CSCC Reports 2016: River Arun - May 2016

On a very sunny Sunday (29th May to be precise) Richard, Dan and myself (Fiona) set off for a pleasant Bank Holiday paddle along the river Arun. We left at 10:30 from the boat shed and had a near clear run of traffic, so were on the water by 12:30. We put in on a slipway next to a bridge in the centre of Pulborough, and were able to park just over the bridge for free. We paddled for about 45 minutes before stopping at the White Hart pub for an excellent Sunday lunch and pint. There was a small muddy bank where we were able to leave the kayaks and climb up a slight hill to reach the beer garden. This was the only pub we passed directly on the river, but it was so good we stopped on our way back for dessert!

Back on the river Arun, we continued paddling upstream for about 2.5 miles past some grassy meadows and other pleasant scenery. At the confluence with the River Rother there was a weir which the others had some fun with. Sadly we were unable to get as far as Pallingham Quay as it had gotten too shallow at low tide (note that this stretch of the Arun does not have a significant tidal flow on a neap tide). We made our way back - Dan narrowly escaping a violent encounter with a swan - and set off home around 5 o’ clock. Highlights of the trip included afore-mentioned food and drink, an abundance of fluffy goslings and cygnets, and the picturesque Surrey countryside.

More photos can be found in the CSCC gallery.