CSCC Reports 2008: Symonds Yat - August 2008
Due to higher than normal water levels the Symonds Yat trip turned into a touring trip and there was limited opportunity to hone our white water skills.
Bridget, Russ, Beth and Dan paddled on both days. On the Saturday we drove to Symonds Yat East and paddled around the 'rapids', but as the features were virtually washed out and the flow very strong we had to content ourselves with practising ferry gliding. The portage through the slippery mud to get back up stream proved extremely tricky and we ended up sitting in the river to clean ourselves up! We also tried paddling upstream for about a mile - this was HARD work in white water boats.
On the Saturday night we had a meal out at a pub and met two of Bridget's relatives. We had a very pleasant evening.
On the Sunday we paddled from Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat (about 16 miles). It was a very scenic trip and the sun finally came out. Ross on Wye offers excellent access to the river with ample room for parking cars.
Three of the paddlers braved generally poor weather and stayed at the Bracelands camp site. The facilities there are good, but most of the campsite slopes heavily. The rules of the campsite are strictly enforced by eagle eyed employees and Bridget was refused permission to put up a tent or drive onsite after she had been heavily delayed leaving London on Friday night (another paddler failed to show up).
Dan