The Leven - 25th February 2007

[Jon]

Well it cost us £2 each as it was an open day but I think all will admit to having a great day!

The level was just about spot-on for playing at many places and running Backbarrow Bridge.

Here's a photo looking back up towards the Hydro Electric weir and Backbarrow Weir. Im sorry three ugly paddlers got in the way of the photo.;)

I'll post a short video in the members area either tonight or tomorrow.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/JonGr8/level01.jpg

[Rob G]

During the winter what is the access situation ?
Can you only paddle on offical access days?
when are these days?
Can you paddle on any days other thab the access day?
Cheers

[Jon]

The situation on the Leven is:

There are a limited number of official open days throughout the winter organised by local canoe clubs Duddon and South Lakes. These only cover the stretch from the put in just above the brick shoot to barkers wood yard where below there is no access agreement in place.

Many people paddle the river throughout the winter regardless of open days. This doesn't seem to be a problem with most locals in my experience, in fact I did hear that at Backbarrow weir, a usual portage, the owner of the garden on the river left had come out to greet a group of paddlers crossing his land. The kayakers were expecting trouble but instead where told 'I've cleared a few of the bushes and branches to make it a bit easier for you to get through'... not a typical response.

Beyond that, at the point where you chose river left or right around finshermans island the owners river right don't appear to like canoeist much.

When accessing the river before Christmas you are meant to access through the field by the railway bridge, not at the point where the river is closest to the road as below this are Salmon sporning beds. Apparently there's a £1000 fine for disturbing them!

I've put the Leven open days on the calendar which you can find on the nav bar below the DBP logo.