December on the Ribble

The river Ribble is one of the few rivers that flows from Yorkshire into Lancashire. The upper reaches are popular with white water kayakers with grade 3, 4 and 5 rapids.

The lower section between Clitheroe and Ribchester is a pleasant and scenic canoeing river with a generous helping of easy grade 2 rapids.

Most of the river is broad with open countryside beyond the banks. We spent plenty of time playing the water and surfing small standing waves.

The river becomes a little more lively at Dinckley Gorge with steep wooded banks and rocky outcrops.

The finish at Ribchester has a delightful view up the valley towards Pendle Hill. I'd like to express my thanks to Andy and Chris for their company on this trip.

Around about Lancaster

The paddling trip known as 'The Lancaster Round' is an old favourite of mine. It starts at Glasson Dock where the Estuary of the river Lune is broad and windswept.

A ride upon the flooding tide can bring a keen group into Lancaster in an hour or so where the modern flood defences hide the historic riverside buildings from would-be seaborne invaders like recreational kayakers.

On a bulging spring tide you can paddle right over the weir at Skerton without even noticing it. Otherwise it's worth taking the opportunity for a rest, brew and snack before portaging on to the fresh water beyond.

The Lancaster Canal crosses the Lune by way of the delightful Lune aqueduct. It was designed by John Rennie and built by Alexander Stevens in 1797. An even more exhausting portage is needed to continue the round and paddle south the heart of the city of Lancaster.

The canal weaves and wanders its way through the city, suburbs and then the countryside. The tree-lined deep cutting that leads south gives the feel of paddling through a leafy river gorge.

More open scenery leads to Galgate and the Junction with the Glasson Branch. Ahead lies just 4 kilometres, but 6 obstacles in the way of locks (to portage) in the final battle to return to Glasson and the car park where the journey began. In the winter months this battle is fought and won (or lost) in the hours of darkness!

I'd like to express my thanks to the company of North West Sea Kayakers on my most recent trip on the Lancaster (merry-go) Round.