River Banwy Open Canoe Trip Sunday 13th November
Martin and Nikki suggested an open canoe trip on the Sunday and 7 of us met up at Costa Coffee at Ruabon. We discussed the options of which river to paddle; Conwy too short, Dee too well known, Banwy was a good option, especially as Martin assured us it would have plenty of water in it.
We set off for deepest Wales and the village of Llanerfyl to put in by the bridge. (Make sure you do not block the farm access gate on the opposite side of the road as the farmer will immediately come down and block your car with his tractor!)
It looked a little low so whilst depositing cars at the usual get-out where the river Vyrnwy joins the Banwy at Meifod, we also dropped a car at the halfway point (the steam railway carpark at Llanfair).
We set off, in no particular order, making our way downstream. The autumnal colours of the trees that lined the riverbanks were simply stunning. We wound our way through very pleasant countryside with just enough water beneath us. Soon it was time for elevenses, and we hopped out on a shingle bank which was in the sunshine.
Later on, we neared the road again which signalled the small ledge which forms a natural weir. We shot this river right and played a little in the small rapids below. There is a white house right next to the river on the left just below here. Around the corner, the river is split by a mid-channel ridge with numerous small trees on the small islands and outcrops. Below here is the town of Llanfair with the steam railway car park at the end of the village. We stopped for lunch on another shingle beach and chatted about everything and nothing.
On our way again as daylight was in short supply at this time of year. Numerous small rapids kept our attention until near the end a rocky ridge with narrows formed the last significant rapid. There is a large eddy on the river left with a stone house nearby. From here it is a kilometre or so to the confluence with the mighty river Vyrnwy. Well, today there was very little water in it. Some used the poles that they religiously carry with them on every canoe trip, and others just dragged (technical term – tracked) their way upstream for the 30m or so. I accidentally knocked one of the pole people and this was enough for them to stumble and lose their balance. I immediately tried to remedy the situation, but it was too late, and they fell into the water before being helped quickly back into their craft. Whoops!
Many thanks for everyone’s company and a fantastical paddle on a great open canoe river. It really is a lovely river – Banwy means bouncy and indeed it was. However, a few more centimetres of water on the day would have helped.
Paddlers: Martin, Nikki, Ian, Dan, Keith, Lee and Jimski
