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Sunset at Glen Coe[/caption]
2015 has been a very busy year for me kayaking. I have not left Europe but I have spent a long time on the road and (of course!) the rivers.
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The River Hoar Oak, North Devon[/caption]
I spend a lot of time kayaking in the UK if I am at home during the winter, which has been the case for the last two winters. However the summer was very different as me and Sal headed out to Europe early, with Corsica being the first stop.
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Fium Orbo, Corsica[/caption]
Italy was the next destination where we were fortunate to get great levels and nice weather for the entire trip.
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Italian waterfalls[/caption]
After Italy we travelled to France to work as river guides for the summer for Escape to Adventure Coaching and Guiding. In between the trips I was able to explore areas of the French Alps that I had not had the chance to explore on shorter trips there. Sal spent the rest of the summer creeking in Norway while I returned to the UK.
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La Chichin River, France[/caption]
After France I spent some time in Scotland. I was very happy to get the chance to kayak the Braveheart Burn with Adam Ramadan, Jack Gibbs and Zyggy Dreja. It was a great experience as I have wanted to attempt it since first viewing it from Spean Bridge War Memorial. The white streak flowing down the Nevis Range many miles away has intrigued us since our first trip to Scotland when we were fourteen.
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The put in for the Braveheart Burn, Scotland with Adam Ramadan[/caption]
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Entry Falls on the Braveheart Burn, Scotland[/caption]
Good amounts of rain and great groups of paddlers passing through meant Scotland was once again one of the years best experiences.
Following Scotland I have spent a lot of time paddling in South Wales, North Devon and Dartmoor. These are my most local areas for whitewater kayaking, with my favourite being the East Lyn where I often spend weekends paddling laps of this amazing river. Joining up with Sal again for some end of year waterfall and paddling action was a perfect way to finish.
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Lower Falls on the River Nevis, Scotland[/caption]
Looking into 2016 I have many plans. I want to keep pushing my kayaking and experiencing the aspects of the sport that I most enjoy. These include paddling laps on my favourite rivers such as the East Lyn and the Nevis, exploring with my closest friends and experiencing remote locations. It’s too early to say where I plan to spend my time but Scotland is always high on my list of possibilities. I am also looking into possible trips to California and Iceland.
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Sal Montgomery at Snow Falls[/caption]
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Looking back at the falls in North Devon[/caption]
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Another long hike in[/caption]
Its been a strange year but a great one for river miles. Thanks to Peak UK for all the support and for producing such great reliable equipment.
Write up by Matty Nicholas
Photos by Sal Montgomery, Jack Gibbs and Chris Nias
