Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips?

In message <4h22qnF1pdl8iU2 RemoveThis @individual.net>
Peter Clinch <p.j.clinch RemoveThis @dundee.ac.uk> wrote:

> Jake D wrote:
>> I'm not sure of the situation regarding canoes, rivers, and permits in
>> the UK, but I have heard of people doing river runs in canoes. Which
>> are the most scenic and natural rivers in the UK, suitable for long
>> canoe trips (if any)?
>
> The Tay is a pretty good one. Start off with as much time as you want
> on Loch Tay and then into the river. You might want to portage around
> stuff like Grandtully if you're not into serious whitewater, but that's
> certainly possible. Generally okay for the most part, but watch the
> tide once you're at Perth so you can get down the last 20 miles on it
> rather than against it.
>
> Pete.

I agree about the Tay - we did the first 40 odd miles at Easter this
year.

I've been looking into this, rather casually at this stage, and the
Tweed looked interesting, as did the Spey.

The Wye and Severn on the Welsh borders are popular. Off-hand I can't
think of an English river which would appeal to me.

There are times of the year when the midges would make the Scottish
rivers unpleasant - I would suspect August/September, but no doubt
those with more direct experience will tell us.

Alan

--
Alan Adams, from Northamptonshire
alan.adams RemoveThis @orchard-way.freeserve.co.uk
http://www.nckc.org.uk/
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

Alan Adams wrote:

> There are times of the year when the midges would make the Scottish
> rivers unpleasant - I would suspect August/September, but no doubt
> those with more direct experience will tell us.

Note that the West coast is worse than the East, wind will generally
make things fine, and the "season" is generally early June through to
late August.
Can't recall being particularly troubled in the boat itself, as long as
one isn't hugging the shore.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch.RemoveThis@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

http://www.igreens.org.uk/canoeing_the_nontidal_thames.htm

I did a stretch of this, great fun
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

Jake D wrote:
> I'm not sure of the situation regarding canoes, rivers, and permits in
> the UK,

Join the BCU

You will get a permit sticker that will cover for most UK rivers in
with the membership.

Also most outdoor shops give a discount for BCU members, this alone
will save you more than the paltry sum that it cost to join.

Regards
Slim
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

Slim wrote:

> Join the BCU

No ta...

> You will get a permit sticker that will cover for most UK rivers in
> with the membership.

Bit of a non-issue in Scotland, which is where I'm paddling.

> Also most outdoor shops give a discount for BCU members, this alone
> will save you more than the paltry sum that it cost to join.

But I get that anyway with club memberships.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch.RemoveThis@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

"Slim" <martin.taz DeleteThis @tesco.net> wrote in message
news:1152483254.998073.80160@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>
> Jake D wrote:
>> I'm not sure of the situation regarding canoes, rivers, and permits in
>> the UK,
>
> Join the BCU
>
<Ignores smelly bait & swims off to lurk>

David
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips? 

Jake D wrote:
> I'm not sure of the situation regarding canoes, rivers, and permits in
> the UK, but I have heard of people doing river runs in canoes. Which
> are the most scenic and natural rivers in the UK, suitable for long
> canoe trips (if any)?

The Scottish 'classics' are the Tay, Tweed, Dee and Spey. They all have
their charms, the The Spey is probably my favourite. For a small enough
group, wild camping is possible on most stretches of these rivers
making them ideal for multi day descents, or ascents if you're that way
inclined.

There is a rather fine publication entitled 'Scottish Canoe Touring'
which provides a guide to most of the water in Scotland suitable for
touring. It's available mail order from the SCA:

http://www.canoescotland.com/
 >> Stay informed about: Scenic UK rivers for long canoe trips?