Kayaking on the Exeter Canal

There was no water in the rivers, no surf and we didn't fancy biking so Andy, Rich, Buster, Sarah and me headed out on the canal to enjoy the sunshine. We took a selection of touring and sea kayaks from work, kitted up and off we went.

Heading down towards double locks, enjoying a peaceful sunny afternoon.

Rafting up for a picture, check out the matching drysuits!

Buster looking a little confused, he was in the Venture Easky 15, which is nice and stable.

I dusted of the Valley Avocet LV for a nice smooth paddle down the canal.

Rich chilling out on our leisurely paddle in the P & H Scorpio

Lower Dart, Holne to Buckfast

Last weekend there was a little bit of water left in the river after the recent rain and we decided to head out and show our new housemate Sarah what the Dart is like, to start her off gently we decided to put her in a ducky with Andy (not so lucky!) We did put her in a drysuit just in case!

We got in at Holne bridge and headed down, levels weren't massive but it was still a good paddle.

This was also Buster's 5th trip down the river and he successfully managed to stay upright and in his boat the entire trip.

It was quite chilly but the sun even came out part way down

A celebrational dunk at the end of our paddle for a quick cool off before we got changed.

Walking weekend in Lynton

It was my 26th birthday on Friday. So we went out for a few drinks at the Impy in Exeter, i had a really great night and people were kindly (i think kindly is the right word) buying me drinks.

On Saturday i got up feeling a little delicate and Andy kindly made me some breakfast, i have now learnt that packing while hung over even just for the weekend, isn't a very sensible idea. After spending the morning faffing around, we left and drove up to Lynton.

We got to Lynton parked up and went for a walk along the coast, we first started off walking over the hillside with a view of the Valley of the Rocks then circled round and walked round the other side of the rocks, it was a good 5 mile walk and certainly made me feel better.

We found this little stream running down to a bay and Andy took some really cool pics

When we got back we then headed up to our B & B, which was nice, warm and cosy, it was a struggle to stay awake and we ended up having a quick nap before heading for dinner at the pub next door.

The next day, we got up had a nice cooked breakfast then parked at the bottom of the Watersmeet section of the East Lyn and walked up the side of the river.

It was a dry and mild day and there were loads of other walkers out and about, no kayakers paddling whilst we were walking but saw a few getting on as we left.

We also walked up the Horeoak that joins into the Lyn, this is a very impressive section of water with waterfalls.

 I'd defiantly recommend walking here its a great spot.

Lower Dart, Holne to Buckfast

Get in: Holne Bridge

Get out: South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh

Distance: 3 miles

Grade: 2 (plus weirs)

Jane, Andy and I took Buster for his fourth trip on moving water this Sunday and though we'd move up a section. We got in at Holne bridge and headed down though the Country Park, when it came to the Anvil we headed left then down School Rapids, which Buster enjoyed being the hardest thing he'd paddled to date and managed to stay up right!

 Bit blurred but still a nice group pic



With only a couple of upside down moments Buster did well, although one almost envolved taking me with him!

Buster heading down a nice little rapid

Getting back in after walking the Buckfast Abbey weir

Not even paying attention!

All in all a nice little paddle, its a lovely section either for newbies to whitewater or current paddlers looking to practice some skills and fancy a nice scenic paddle. The two main hazards are Holne Weir, not far from the in, either you can sneak over the left hand side or get out and easily walk round. Then theres the Abbey weir which is usually runnable far right but i find it best to walk round this one as in higher levels it can be rather nasty and in lower waters its shallow and you'll leave half your boat behind.

Lower Dart, Buckfast to Staverton

Get in: Layby river left below the Dart Bridge Inn

Get Out: Dart Valley Rail, Staverton

Distance: 5 miles

Grade: 1-2

Buster's third trip down the lower, we dry suited up and Buster & Andy got a little carried away. We headed down to the get in and had a nice smooth paddle down only stopping for afew pics and to practice a bit of breaking in and out.

 Inflatable drysuits

 Buster having a special moment

 Andy posing for the camera

Chilling out after a pleasant paddle

A fairly simple section with no major hazards in very pretty scenery, its a great trip for beginners as after each rapid there is a large flat section.