Cumbrian River Overnighter
A two day, one night trip down a Cumbian classic with riverside wild camping
For anyone who dreams of heading downriver, enjoying the flow and solitude, pitching up camp, cooking a meal and sharing stories of the day's adventure before spending the night under the stars then this is for you.
Cumbria has several rivers that are well suited to this and we'll pick one according to the river conditions nearer the time. Options include the Eden, The Lune and the Derwent. These are all grade 1/2 with simple rapids suitablle for all abilities.
Way before the trip we'll discuss what we need to take, you'll be sent a kit list which will detail all the things you need to bring. Feel free to discuss this and ask questions, I've spent thousands of days on canoe trips and I've seen it all and have a petty good idea of what will work and what won't.
On the day we'll meet up and look at sorting a shuttle out, we'll pack our equipment into our boats, checking we have everything and head downriver to explore. Along the way we can take the time to enjoy any rapids, pacticing some skills and feeling the difference pf paddling laden boats. Lots of bew stops, a long lunch and enjoying being out in nature is order of the day.
I'll probably have a good idea on camp location but we'll find somewhere that we all agree is suitable and that will be home for the night. Kettle on, tarp up and start making camp!
We can decide whether we want to cook comunally as a group, this can be a great way to bring everyone together in camp. We could also cook individually, this is useful if we have lots of different tastes or need to manage dietary equirements. Either way, I'll provide a big tarp we can all gather and cook under and have a campfire.
The following morning we'll start the day with a brew and breakfast, then once we've packed up we'll get back on the river and enjoy more easy rapids and stunning scenery. There might be the opportunity to exploe some traditional canoe journeying skills such as poling or lining. With plenty of brew breaks too of course! Normally we'll aim to finish aound 3pm which allows us plenty of time to unload, retreive cars and get sorted before heading home.
£200 per solo canoe or kayak (one person)
£300 per tandem canoe (two people)
FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
The weather and river conditions will decide the exact venue but It will be in Cumbria, I'll aim to let you know exactly where 48hrs before.
How long are the days?
That all depends on the conditions and how much progress we make as a group but we can expect to be journeying for beween 6 and 8 hours per day.
What Do You Provide?
Two days of expert guiding tailored to the group and with emphasis on enjoyment. Dependent on your requirements we can work on impoving some personal skills and exploing jouneying tactics along the way.
How Much Experience Do I Need / Is This Suitable For Me?
If you can paddle your boat confidently on flat water then you are welcome on this trip. Moving water experience is advantageous but not essential.
Where Will We Stay?
Wild camping by the side of the River, wherever we end up at the end of the day, that means no showers or toilets and no running water. Be prepared for a wilderness experience.
What Sort of Facilities Are There?
We'll carry everything we need with us and there wont be any shops along the way. That means water too. Toileting will be wild and we'll discuss how best to go about this.
What Equipment Will I Need?
You will be sent a comprehensive kit list with tips and reccomendations, here are the basics:
Canoe with bouyancy
Paddles (including spare)
Bouyancy aid
Helmet
Suitable clothing (and spares)
Something to sleep in (tent/hammock/tarp/bivvy bag)
Sleep Mat
Sleeping Bag
Food
Cooking equipment and fuel
Waterproof containers (barrels or drybags)
What Food Will We Eat?
As this is only one night we can plan to eat fresh food prepared in camp, we may all collaboate or go alone according to personal preference. This will be discussed in advance.
What About Getting Back To The Start Point?
We'll run a shuttle on day one so that our vehicles are waiting for us when we finish.