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Brian's Packraft page, Yepes (2026)

18/11/2021

Bikeraft Willington to Stenson lock 2 Nov 2021 Raft 2.4 miles Total 16.5 miles
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/10491629/Bikeraft-Willington-to-Stenson-lock-2-Nov-2021-Raft-24-miles-Total-165-miles
Unbelievable November day, relatively warm 11˚C and mainly bright sunshine at the start. New kit to try in anger this trip, Sealskinz Cold weather medium length large waterproof socks.
It’s been a long time since my last Bikeraft, 5 July in fact so it took a long time to pack and I nearly got it right. The only things I forgot were the camera and a hat. As even the predicted 5mph wind never materialised the latter was not missed. It took about 45 min to load the bike while checking I had all the basic systems and getting the raft packed up tight to go on the bike. So I set off about 09:15. The route to Willington is OK but a bit rough. There was a bench adjacent to the Green Dragon pub so I used that as a place to unload, starting about 10:15. It’s been a while so not the fastest load and slowed pleasantly by chatting to a guy on a bike who lives on a boat in Mercia Marine now, having travelled round the network for 30 years. He is an Ex-soldier and originally from the Channel Islands but having been back, it was not where he wanted to finish up. We chatted and finally I was away just before 11:00. I went upstream just beyond the road bridge as the old boy was there and I could not remember how close the WW2 Pill Box was upstream. Clearly not a short distance so I set of towards Stenson. My aim at this point was to stop beyond The Ragley Boat Stop Pub. In the sun it was warm, but no so much out of the sum. As progress is mainly east trees kept the canal in shade so it was not super warm. I had 3 tops and a cycling jacket but no outer windproof shell. I was also trying out my neoprene cycling gloves for paddling as I though my leather half gloves would be a bit cold. It was a pleasant but unremarkable run, the dappled sunlight through the trees was great particularly with the autumn yellow leaves. Not too many trees had shed their leaves fully. The downside is that the main railway line runs close and parallel to the canal for almost all the route I completed. I was tempted to paddle round Mercia Marina but decided not too as I had intended to do a good few miles. I paddled steadily all the way to Stenson Lock but was ready for a coffee and despite my new socks my feet were getting cold. My exit from the raft made me question the parentage of my raft. I ended up in the middle of the canal, far too high and precariously paddling back to the bank. Second attempt I got out dry but it was a somewhat desperate and ungainly exit. Also I was tired by now and I ached in places I had not expected. I suspect the fully loaded raft is much harder to paddle and hence I was worn out after about 2.4 miles. With just me and no bike 4 miles was relatively easy. It was clouding over and with no sun getting colder and I was tired and my feet were a bit cold but did warm up as I moved about. I moved the back pack off and lifted the boat out ready to portage the lock after a brew. However it was evident I had done more than enough so I had a brew and packed the bike slowly. Coffee and packing the bike took about 45 min then I retraced my steps home in about 45 min really quite weary for just 16 miles.
So what can I say, a pleasant trip but tiring and I need to do more frequent trips to make any progress. I was disappointed I could not safely go any further but that’s the price of being “mature”.
The neoprene cycle gloves were OK, the grip not the greatest but my hands were wet but not cold. The Sealskin socks were not quite all I hoped; certainly my feet would have been really cold without them. My feet were warm enough on the last trip with ordinary socks, but only just and it was significantly colder this trip. I rode home in the Sealskinz as, though they were wet outside my feet were dry and my feet had warmed up packing the bike; as the socks are a bit big I may be able to get another pair of Alpaca socks inside them at least for paddling which may help.
This time I wore lined breathable waterproof trousers and my legs stayed dry. To protect my bum I wore padded cycling shorts under them and these worked well and were not uncomfortable riding or paddling.

