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Bala, Wales - white water developers weekend- early May Bank Holiday
Would anybody be interested in a white water and camping weekend at Bala, Wales, on the early May Bank Holiday? We would be paddling on the Tryweryn.
The trip would be suitable for those people who have taken part on one or more of the beginner white water trips and would like to progress onto grade 2/3 river with the opportunity to paddle some grade 3 / 4 rapids too. Some of the coaches and experienced paddlers would be coming along to give coaching and safety cover.
For those who don’t know, the Tryweryn is the National White Water Centre, and is a dam released river guaranteeing good, reliable water levels when the dam releases. The Lower Tryweryn is approximately 5 miles of grade 2, 3 river, There is one grade 4 rapid that can be inspected from above and if you do not fancy paddling it, there is a channel which has been cut around the contour of the hill meaning that you do not need to carry the kayak a long way.
For those who want a bigger challenge, there is the Upper Tryveryn which is about a mile long section of river which has been enhanced to create a challenging, but safe river at about grade 3 / 4. There is a footpath alongside the whole length, and every section can be inspected or portaged. There is a café and changing rooms.
Off the water, we would be camping on a formal campsite a couple of miles outside Bala, and is a short taxi ride away if people going out in the evenings. Families welcome.
If interested, please post below.
Interested so far:
David Ball
Pete Walsh
Harry Child
Tony W
Lee Scofield
Nick Parkes
Andrew Pike
Steffen P
Dean Holland
Peter Doxsey
Jim Ayter
Matt Hunt
Rachel Berryman
Matt Palmer
Neil Evans
Pete Newman
Jim Tripp
Steve Fallon
Comments
Unless things have changed, the Campsite near the river is a bit overpowering with rules. We have stayed there before, but have found that there is a lot more flexibility at ty tan dderwen campsite, with more room, and less draconian owners. I would suggest that we stay there.
Thanks Steffan and Peter regarding advice on Tyn Cornel Campsite - I think we should plan to stay there as ownership has changed. I welcome your advice on the Dee. I have paddled it a few times, but usually with water. Agree that we should stay on the T unless rain.
I am sure that we can organise this without hiring a van if we have enough people with roof bars. I suggest 3 people per car. That also gives flexibility if people can't make the whole BH weekend.
I'm just thinking with kayaking kit for 3 people fills a car well enough then add camping gear for each person you're going to end up overloading vehicles...
Well done David Ball for pointing this out. We've never done this before and have no idea how much kit we need to take... better hope someone's happy sharing a tent
An average of three people per car is not a problem. We have done Alps trips on this basis and sea kayak trips around UK and Europe so long as they are decent size estates. One way to make it comfortable is for 4 people to travel in a car with just stuff for the journey, and an estate used for 2 people with the back used as a van. That said, not everybody will travel at the same time, get the whole weekend off or may want to travel independently. It is probably best to sort out individual arrangements amongst ourselves closer to the time. David - I know your car is quite small, so if you want to hire a van, it is up to you.
I have spoken to a number of people, and the balance of opinion is that we camp at Tytandderwen Campsite, where we have camped before. They are relaxed about numbers and when people turn up. I will confirm that we are coming but it will be quite flexible. We will not be using electric hookups. If you prefer to Camp alongside the Treweryn, we will arrange to meet up socially.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Tytandderwen+Camping+&+Caravan+Park/@52.9117067,-3.5604107,15z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x4865404ae1208f67:0x107468f842faf3d6!2sBala!3b1!8m2!3d52.909911!4d-3.601584!3m4!1s0x486543e3c389824b:0x25656ccab6a65852!8m2!3d52.9134958!4d-3.5616839
Jim - yes - paddling all day Sunday and Monday morning before setting off back Monday afternoon.
Have just made a booking for Ty isaf, where we always use.
Friday 3rd 4th and 5th, 3 nights. I know a couple of you have booked somewhere else but as a group, we do gravitate towards this place.
See if you can cancel and come and join us.
https://www.tyisafbala.co.uk/
A few of us are aiming to get up there on the Friday afternoon and hopefully getting a lap or 2 of the river.
We will be using the main site. The riverside camping access has limited headroom
Who needs a lift or kayak taking up for them? I can take another two people and kayaks, but cannot leave until Friday lunchtime due to work commitments
The Club is staying at https://www.tyisafbala.co.uk/
Not sure if I've left this too late, but I'd be really interested in going if theres space for me.
You would be welcome Ryan
I have a work Skype conference on the Friday morning, but should be able to get away from Okehampton by 11.00hrs so could be at the Club by 11.30. Does anyone need a lift ? I can carry another 2 people plus kit and boats. Return Monday afternoon.
That would be ideal Nigel, do I need to bring a tent?
Ryan - yes - bring camping gear and tent.
Will be going up on the Friday morning if anyone wants to blag a ride with their camping gear and kit. Not sure what tie exactly but be great to get a run or 2 of the river Friday afternoon.
Water release info is here; https://www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk/water-information
Just to say - this a Club trip, and so you should be Club members to join us! I know that some people who have said they are coming are not Club members! Pay your way!!!
The weather forecast is good, but looks cold! It will be worth making sure that you have good sleeping bag and blankets, and warm paddling kit
Paddling covered by the Club is on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. If you arrive early and find somewhere to paddle, or stay on afterwards to paddle, it will not be covered by the Club.
Steve - I am giving Ryan a lift, hoping to meet at the Club at 11.30 Friday, and then going to pick his kit up from his house. We could pick you up on the way after I have got Ryan loaded - maybe about 12.30ish. Either send me your contact details on nrsharpe@msn.com , text me on 07518285574 or send me a private message on Facebook. - Also, I might have a spare dry suit you can borrow if you fit!
I am sorry you could not make it Jim. We had 14 paddlers out on the river! It was an excellent weekend! Thanks all!!! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.2456737287678673&type=3