Christmas boating 2015

Posted By: Peak UK Published: 20/01/2016
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An amazing sunset over Exmoor

An amazing sunset over Exmoor[/caption]

 

I have had about three weeks off over the Christmas and New Years period this year. During that time I have had eighteen days on the water! In the UK! The rains just kept coming in.

 

 

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Pulling hard through Crux 2 on the East Lyn

Pulling hard through Crux 2 on the East Lyn[/caption]

 

Most of my time has been spent in the South West of England or South Wales. There have been very consistent water levels on Dartmoor and Exmoor with many big water days there and in South Wales.

 

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Getting airbourne on the Hoar Oak River

Getting airbourne on the Hoar Oak River[/caption]

 

The Upper Dart on Dartmoor and East Lyn on Exmoor have been my regular spots. These rivers are very accessible and I have done up to four runs on them some days.

 

South Wales has also had lots of rain and I have had several missions there. It’s a few hours of driving from South West England but it is well worth it.

 

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High up on the Tawe Moors with Adam Ramadan and Rich Sanders

High up on the Tawe Moors with Adam Ramadan and Rich Sanders[/caption]

 

The water levels rise and fall here faster due to the rivers smaller catchment areas, so making the most of the water while it is there is always my priority. Some of the rivers that we have paddled have included the Upper Tawe, Middle Tawe, Mellte, Nedd Fechan and Prydin.

 

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Waterfalls on the Nedd Fechan

Waterfalls on the Nedd Fechan[/caption]

 

 

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Touching down from a drop in South Wales

Touching down from a drop in South Wales[/caption]

 

It has been a great few weeks. I am still amazed at the amount of time I have had on the water. I have been very fortunate to have the spare time to commit to following the rain. Spending all this time on the road has been very rewarding and I wouldn’t want to spend it any other way.

 

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Sal Montgomery flying in North Devon

Sal Montgomery flying in North Devon[/caption]

 

I hope the rains keep falling in the right places until it is time to head abroad again.

 

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Taking the tight boof line on the main Hoar Oak waterfall

Taking the tight boof line on the main Hoar Oak waterfall[/caption]

 

Write up by Matty Nicholas

Photos by Matty Nicholas, Sal Montgomery, Mark Allen and Brandon James Lark