Gurglings from the Goyt

The River Goyt runs from the Errwood and Fernilee reservoirs, north of Buxton, to Stockport where it joins the Tame to form the Mersey. Manchester Canoe Club has an excellent facility on the banks of the Goyt just down stream of Marple, which includes a floodlit slalom course.

Photo: Kate Duffus

Having spent some time learning how to paddle a canoe recently, it was time to get out onto one of the rivers near to where I live and the Goyt proved to be a good choice. I was joined by my good friend Kate Duffus and between us we braved the mud and drizzle of Brabyn's Park. After a short warm up, we set about tackling two weirs in the park before having fun on some easy grade 2 rapids among pleasant rural scenery.

The last two rapids that lead down to the Manchester Canoe Club site provided particularly good entertainment. We managed to ship quite a bit of water which meant that the bailer came in quite handy. After lunch, it was much too early to head back home so we 'tracked' back part way up the river just so we could have another go at those last two rapids.

Brothers in Wales

With a wild and windy weekend in the offing me and my brother Chris drove to Cardiff to visit our Brother Mark. This was to be our pre-Christmas get together and chance to get out for a bright and Breezy walk along the South Wales Coast.

The cliffs and wave-cut platforms at Dunraven are spectacular at anytime but the stormy weather brings this place to life. The sound of the waves bashing at the base of the cliffs is breathtaking.

Impressed with the sea state, we moved on to have a look at the waves crashing on the breakwater at Porthcawl. This is the place where many classic 'stormy sea' photos are taken because of the gymnastic displays given as the incoming waves clash with the backwash, or reflected waves.