We arrived about 12:30pm at Mile End Mill (formally JJ’s) on the river Dee for a warm up session on the Friday so we could all get use to moving water before tackling the Tryweryn. Break ins, break outs, ferry glides along with a couple of rolls and a bit of swimming practice were all perfected with Nick’s standard coaching of a loud “paddle, not backwards” being deployed. Waves were surfed and stoppers negotiated and everyone found their sea legs (or river arms!)
On Friday evening we had dinner in the White Lion pub and planned the next day’s paddle on the river Tryweryn. It was decided to meet at the Welsh National White Water Centre in Café Wave car park to sign in followed by an inspection of the Upper Tryweryn. Following the inspection it was decided Nick and Nigel would paddle the upper (2km of grade 3-4 rapids) followed by the camera crew and then we would all put in below the café wave for the 6km paddle down to Bala on grade 2-3 with one grade 4 at Bala Mill Falls which could be portaged if required. We stopped about 1pm for lunch and a rest about 2km down stream before continuing down to Bala.
On the Sunday we parked in Llangollen and paddled up the canal to Horseshoe falls and then back along the river Dee to Llangollen’s Town Falls where we had some great fun and games trying to retrieve a paddle stuck right in the middle of town falls! Eventually freed with a combination of rocks in towline bag in the middle of a throw line.
All in all a great weekend was had. Looking forward to doing it again next year!