12/10/2021

Swarkstone to Ragley Boat Stop PUB 11 October 2021 3.5 miles

Route, Swarkstone Bubble to the Ragley Boat stop pub 2 hrs, no stops about 1.7 mph AVE.
It was a busy day yesterday so I was quite weary and spent the morning doing bits and pieces and waiting while the gas man started to fix the water boiler, hopefully he will have fixed it tomorrow. I was left with half a day of superb weather and tired. I settled on a short packraft trip. I have done too many local trips lately on the bike and the stretch of canal towpath where I was paddling is not suitable for my bike so raft it was. The beauty of the packraft is all the kit weighs less than my bike! I soon had the gear in the car a few minutes down the road and there is car parking close to the canal. I have not been out in reality since the Ashby canal trip in July (5 min at the seaside does not count really). The flextail pump is perfect, remove the raft valve, and it bulk inflates the X1 in about 90 seconds, a few quick puffs by mouth once the valve is back and it’s up to pressure. Moor it up for a few minutes to stabilise the air temp to water temperature a few more puff and it’s time to go. I was travelling light, a can of coke and car keys and phone was it. I find without the load of the bike and a backpack the raft does yaw quite a bit but it’s OK.
The sun is bright and a stiff headwind breeze where it’s not sheltered but it’s great to be out, but forgetting a waterproof top was not good, starting out I was getting a bit wet, poor paddling technique, OK on a warm day like today but not good if it had been cooler. There are a few boats moving but no issues, I guess it’s the regulars so they know how to navigate. I’d not intended to get even as far as the pub, but after a bit paddling skill came back. I reached the pub but had not thought I would get that far so no wallet (I had my phone in a dry bag for safety). I had not brought any gloves but it was no problem in the warm. So I halted and had a Coke, big mistake, I got a bit on my left hand (the one the paddle spins in). You would not believe how sticky Coke is; I spent the trip home wetting my hands to clear the sticky stuff allow the paddle shaft to spin in my hand comfortably! The trip back was a doddle with a tailwind in places. The highlight of the trip was on the way back seeing a flash of azure blue of a Kingfisher, it was are unmistakable as it flew down the canal away from me lit by the bright sun. A bit later I caught a similar flash in the undergrowth and I stopped for a better look but with no success. Back at the lock got out and deflated the raft, It’s great how fast you can pack up. At the lock the Canal and River Trust guys were taping up one of the Lock gate winches. It was not accidental damage but wear and tear so they were taking the mechanism back to replace it due to lost teeth. The problem is that, not surprisingly, the age of the bits varies a lot as do the sizes so replacing the odd part is often not possible.
It was a very pleasant short trip, it surprising how rusty you get paddling and particularly mastering getting in and out at the bank; I must not leave it so long but this year has been lots of activity away to compensate for the awful lock down. I h0pe you enjoyed this entry and remember you British Coeing Licence is needed for the canals, Happy Rafting.

06/07/2021

Bikeraft Snarestone to Shackerstone Ashby Canal 5 July 2021 6km raft 12km Total

https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/9110203/-Bikeraft-Snarestone-to-Shakerstone-Ashby-Canal-6km-Raft-12-km-total

