THE PARTY
Claiming to have the largest student kaya- king event in the world, the National Stu- dent Rodeo boasts an attendance of around a thousand students, from over 40 universi- ties throughout the U.K. and Ireland. They gather for a chilly weekend each March for a huge party, damp camping and light- hearted competition, including “The Old Skool,” where the paddler with the most retro kit and most old-school moves wins.
www.nationalstudentrodeo.org.uk.
THE RACE
The U.K.’s number one down river extreme race is held each May on the dam-released Moriston River and set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands on the shores of Loch Ness. Quality class IV creeking and a great party to boot.
www.moristonriverrace.com.
THE PUB O THE DUDDON RIVER
NE OF ENGLAND’S creeking gems is located in the northwest of the coun- try, in the English Lake District. A small pocket of rugged hills up to a thou- sand meters in height provides enough relief for the whitewater enthusiast. The Duddon Valley is relatively untouched by tourist traffic and still exists off
a largely traditional hill farming economy. The valley has a slow and isolated feel, making it a place to get away from the crowded, modern world. Small single lane roads wind through the patchwork landscape to the headwaters of the Duddon River where this river journey begins. Rainfall brings the river into flood, perfect for descent. The Duddon is generally in
condition after rainfall for just 12 to 48 hours, making it difficult to catch. It provides a mixture of boulder-choked rapids interspersed with fast moving, class III boogie. From the outset, the action keeps coming and, with the correct water levels, provides a quality 17-kilometer run providing fun whitewater from class III to class V. When at its best, the Duddon River is a sustained alpine creek. Its crystal clear water cuts through a slice of the past, nestled in the Lake District’s rugged geography.
IF YOU GO: Steak pie, chips and a traditional ale at the Newfield Inn are hard to beat after a day on the river. The home-cooked food and accommodation will have you feeling right at home in the heart of the Duddon Valley.
www.newfieldinn.co.uk.
Steve Rogers is a British Columbia-based adventure photographer, writer and kayaker, originally from the north of England.
www.steveophotos.com.
The Clachaig Inn is an old-world style wa- tering hole located in the Etive valley. Don’t mind the gale howling under the door. En- joy the myriad of beer choices, pub food and history that seeps from the walls of this legendary bar.
www.clachaig.com. Try the Glencoe Youth Hostel down the street for cheaper accommodation.
THE BOOKS
English Whitewater by Franco Ferrero. Covers 250 river runs and playspots on 170 rivers. This is the British Canoe Union Guide to the whitewater rivers of England.
Scottish White Water by Bridgette Thomas. Describes more than 231 well-known clas- sics and little-known gems throughout Scot- land.
Welsh Rivers Guidebook by Tom Laws, Pat- rick Clissold and Chris Sladden. Two thou- sand kilometers and 180 rivers are covered in this guidebook, from gentle tours to rag- ing torrents.
THE LOCALS
Get to know these classics alongside the locals. Try popular forum
www.ukrivers-
guidebook.co.uk/forum to find a local meet- up or club that can set you up for an amazing run that you’ll never forget. For water levels in England and Wales see www.rainchas-
ers.com and for water levels in Scotland see
www.wheresthewater.com.
www.rapidmag.com 47
DON’T MISS…
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