Deben Canoe Club

In previous years we have run a very successful trip to the River Wye over Easter, and this year we are planning a repeat visit.

"The River Wye wends its way from the Welsh mountains to join the River Severn at Chepstow. For much of its length it cleaves a gentle split between England and Wales. The Wye is regarded as one of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain, with plants and animal life of international importance. On the river you can see kingfishers, otters and salmon. In the Forest of Dean wild boar and deer roam freely.

The whole length of the river is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and from Hereford onwards you enter The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The protection of the river and its habitat ensures that canoeists can enjoy the unspoilt wonders of the Wye."

Over the years we have seen lots of wildlife on our trips, birds of prey, sand martins an otter and a mink. We have helped sheep, and rescued other paddlers, but most of all, we have had lots of fun in this lovely landscape.

https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/go-canoeing/places-to-paddle/canoe-trails - Search for "River Wye"
https://gopaddling.info/find-paddling-trails/ - Search "River Wye" - we normally paddle routes 1-4.

We are likely to be paddling Routes between Glasbury and Hereford. These routes are lovely stretches of the river and at Easter there is generally a flow which makes the paddles quite manageable.

As in previous years, the intent is to stay at Whitney on Wye (The start of Route 2 above), where there are camping (With Breakfast provided if required), Bed and Breakfast and cottages all available.

If you are interested please:-

• Drop Tim an email confirming your interest. (Find Tim's address from the email he sent to members on this trip, or use the club "info" address.)
• Please indicate if you are planning to camp or go B&B. (If camping, Tim will co-ordinate. B&B should be booked direct, but please inform Tim so that he can keep track of numbers.) The B&B is here: https://www.poundbandb.co.uk/

If you would like to borrow club equipment then please ask. We are happy to loan boats etc. - it typically costs £10/day paddling.

If you need help with camping, please shout and we will try and assist. Many members have spare gear if needed.
The dates are as follows:-

Arrive: Thursday 6th April
Paddle Friday 7th, Saturday, Sunday and possibly Monday am (10th).
Travel home on the 10th or 11th.

Be aware that Easter is really the start of the summer paddling season and can have very varied weather. We have had snow, and we have had warm spring weather, and everything in-between. Similarly, some years the river has been a gentle flow, and some years it has been very full - clearly the paddling programme will be selected with conditions in mind, but we usually manage to have a lot of fun over the extended weekend.

Any questions, please drop Tim an email.