Route Snarestone Warf, north end, portage over dam, raft to Shackerstone Bridge and back via road. 6k raft 12k total. Timing skewed due to stops etc. However the run from Snarestone Warf to Sharkerstone Bridge 1 ¾ hrs 3.2 km/hr (2mph) water time plus some small delay for pictures .
This was a short run as I needed to be safely back to pick up the Jazz after an MOT and service. I left home at 08:37 and was on Shackerstone Warf at 09:12. This is probably not a proper car park but I went in anyway. The gate was open and nobody around so I got the raft ready. The first section was short (about 0.4km) and a quick inspection showed that the north section which has now been rewatered was still dammed by the wooden temporary dams all canals have available. On that basis I saw no reason for loading the raft and set off just me and the raft. I launched from the slipway, cheating, yes but it had been a while since I was last in the raft. This section was a gentle paddle stopping frequently to get used to the raft and generally chill out. There was a bit of breeze and overcast but it was warm enough in two T shirt tops. There is a winding hole at the end just beyond the bridge, I was going to get out to see what the dry course was like but decided I could not be bothered and returned to the slipway. By now somebody was at the shop. We came to an agreement £5 for parking, gates close about 16:00 to 17:00 but I would be gone by then. I also had a coffee (£1.50). Apparently the rewatered section is not open because of Seepage but I got no more than that. I was looking at the launch position by the shop but was told it was preferred if I launched the other side so everything was moved over the bridge; it’s a tight fit even for a Brompton. I went back to take a picture of the old machinery on display in front of the shop. A 1950’s he thought Briggs and Stratton rotavator and a Petter stationary diesel engine that still works.
I was finally on the water in the fully loaded condition at 11:00. Just before the Snarestone Tunnel (250m long) was a private Warf and landing stage of some age given the architecture. I was tempted to paddle in but there were some brambles and mine is a light weight raft not an indestructible one.
The canal was very quiet so I decided as I had left my torch in the backpack, to run the tunnel without one. BIG mistake not only is it against the rules it was stupid, as soon as I was halfway in a narrow boat started in. Luckily he had a good light and did see me and there was enough light for me to get to the side to so he could pass. In the dark my paddle lost its register and I was fumbling in the dark to get my knuckles in line with the RH blade; I finally managed and got out; DO NOT BE STUPID like me USE A TORCH; I just got lucky! From here it was all very pleasant, I saw a duck with 9 very small chicks, a positive flotilla. It makes you think as I never saw that many at a time with bigger chicks. The canal is raised in some sections so you get to look out of the tunnel of hedges, trees and reeds at times which adds to the interest. There were a surprising number of boats about, however the canal is popular so I read, with folk out for short tips as there are no locks in this section of the canal. The Moria section as yet unconnected does have locks on the restored section. The original intention was to head for Congerstone but after 1 ¾ hrs my bum and arms had had enough and I needed a break so stopped at Town Bridge Shackerstone at 12:45. Given my time constraints I decided to pull stumps at this point as I would need a long break and then I would run out of time before I got much further. So I pottered loading the raft onto the bike while having a coffee and cold sausage rolls for dinner. It was very pleasant but I had picked a spot with a good breeze so I did need a windproof top on. I was rolling again by 13:30 and back at Snarestone Warf at 14:00. I had a bit of spare time so I went by bike to the north end to look at the section that had been graded ready for restoration later. It’s certainly not Bromptonable, far too muddy and wet even at this time of year; back to the Warf and time to go home.
As always some general thoughts that you have while chilling out on the trip.
Missed a trick loading the Brompton bag, made a bad job and it fully blocked my forward view, not sure how/why I fouled it up.
I really missed being out on the raft, even though it’s only my 8th trip. Nearly 6 weeks is too long. The trip would have been even better if I had extra time but I needed to get out and just lately being holiday season, time for rafting is limited, keeping bike fit is a higher priority so I can bike pack. If anybody else does it extend the route to Congerstone.
It was unusual to paddle the raft unloaded and fully loaded, on the same day so it was a unique experience for me. The raft tracked much better loaded, probably the extra 20 to 25kg up front. The backpack at about 5 to 6kg would make no difference as I weigh about 95kg and it’s just behind me, weird, probably something to do with rotational inertia or the bow being more in the water, but thats a bit nerdy.
I really need a small mat to kneel on while loading and unloading at the bank side. You soon get wet knees, fine now but not acceptable when it’s colder.

