On Sunday 15th Oct 23 We set off to paddle the Swift Ditch near Abingdon, This paddle has a lot of Hazards as is known for blockages, Paddling experience is needed as this one is not for the un adventurist. Or the faint hearted.
Similar to section 1a of the Thames with trees and obstacles you needed to pick a line and stick to it.
1a of the Thames was Cricklade to Castle Eaton. That can only be paddled when the Thames is in flood. Davepaddles did it here. (Most start the Thames journey at Castle Eaton).
The flow on the Thames today in the area we were paddling (Abingdon) was under a yellow warning as water levels were rising on the river and swift ditch is an outfall of the Thames.
Dave Jai and Phil Set off, with an easy paddle down the Thames to the Exit of the Ditch. We had decided that it’s better to be on the lower side of any obstacles and work our way up, than be above and get pinned. So we had decided to do the trip in reverse. Upstream.
On entering the Ditch from the bottom Jai had a cramp in his leg, and we decided to Have a break so he could stretch it out just before the bridge.
The lady of the cottage came out and asked him if he was ok, and if there was anything he needed and if he was really ok. Jai stayed in his boat and stretched and prepared for the upstream paddle replying he was honestly ok. (what a nice thing to happen)
On we went, Phillip commenting “this is the easy bit” It was.
Phillip had been told by a (?) Kayak club in the past that he was not of the standard to do this trip and his craft was unsuitable, I have never heard so much rubbish, Phillip was a great asset to the trip, with his knowledge of the local area access and egress points, he was nothing but an asset to this trip. Thank you Phil.
Up the River we continued, In and out of all the fallen trees, stinging nettles, reeds and other hazards like railway sleepers that had obviously been washed down in the floods of last year.
Then we came across a blockage of the river that we couldn’t pass over, under, or sideways, a big tree had fallen down and totally blocked our path.
Dave, as he does sprang into action, rigging up a sling system and using his technical and tactical skills, managed to have everyone out, up and over the fallen tree in no time at all.
We continued upstream, through what must be described as a winter Amazon, with cobwebs, stinging nettles, midges, and insects that buzz in your ear.
Reaching the last footbridge just below the weir, the site of the old lock, Dave paddled over it but was beaten by the flow, followed by Phil, who gave up. And Jai hadn’t mentioned his foot or leg for 30 seconds had decided it was his boat that was the problem, and just relaxed in an eddy, before departing the river for lunch.
We had Lunch at this point with Dave and Phil scouting for the route forward, as Jai rested his foot, and leg, and calf, and it was the boats fault.
We were 50 meters from the weir exiting to the Thames at this point, so Swift Ditch upstream has been done.
Entering the Thames again at the uppermost point of the stream, we turned left down towards Abingdon lock. A lovely paddle back, with brilliant sunshine and the temperature had risen which made it quite a pleasant paddle back.
Dave and Jai had a few practice plays below Abingdon weir, Ferry gliding, breaking in and out. All good practice and thoroughly enjoyed.
No one got wet, What a great day.
Write up by Dave