CSCC Reports 2015: Mole - March 2015

Gavin organised an enjoyable Sunday paddle on the River Mole for Dave, Rob and Dan.  We launched at the Stepping Stones near West Humble and paddled to Fetcham near Leatherhead.  The start of the trip was livened up by the owner of a miniature dachshund leaping into the river to rescue her pet.  This robbed Dave of the chance to play the hero.  

For our trip the water level was ideal.  In really low conditions the river would be scrapey, e.g. at the little weir pictured, but if the level had been any higher we wouldn't have been able to get past some of the large trees completely blocking the river.  The Stepping Stones can be used as a guide.  More than 3 inches (75mm) showing and you are likely to have a bit of a bump and scrape.  More seriously, paddling this river following heavy rainfall would be dangerous due to the tree blockages/strainers.  It's a real shame, because it is a very pretty river, particularly near Box Hill.  

We parked at the National Trust car park at the Stepping Stones and on the road in Fetcham.  The Bell Inn in Fetcham served excellent food.

Note that this section of this narrow river is heavily fished by anglers.  However, coarse fishing is suspended between March 15th to June 15th.  

More photos can be found here.