27/05/2021

Bikeraft - Zouch to Kegworth 10 km 26 May 2021
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/8611138/Bikeraft-Zouch-to-Radcliffe-on-Soar-15km-75km-Raft
Route - River Soar from Zouch to Kegworth then bike back by Sutton Bonington Raft 4km – Bike 6 km 2 stops 2 portages 3hrs 3.3 km/hr AVE
I arrived at Zouch on the A6006 where there is a small parking area and after a Reginald Mole Husband parking event finally parked up out of the way. The glorious forecast of last night had gone for a Burton it was cloudy and not so good looking. I failed to look up the forecast today. I was ready to load the stores by 10:15 I had left about 08:30 with about 21 min drive to Zouch. As usual getting in first time was a bit nervous but no incident. I had forgotten the sit mat to put the bike on and my camera, still not got it straight in my head. However the bike sat safely on the bow and off we went. However only about 600m later was the first portage; a nice gentleman offered to help unload but I thanked him and said I had to learn. So he offered a tea, well you just can’t say no to that even after 600m! He disappeared to get tea saying he would have to boil the Kettle. While he was gone another boater turned up and news travels fast he already knew Steve was brewing tea for me. We chatted while Steve turned up with tea and Biscuits, well again you can’t say no to that. They had seen me and were impressed, they had 2 Brompton’s aboard, me having one on the raft was very impressive. We chatted, he had been on an organised trip canoeing in the Great Glen many years ago, he now had a canal boat. As we chatted his wife came up and we chatted more, se being about my age apparently had a SUP and only fell in once while pushing away from a tree. They insisted they carry all the gear except the boat round the lock then kindly left me to concentrate on loading. Getting on-board is easier the second time and I was soon underway. There is a significant current but probably close to the 9 mph headwind forecast. However by keeping in the shelter of banks where possible this was not a major issue at the cost of not being in the “swifter” current. The scenery is great and I missed my camera some impressive huge broken trees, tree lined hills and even some fields could be seen from the raft. As there were lots of fishing spots there were egress points if I needed one. As I left the protection of the hills towards the boatyard there came a “swell” distinct splashing noises and the raft was flexing, however nothing serious and in particular no splashes on the Brooks saddle, they do not like getting wet. I should have put a cover on it, but I was expecting sunshine (yea Right)! Now of course it started to spit with rain but nothing serious so just paddled on. You could hear the roar of the weir as I closed on Kegworth 2 locks. It was still spitting as I got out and was now ready for a brew, the first did not count. Soon after I got out a boat turned up topside and was heading my way through the lock. To be fair I had moved my boat and to a pleasant bit of grass, brewed and almost finished my coffee before the boat was through so portaging is in about the same timescale as passing through a lock. It’s called 2 lock as a new one replaced the old 18th century one which is still their but buried as part of a new water management strategy in the 1980’s. If it was not spitting with rain I may have had a bit of a look. I did look as packing up but the canal tow path had one of those swing gates and even a Brompton loaded would be a hassle and I felt I should be a bit more intrepid and it was only spitting but it did look black where the weather was coming from. Just as I was about to board I saw the bright blue flash of a Kingfisher, alas it was all too soon gone but I was all the better for seeing it. Finally loaded I paddled to the next lock not that far and got out on River right, half intending to portage and carry on. “What a mistaka to makea” there is no portage on the right. Time was now about 13:15. So either back 70 yds. or so, over a road bridge and back or stumble across the lock gates carrying kit, a stupid idea for me. Neither were sensible with the bike attached to the raft. I looked at the map I had about 2.8 km to go and frankly with the rain and the impending hassle I decided not to bother and as I was near the road go back to the car. So packed up, quite efficiently, no need to change socks as I figured my feet would get wet in the rain, it had come on briefly a bit heavier. Just as I was about finished one of the guys who I had been chatting with right at the start turned up in the car. He was playing leapfrog with the car and boat using a bike to get back to the car. He was soon away and so was I. The rain had eased so I did without waterproofs as it was only about 20min to the car. As I loaded up it started to rain in earnest so was glad I had packed in. Sitting a bath filling up with rain water lacks appeal to me, one good reason for a spray cover. It was a short outing but I really enjoyed it, it’s the where not the how far that counts.
Notes
1. the route shown is as intended and I may try again another time with better weather it was a very scenic route, albite with a bit of road noise in places.
2. The painter was worthwhile bringing it made getting in and out less stressful as you could leave the boat while moving kit out the way. However I had been over generous with the length of paracord about 16 ft., 10 ft. (a bit over a boat length) would have been better. Less loose rope to potentially trip over.
3. I did end up topping up the raft at the portages but I suspect it was more to do with the weather cooling off and it was never an issue.

