CSCC Reports 2014: Barle Trip - 22/23 November 2014

Over two days we paddled the River Barle - the section from Tarr Steps to Dulverton and the section from Dulverton to Exebridge.  Overnight rain had topped up the river, so the level was slightly above low.  The upper section was more fun (almost continuous white water).  The lower section had a few good playwaves though and one weir that we descended (the other weir looked like a weir of death and we portaged).  Eleanor, Tom B, Gavin, Fi, Martin, Mark and I paddled.  I enjoyed the cathartic experience of revisiting the scene of my gnome incident from several years back and remained dry this time.

We stayed at the Barleycorn House B & B at Shillingford which was excellent - clean, comfortable and spacious and run by a lovely couple from Leatherhead.  We had dinner at the Exeter Inn near Bampton which was nice (some meals were fantastic, but others from the enormous menu were a bit boring) and lunch at the Anchor Inn at Exebridge (all meals served up to us were very tasty and the dining room is bright and fashionable).

Our thanks go to Fi and Martin for organising the trip so well.