Sunday 3 Feb 2024 and Saturday 10th Feb 2024.
We’ve had two trips to the River Eden on consecutive weekends, because the levels elsewhere were too low, and because it’s such a good improver river.
The first trip was at a level of just over 1m, which is the level most of us have paddled it, with plenty of flat water, and some defined grade 2 rapids. Straightforward as long as you keep an eye out for occasional rocks, and plenty of places to stop and play. We had one (unplanned) roll, and saw a kingfisher and two friendly fisherman. (Yes, really). The main event is Armathwaite weir, but at this level it’s straight run down the green tongue, and remember to keep paddling when you hit the wave at the bottom. (There is video of this section on the club’s Facebook page). Paddlers Mike, Julian, Phil.
The second trip was at 1.25m+, and it’s a very different river. Many of the play spots are washed out, but instead you get endless bouncy wave trains, which can be surfed by the competent. No rocks to speak of, but a bit more thought required on those wide, boily eddylines. We spent a lot of time scoping Armathwaite weir, and admiring (sic) the large holes on the RHS. But the sensible route was always going to be river left, down the green tongue, and that’s where we went. No harder than the previous week, but just bigger and so more intimidating. We enjoyed the spectacle of Sean McGrath shooting the weir on a SUP and taking a swim; much rarer than seeing kingfishers. Paddlers Neil, Ian, Paul, Phil, Alex and Nick
Phil C
Lakeland Canoe Club 