10/05/2021

Bikeraft - Swarkstone, Shardlow loop via Trent and Mersey 9 May 2021 18.7 miles
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/8436594/Bikeraft-Swarkestone-Shardlow-loop-via-Trent-and-Mersey-9-May-2021-187-miles
Bike - 6.69 km Route 6 to Swarkstone Bubble and then track to where it crosses over the Trent, Raft – 6.51 km to Shardlow the lock before the Clock Warehouse pub. Bike – 16.59 km back Via Aston and Weston then Route 6 home. 7hrs 2 stops 2 portages 4.2 km/hr (2.67) mph AVE.
I left about 09:45 bright sun and warm only 2 tops. New gear in the form of a Palm FX PFD bought from Desperate Measures at Holme Pierpoint yesterday in the rain. No sooner had I left I realised I had not bought the electric blower. However I figured it was a good excuse to try the inflation bag. I had avoided that so far. I set up just beyond the canal bridge as there was a patch out of the way for the raft. Set up went smoothly, sort of, using the bag for inflation is a pain it took ages probably because I am not used to it. It will teach me not to forget the blower. There was a bit of a near disaster the raft was swinging out as I loaded the backpack and the first I saw or heard was “watch your boat mate” as a narrow boat hit it, I suspect the skipper was a bit hopeless. Horrid scraping sounds, the boat shortened but post event inspection showed no damage and the raft did not roll. Final about 10:30, I was ready to set off, got in reasonably well I am getting better at this. This is a stretch of canal I have only ever traveled this section by bike about twice and never on foot. For a Brompton it classes as “Technical” which means you have to watch the track all the time or fall off, not great for sightseeing. So this was a real change with like to take in the surroundings and it’s actually a great, the South side is hillside so there are some bits to look at. The wind is predicted SW rising to about 9 mph but at the moment its very sheltered and not that high. I reach Weston Lock about 11:48 gasping for a brew. Bit more “Fun” getting out but I did it and kept dry. I parked close to the lock lifted the raft out and sat on an adjacent bench and brewed coffee. I had to move the raft a narrow boat needed to stop, somehow he had broken the mounting of his Bow Rope bumper and he wanted to stop immediately to fix it. It would appear it was not going to be a quick job. I was on my way again (12:15 approx.) before he fixed it. I
moved the boat beyond the lock mooring as there was a really good low spot further down so again not too much hassle boarding again. The scenery opens up a bit and the wind is a significant help as I paddle on. After the earlier event I make sure I pull in if a boat is approaching, seamanship or the rive equivalent should not be taken as typical. About a mile its Aston lock and portage Number 2. I stop for a bit to let my arms stop shaking before I get out, I have yet to get decent paddle muscles. I see two Canal and River Trust Guys on duty helping folk at the lock. I must have looked a bit hapless as one walker insisted on helping me get out by holding the raft. No stopping this time and portage straight away. One of the River trust guys comes to help saying he did not help before as they thought I was resting, I said I was, I needed the rest to get out. He held the Raft as I got in for the last run. Its more open now and the wind stronger so it’s positively blowing me along now. This is why I decided to do the trip west to east, the wind makes a big difference. One big surprise was just before the A50 Bridge I saw some dog walkers looking at the north bank. They called out there was a Turtle; shore enough sat on a rock just isolated from the bank was a turtle, head out taking the sun. Now my photographic incompetence showed I failed to get a picture. A few yards on they pointed out another turtle on the bank but closed up. This time I did get a picture sort of. Too far away to be of much use and its closed up, not worth adding to the log, but it’s on the master set for this entry. The last section is a bit civilised with moor boats but not unpleasant. I got out just above the lock and had all the gear packed up to load on the bike by 14:30. I did want a brew but there was nowhere that I fancied and just getting a brew from the window offering stuff at the main road held no attraction. I mounted up and set off through Aston and Weston to the start of my paddle intending to have a coffee on the track and sneak a peak at the level of the Trent as we have had lots of rain lately. Sure enough it was high but not quite bursting bank high. I had a coffee and a bar on the bench just before the canal bridge (known by the family as The Picnic Spot and boy was it welcome. It was then just a steady ride home from a great day back about 16:30 .
So what have we learnt? My current straps to load the Raft under my rucksack are not ideal. The clip together but this is a pain when using them to strap the pack on the raft as you have to remove the clip to get the strap through the eyes on the raft. I have ordered replacements with just a ladder buckle this should speed loading and unloading the raft. I need to 3D print some bungee hooks and make bespoke straps for the Front bag to speed up loading. The Palm FX PDF is great no riding up , it’s comfortable and the front pocket means I have my camera to hand at all time, even if I am useless at using it. Flat water padding is harder than down river. This trip was shorter than the Trent run but more tiring even though the wind was with me this trip. I’ve never done this trip even in the sea canoe years ago as it has to be a there and back, with the raft the freedom to go one way and cycle back is a real revelation even if the paddle is slow but it does allow you to go in the easy direction which is important with a Packraft. Oh and never forget the blower the inflation bag is a good reliable backup but it is a pain and really, really slow compared to the blower.
For anybody wanting to do this route there is some parking at Swarkestone lock as a good start point (It’s identifiable by Google maps using the name Swarkestone lock Derby).

