Five Nomads enjoyed pretty mild January weather to paddle the beautiful upper Wye between Builth and Glasbury on saturday and Newbridge and Builth on sunday led by Peter and Matt. We were ably assisted, encouraged and chauffered by Fane, who’d unfortunately injured his shoulder and so couldn’t paddle.
Saturday’s paddle of nearly 20 miles was Charlotte’s first taste of proper white water and not only did she make the distance, she also paddled all the rapids without problem in very good style. Well done! Everyone enjoyed the mixture of fantastic Welsh scenery interspersed with grade 2 and the odd grade 2-3 rapid every few miles and we arrive just as dusk was falling for hot showers and good food, drink and strained landlord’s humour at the local pub.
Sunday’s paddle was shorter at about 8 miles and scrapy to start with, though the scenery more than made up for it. Highlight of the run was Builth Rocks rapid at the end which everyone including Charlotte ran in good style.
The weekend marked Anthony’s return to where he first nervously tasted white water a year ago. This year his progress was such that he led some sections and ate the rapids for breakfast. See the second photo.
Thanks to everyone for making this an enjoyable trip and to Peter and Fane for driving.