On Thursday 5 June, 20 Lower Fifth pupils and six staff set out for a three day trip down the River Wye. We camped at Hereford rowing club, our start point for the next day’s paddling. The large food delivery and a hearty pasta dinner and lunch preparation focused minds on the trip ahead.
Day 1:
Today was a paddle from Hereford to Tressick campsite, near Hoarwithy, totalling just over 25km. A nice introduction to paddling canoes and a change to practice skills for the days to come. The treat of an ice cream greeted everyone at the campsite and the chance to play football and toast marshmallows in the evening after curry for dinner.
Day 2:
After some rain overnight, the water level improved and despite a poor initial forecast it was a day of little rain and easy paddling. Everyone got really into their stride with paddling partnerships and teams growing stronger with every mile. Paddling took us through Ross-on-Wye and to our final campsite giving a taste of more remote countryside. Despite a day of 24km, everyone was quick to put up tents and this saved a lot of challenge when rain finally swept in. Happily the rain quickly cleared and it was Mexican night, cooked on the open fire with more campfire toasting for pudding.
Day 3:
Our last day of paddling was our longest day and tightest deadline, 26km all in, and would take in the most serious paddling of the trip. Throughout the day there were regular grade 1 rapids for the final skills to be practiced before the experience of Symonds Yat, with peregrines overhead and the largest rapid of the trip. Everyone paddled fantastically and we were rewarded with a final 7km through the Forest of Dean, watching all the surrounding wildlife; highlights including numerous busy kingfishers. Our coach driver did a remarkable job getting us home and even managed to play us Top Gun to make the journey home all the quicker.
A massive thanks to the staff for making the trip possible; Mr Boddington, Miss Wilson, Mr Hall, Rev. Close and Mr Brough. I look forward to being involved with the trip next year.
Written by Dr. Commin.
You can view the images from the trip on our Flickr account, below.
