Symonds Yat Trip Report

On the 9th and 10th of September 17 Nomads and two guests led by Matt and Peter spent  the weekend, or part of it, on the Wye at Symonds Yat. Based at Symonds Yat West Leisure Park campsite, on the Saturday we descended from Kerne Bridge back to the campsite through stunning Welsh marches scenery with kingfishers accompanied by various stag parties and team building hire groups, two of who’s sunken canadian canoes we rescued mid river as an impromptu display of Nomads’ skill. We couldn’t ask for more as the sun came out for our lunch stop, after which everyone completed the nine miles back to the campsite. Well done especially to Maria on her first club trip, who paddled in fine style.

After the day’s ‘warm up’ the braver souls continued to Symonds Yat rapid, surviving Beth’s attempt to kill us with extreme seal launches, to find a lowish but still interesting water level, perfect for white water skills practice. Everyone had a go with Steve and Ben advancing their skills considerably. After an enjoyable but subdued evening in the local pub, everyone feeling the cost of the day, we got an early night.

On the sunday with reduced numbers we descended once more to the rapid for an hour or more playing around, a slightly higher water level making it more physically demanding. We then carried on for a few very scenic miles to Monmouth including Herons, Cormorants and at times a hurricane of a headwind, by which time we were all ready to stop.

Thanks to everyone who came on the weekend for making it so enjoyable. To be repeated.