T
HE FALLS OF LORA are situated six miles northeast of the resort town Oban
on Scotland’s rugged and beautiful west coast. Home to some of the U.K.’s best big wave fea- tures for freestyle kayaks, these waves are surfed by all manner of craft, from ocean kayaks to surf boards. Draining from Loch Etive, the falls are created as the tide ebbs out over a rock shelf un- derneath Connel Bridge into the Firth of Lorn. The tide generally runs for four hours. Gaug-
ing when the wave features are working is a bit of a science and based upon the differential be- tween the high water and the low water mea- surement in the tidal tables. Freestyle kayakers should look for the largest differential numbers. The convergence of several flows right be- neath the wave features means the fun often comes at a price—large seams, unpredictable boil patterns and whirlpools up to a meter in diameter have caused many a cold and embar- rassing swim for both seasoned pros and first timers alike.
www.fallsoflora.info.
IF YOU GO:
The Scottish creek boating community have long used the Falls of Lora tides as a social pilgrimage. The banks of Loch Etive provide beautiful secluded camping close to the falls and have been host to many late night gatherings. Wild camping is tolerated in Scotland and, as long as you are respectful in your choice of location, you can freely camp in most remote areas.
FAIRY GLEN T
HE FAIRY GLEN is a short canyon run on the Afon Conwy in northern
Wales and has become a classic due to its long-standing reputation as a test piece for the area and its reliable flows. The story- book scenery doesn’t hurt, either. Aptly named, in Victorian times it was
believed that sprites and fairies graced this small gorge. Fairy Glen draws a line from below the misty maelstrom of Conwy Falls towards the confluence of the Lleder. A favorite run for local paddlers who
can be seen paddling in the cold light of dawn, it also draws paddlers from far and wide for a big day out and to test their skill and nerve. Its stunning canyon setting—so close to the main road—ensures no one goes away disappointed. The Fairy Glen is a continuous two-ki-
lometer, class V run with a few sticky holes and big drops that demand respect. It boasts a growing number of acceptable water lev- els, making it standout in an area where water level consistency hinders enjoyment of many other rivers. If it’s too much river for you try the nearby River Llugwy or the Conwy, further upstream.—With files from Tom Laws and Daz Clarkson.
IF YOU GO: The Fairy Glen is suitable for a solid group of paddlers with bomb- proof rolls. All the real men take out at the Beaver Pool, according to Tom Laws, co- author of Welsh Rivers, the guidebook for paddlers in Wales.
www.thewelshrivers.com
www.rapidmag.com 45
FALLS OF LORA
PHOTO: TIM BURNE
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