series to explore the lakes of the Lake District.
We all met up at the car park (Bleach Green) just below the dam at Ennerdale around 9am with the aim being to be on the water for 10am. With the old Angel Hotel waterside access being closed, this was the nearest parking spot. In total, there were 14 of us with Mike and Lynn Mills as guests and local guides along with Mike Sunderland and John Soady as leaders.
The weather was glorious as you can see in the photos. A cold winters day with hardly any cloud and a nice early frost to keep you on your toes driving down the unsalted rural roads. There was a touch of snow on the highest peaks and little if any wind to be a problem. The late autumn colours were amazing with views up the valley to Pillar and Great Gable in the distance. For the YHA fans amongst you, the famous Black Sail Hut is further up the valley.
Ennerdale itself is an important feeder reservoir for the North West and an important nature reserve. From the signs around the car park, there has clearly been some success with encouraging the indigenous Arctic Char as well as juniper and birch on the hillsides. Unfortunately, the ramorum disease affecting larch has been a big issue with 60 hectares being felled and removed. On the trip you could see all the heavy machinery removing the timber.
Mike split us into groups of three as we set off which worked well in getting to know people. Working round the lake in a clockwise direction we chased and caught up with they sun. Realising that we must all be righteous as the sun was shining on us made the little warmth we were gaining seem all the more worthwhile. That was until we found out the full statement is that the sun shines on the righteous and unrighteousness alike. Hey ho.
Stopping for a quick coffee and comfort break (an early lunch for some) in the sun was a good opportunity to take in the views. However, the cold set in quickly and we set off again. Two thirds of the way round Mike saw the sun was shining on the opposite shore and proposed we all paddle across to gain the benefit. After only a few minutes the majority of the group developed unauthorised independent thought and decided that it was “nay but a fleeting thing” and heading direct to the cars was the smarter and warmer move!
After getting out and trudging back the 500m to the cars (OK if you had a decent trolley) some stellar members of the team bought out a table cloth, mince pies, cheese and biscuits. Whereupon one enterprising and very popular hero of the hour came back with a small bottle of port and another of whiskey. Superb! When Mike returned 10 minutes later with the sun seeking group (unfortunately failed) they may have regretted their small detour as the fabulous spread was disappearing fast. Only joking as there was plenty for everyone.
Mike Mills reported that our Lakeland Canoe Club sea kayak event was the largest gathering of sea kayaks Ennerdale has ever seen!
As a first trip with they club, everyone appeared to have a great time in a beautiful spot. Things were well organised and I will definitely be there for another trip.
We all met in a lay-by on the Eastern side of Buttermere. Then a short shuttle left some cars on the Eastern side of Crummock Water. A carry led down to a sheltered beach to start our journey.
Mike Sunderland and Rob Hitchmough were our leaders and we split into two groups of six. The weather was somewhat harsh! A very strong and gusty southerly wind and intermittent rain. We paddled off towards the southern end of Buttermere then had a great downwind run to the northern end of the Lake.
A stop and reccy of the top end of Dubbs stream showed that there would be just enough room to kayak under the footbridge even though water levels where high and the steam quite fast flowing.
One member went down and stood on the bank with a throw line to cover the trickiest bit. Then we all set off, one at a time down the narrow wiggly stream. We all emerged with our river skills having been practiced, and ready for yet more wind as we set out onto Crummock Water.
Another great downwind run followed, to take us swiftly up to the north end of Crummock Water, then we crossed and landed by a sheltered boathouse for a short lunch stop. The wind and waves looked much worse from our picnic spot than they had felt on the water. A wee dram of whiskey was kindly supplied by Mike S to warm us up before we set off again.
We split into twos ready to start our battle back down the lake to our cars. We started keeping tight into the East shore of the lake then amazingly the wind dropped and the lake flattened and so we had a leisurely paddle back to the cars and the end of a great day out.
Thanks to Mike and Rob for leading, and Rob for lending me his plastic sea kayak, much appreciated.
So I awoke to -2.5 Deg at home, Mmm this may be a cold one? Boat loaded the previous night so warm layers were the order of the day including a thermal gilet Brrr! Flask and sarnies were a definite.