03/05/2021

Route https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/8297894/Bikeraft-Caldon-Canal
17.4 km in 7.5 hrs 1 official stop, 1 portage 2.32 km/h
I got up at 06:30 over excited, Nah you can never be over excited, just excited! This is my first full level Bikeraft from the car remote from home. I had spent ages checking kit. For a bike ride its second nature for Bikerafting there is vast amounts of kit and some of it I have not really got familiar with yet. I left home about 07:30 arriving at Froghall Warf about 08:20, I was a bit concerning that out of the bright sunshine the amber Ice warning was showing on the way to the site getting wet in cold weathers not a great thing to do. The carpark was nearly empty when I arrived so parked next to the Lock to Froghall Basin as I had launched a canoe with Hilary from here I knew the launch point. Clearing a few complaining Canada geese away I set too and soon had all the kit stowed aboard. I had just boarded when the skipper from a Narrowboat just about to leave the Basin came for a chat. He defined my trip and enterprising and asked to take a picture to which I replied yes. Then I set off left to the end of the Canal just beyond the road. I noticed a paddleboader also preparing to launch. Frome there I set off for the first lock some 2.9 km from the Warf. First off is the Froghall tunnel it’s only short but quite narrow only just wide enough for one narrowboat. I did not wear a head torch as it was not that dark and this early in the morning I did not expect any traffic. The scenery was as I remembered it, beautiful the canal is on a wooded hill side. The canal in places is like the tunnel, very definitely tight for a single narrowboat. One highlight that stood out was passing a Heron standing at the water’s edge as I passed it littler more than 4ft from my paddle, me almost touching the opposite side with my paddle. I dare not stop to take a picture I did not want to disturb it. By the time I reached Flint Mill Lock I was more than ready for a brew. Egress is always a bit fraught for me and I searched for a low section to get out. I found one, some 100m from the lock and made it out dry. Having unloaded my pack it was then I realised the joys of Packrafting. It was a simple matter of lifting my bike and carrying the bike, raft attached but adding nothing to its weight, to a good spot just beyond the lock, in the shelter of a tree, the perfect spot for a brew. I dropped the pressure on the raft a bit as it was bright sun. I walked a bit beyond this point and noticed a British Canoeing Access Point post not surprisingly in the best spot. Being the wrong side of 60 by some margin and not being used to paddling I was ready for the break and scoffed an unreasonable amount of fruit cake with my coffee, sat on the boat as a seat in the now warming sun. Cold feet seems to be the price for Packrafting, but to be honest it felt to me like I was as making a legend as some trips do. This was how I envisage touring 20 years ago, but such kit was not around and affordable then. Finally time to launch again. I did make one change, I moved my tool bottle and water bottle out of the Front Brompton bag into my backpack, this lightened the load at the front and more importantly dropped the height of the bag improving forward visibility. Why I had not thought of this before escapes me.
