31/3/24 We eventually met up to paddle the Great Ouse in Bedford, I say eventually because we all went to different Anchor pub get ins,
anyway with the invention of mobile phones and google maps we were all at the same place and proceeded to change and kit up.
The river was in flood, and on red boards and caution was needed,
It was a both hands on the paddle at all times type of trip, so apologies for the lack of photo’s with this write up.
Using a private slipway at the cost of £1each, we launched and paddled to the other side for a portage.
Paddling upstream would have been risky as there was a bridge and the turbulent flow would have only been accessible for the most confident of paddlers, and a work out to say the least.
So downstream we went, after the portage the river was lovely, a bit like the Thames in places and the current didn’t seem too strong.
The weir due to the flow was definatly runnable in a kayak.
Many wild swimmers were in the water, that was a grey / Brown colour and didn’t look very inviting.
About 3k downstream we entered a stretch that the water was significantly faster on going around a bend and with return travel in mind we decided to retrace our paddle to ensure we could paddle against the flow.
It was a workout for sure, and fitness levels were tested, as well as reading the water skills. but all went well, Slowly, but well.
The weather was outstanding for half a days upstream paddling with the river in flood,
The portage point was a late lunch, were we sat, ate and chatted. for a while whilst regaining some strenght.
Then it was a short ferry glide to the slipway where where we spent an hour chatting to the officer in charge before de kitting packing away, (clean and drying) our kit and de briefing in the local pub.
Yet another great day on the water, enjoyed by all.
Write up by Dave H
Some pics below.