Well today was to be a first outing for my hastily purchased new dry suit I didn’t fancy separates that were lined up to be used as my typhoon drysuit failed on the Leven trip the previous week the new one arrived just in time.
So I met up with Robin & John at Devils Bridge for unload and shuttle sort gear out (a bit more involved with these open boats) just as we were nearly sorted Robin noticed an interloper in his car, bold as brass sat on a tub in the back, his namesake after a few minutes this Robin was on its way and so was Robin and myself to do the shuttle to Loyn Bridge near Hornby, leaving John to look after the Kit.
30 minutes saw us back and canoes down to the water that had some ice on it Brrr, gloves Hats etc all in place off we paddled downstream with just enough water flowing.
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The sun arrived warming us a little but was very low necessitating the use of sunglasses and even then some features were not entirely clear, the trip was noted as 10Km however we soon suspect that due to the need to zig zag down nearly all the way to keep water under our boats the that it may be more Km than thought.
There were a couple of small rapids that ensured a little excitement for the day and some channels that needed care to avoid trees as the current with the only deep water pushed against the bank.
Very chilly but such a beautifully clear and bright day made the passage down river a real treat. No dramas at all I even managed to keep my feet dry the entire trip despite some very shallow bit needing a good push and shove with the paddle, John dipped one foot in the water to navigate these shallows.
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5Km distance marked a stop to pour some hot drinks inside us and a food refill, then onwards noting swans and other water fowl we noted two species the Mallard duck and a rare Via Duck
Loyn bridge approached and to be honest it was about the right timing as the meagre temperature was starting to drop again having passed its high spot.
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A great 11.5Km paddle we noted that this was the bare minimum level .6 I would say should be regarded as minimum really to avoid shallows .5 doable but!
What an amazing day to be in a sea kayak, and what a stunning location.
Brilliant sunshine at the eastern end of Wastwater coaxed our sleepy bodies onto the water at around 10.30am. It had been an early start for everyone; many had to load boats in the dark, before having to scrape ice off their windscreens and drive across the county.
A pod of a dozen paddlers made their way amicably across the calm water towards Wasdale Head….. where we took the time to ‘sit and stare’. Out came the cameras and mobiles as we all took in the fabulous scenery; grateful to be free of work and able to take advantage of the gorgeous weather.
We continued in a clockwise direction to the famous Wastwater Screes. The temperature fell as we moved into the shade created by this towering feature. The steep slopes of broken rock rise over 500m above the lake surface and include some rocks the size of large cars. It was therefore quite something to be beside them and unnerving to look into the clear water and see them extending beneath us. As stories about past murders and lost bodies were told, embellished and re-told…. the temperature seemed to drop further, spurring us all on to paddle a little faster…
At the western end of the lake, the outflowing River Irt was green and lush, a real contrast to the stark monochrome scree section. Annette was an assistant leader on the trip and a mine of local information, helping us to appreciate the area fully.
Lunch was a grand affair. We found a sunny beach overlooking the screes. Flasks of soup and sandwiches were chased down by a kind donation of spirits from Mike Sunderland (a leader who truly understands the meaning of team spirit) and smiley Ray.
The circuit took us around 3.5 hours including a lunch break.
It was a fabulous paddle with a super-supportive and friendly group of people. This was my first paddle with the club and the bar has been set at a very high standard.
Many thanks to Mike Sunderland for organising and leading this grand day out.
The 2022 LCC Photo Competition was held at the Factory Tap on December 7th. It was well attended by 28 members of the club. Everyone got to vote for their favourite photos in three categories: Sea, River and Miscellaneous. After viewing all the photos multiple times, the following were declared the winning photos. See if you agree.
Sea – First place – ‘In the mist’ by Sten Sture
Sea – Runner-up – ‘Kayak surfing world championships’ by Dave Hanson
Sea – Third place – ‘Arnside viaduct’ by Mike Hayward
River – First place – ‘Fear and fascination’ by Brian Clough
River – Runner-up – ‘Far North of Scotland’ by Steve Edmondson
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River – Third place – ‘Take off, Neste d’Aure’ by Martin Powell
Misc – First place – ‘Nice weather’ by Sten Sture
Misc – Runner-up – ‘Making friends’ by Rachel Powell
Misc – Third place – ‘Dark side on Rydal’ by Angela Sture
Lakeland Canoe Club 