What I had not realised was in this next section the canal and the River share the same path (quoted form the Canal and River Trust website). Unfortunately I managed to hide my camera where I could not reach it for this section. I passed the back of Consall Station with is pristine signal box overhanging the canal and then past a Pub. Another chat with a passer-by on the tow path, the sight of a lunatic in an inflatable loaded to the gunnels is certainly a talking point. By now there a few bike passing on the towpath, almost all with mountain bike heritage, some even close to Fat Bikes. However glimpses of the towpath indicate is at least marginal for a Brompton. I was also passed by the occasional dog walker; yes I am slower than some dog walkers. By now I am feeling my arms and while there is little current there is now a rising headwind as I plug on. You can tell it’s a river, the banks are undercut, steep and its much wider than a canal. However it does not detract from the beauty of the woodland valley you are paddling up. One sad sight was the occasional Grouse floating dead in the water; I was not inclined to investigate further. There were more bikes now and all with a cheery word but not so many as to spoil the tranquillity of the run. It made me ponder why this was such a great experience. Truth is, if I was on the cycle track it would class as technical and I would be concentrating on the route not the scenery, paddling there is time to stare while moving. Unlike the bikes the odd canal boats I met underway were a bit of a miserable lot not saying thank you as I moved aside and waited when there was debris in the way stopping a simple passage. On walker said somewhat meanly I thought, that I was going to have trouble at the lock as I was so low. He said because the bot was so low. I should mention I had hoped to find a shallow bit of bank to pull in. I clearly having re-inflated the boat at Flint mill Lock I had not given it enough time on the water to stabilise in temperature and while by no means soft I felt It could do with a bit more pressure, but no such opportunity arrived. Well it was with some apprehension I approached Oakmeadowford Lock and yes the banks were high however just before the lock there is a low step marked by a Canoe Access Post and an easy(ish) egress. Well by the time I had got out my muscles were shaking, while I had done more distance than this down river clearly on still water its harder work. While there was not much further to go in the plan, I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and packed up the raft; the access post making an ideal bike stand. By the time I had dried my feet and donned bike shoes and loaded up I realised I had done enough for today but the effort was well worth it. One lass stopped to chat, she had seen me earlier from her bike and was amazed by the raft all packed up into almost nothing. Packed up over the very humpbacked bridge I stopped for a water and cake and then set off on the towpath for the last 2.4 km to Cheddleton, the time was just gone 13:00. It was as I expected, a technical ride and slow so did not have much opportunity for the view that rafting affords, but to be fair the last half of the canal trip was not up to the standard of the first half and I needed the rest from paddling. I had thought of a drink at the Pub at Cheddleton but it was packed so dismissed the idea. I assumed the ride back being under 9km km would be a doddle. While the views were impressive there were no fewer than 4 GOAW’s on the way to Ipstones, all short but way to steep. I don’t think it was because I was tired they were just too steep for my gears. From there it got easier but the final 11% decent was had on the hands, it needed a lot of brake pressure as I was close to full load. As I arrived back It had just started to rain at 14:53, but not enough to worry about getting wet while loading the car. I had intended to have a brew but with the weather turning, it seemed pointless to do so in the car. So a bar and a drink of water and I was away. Home about 16:00.
The trip deserves the star the scenery was above average for the entire trip, even the bike ride though short, had superb views being about as high as you could get.
Not a quick run 2.32 km/hr vs. my typical bike ride around 10 km/hr on the same definition but useful for planning purposes.

Brian's Packraft page

18/11/2021

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