Lune, easy river trip

5th December 2023        

Meeting at 9.30am at Devils Bridge, Rob, Paul, Mike, Brian, Meg and Graeme dropped the shuttle car off at the closed car bridge just north of Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Course and drove up to the ingress point on the bridge (A683) over the river Rawthey. The river looked to be flowing well with the melting snow, with the Lune running at 0.7mt.

It was cloudy and cold but threatening for the sun to break out by lunch time, which thankfully it did on time.

An eventful input into the Rawthey, starting with one very keen kayak boat heading on down river all by itself. It was recovered very quickly before getting too far down stream.

We warmed up under the bridge, and picking up some tuition and tips from Rob, before heading down to the confluence of the Lune and Rawthey.

This was a bit spicy and running very fast, so we quickly passed through to gentler waters downstream. 

There were plenty of eddies and waves to pick from which meant we could all practice, with Rob and Pauls input. Lunch was about halfway down, on the sunny eastern bank.

We were back at the closed bridge about over 2 1/2 hours after setting off.

The local farmer questioned how we had got back to the car from the river, as apparently permission should have been sought (there is a sign in the trees asking for kayakers to do this). Without too much fuss he moved on after a quick chat. 

Plenty of improver paddling on this stretch on the Lune, and as always, an eventful day (forgotten kit, 2 swims and a lonely kayak drifting downstream). 

Thanks to all, and to Rob and Paul for leading the day.

GraemeW

Midweek sea kayak trip – There’s no sea in Langwathby

THERE’S NO C IN LANGWATHBY? 

We started off at Langwathby for a quick drop off, with space to park the 5 or 6 cars. The morning heralded lovely blue skies, but with that came sub zero temperatures.

The shuttle was completed to Lazonby with its ample car parking space and easy steps down to the river. It all boded well with the early mist drifting lazily across the river.

Back at Langwathby bridge we split into three groups and started the day practising ferry gliding combined with some nice easy break in and outs

The lovely grade 1 and 2 encouraged everyone to try new things and all paddlers were really enjoying themselves on the river. This was especially so when the blue streak of a kingfisher was spied cutting along the waters edge

Before long we passed under the railway bridge, which heralded the Lacey’s caves section. The leaders told us to take note as there was an ominous weir which needed portaging coming up.

Soon the buildings of Force Mill were spied on the river left with sandstone cliffs on the right

We pulled up early on the river left and dragged the boats through a gated field to bypass the weir itself. We re-entered the river by way of a little sandy beach to paddle across for our lunch stop.

The old hermit caves provided perfect accommodation for our break, and we were able to share stories with the other groups.

All too soon it was time to move on and chill our warmed hands again. Back on the river we floated down to Lazonby, admiring the riverside views. 

Egress above Lazonby bridge was made easier by the concrete steps and we were soon loading up our boats

Thanks to the coaches and co-ordinators for organising.

JaniceG