CANOEING ON THE SEVERN

This year the canoe group’s objective was to paddle from the upper reaches of the historical navigation on the River Severn, from Pool Quay to Coalport just downstream of the Jackfield Rapids. A journey of about 96km on the river, although much shorter in a straight line! It quickly became apparent on day 1 that nobody had passed through or used Pool Quay as a launch point in some time … the folding saw came out and stayed out as we battled through logjams and willow strainers, and it was a longer day than anticipated down to our camp at Llandrinio.

Following the confluence with the Vyrnwy on day 2 the river widened, the saw could be put away and the group were able to look around a little more rather than watching out for the next killer tree. Red kites soared above the surrounding fields and sand martins played around our heads.

RIVER SEVERN AND LOCH SUNART

David’s College Day 2 was a much better day. It was a long day though, with 26km of slow water eventually bringing us to ‘The Isle’, the first of our wild camps, although it did have a composting toilet which the group treated with some suspicion! A steep bank, typical of many of the access points to the river, meant some pot washing clinging to a wooden ladder secured to a muddy bank … which must have been very funny to watch.

We were treated to some urban scenes on day 3 as we passed through Shrewsbury, complete with a portage around Shrewsbury Weir (although the café here made it worthwhile). Portage done, it was down to Atcham for our last wild camp, although after their experience with the composting toilet most of the group managed to find their way to the posh toilets in a nearby hotel rather than find a bush. The last day of paddling took us through the famous Ironbridge Gorge and under the iconic bridge itself. A last exciting blast was provided by the Jackfield Rapids, where some found a more aquatic line than others as they smashed through the bottom wave.

SEA KAYAKING IN SCOTLAND

The sea kayak group opted to head north and, after hearing about the wildlife encounters and views experienced by last year’s group on Skye, decided on an attempted rounding of Ardnamurchan Point to find some basking sharks. Sadly the weather had other plans, faced with a week of force 5-6 winds (all while the rest of the UK seemed to be enjoying light winds and sunshine) plans had to be adjusted. It was decided to explore the coastline around the islands of Oronsay and Carna, at the mouth of Loch Sunart. Despite the weather we were able to enjoy 3 wild camps, and 4 days of kayaking in the area, spotting seals, giant starfish, eagles and porpoise along the way. Thankfully the plus side of the windy conditions meant no midges! The group got off the water on the last day having paddling through some fairly interesting conditions, and just in time for the wind to pick up even further. We had got up especially early to avoid paddling in this stronger wind and it was a good demonstration in working with the ocean, as opposed to fighting it. Hopefully both groups will remember the positives from the trip and have memories to last a lifetime. Who knows … perhaps they will get out again on their own paddling adventures in the future. Well done everyone!



ABOUT

Aled is a teacher in the outdoor education department at St. David’s College, Llandudno. Outdoor learning is central to the ethos of the school, and many adventures are had as part of the pupils' education. To find out more about these trips (or to find out more about the outdoor education curriculum at the school) feel free to send him a message at aedwards@stdavidscollege.co.uk or visit www.stdavidscollege.co.uk