On a cold, wintry morning on Saturday 2nd January, Staples’ car park in Loughborough became host to a number of open canoes, kayaks and even a “sit on top” with 21 paddlers turning up to brave the sun, snow, rain and ice for the Club’s new year trip on the Loughborough Loop!
The journey started on the very frozen Grand Union Canal with the occasional friendly wave from the walkers out on the towpath, and the boats that were leading the way having to break through the ice.
Eventually we portaged across to the River Soar, and it became apparent to us that the river was running a little higher than the previous year, in fact a good 3ft higher! After a quick break and a look at the weir, we departed down river, a nice change from the still, iced over waters of the canal.
As we approached one particular section, the river split into two around an island. With one side of the river totally blocked by a fallen tree, and the other side completely covered by a very dense and long weed/ lily bed, it was decided to break here for lunch before portaging round.
After lunch it was a straight run down the river. However, after an unscheduled swim by two members of the group, a trapped boat and a rescue involving three throw lines and two very helpful and friendly fishermen, we were all reminded of the risks of paddling on a river, whatever the grade!
After this episode, the trip went smoothly, linking back up with the canal (and the ice!) and back to Staples’ car park. The trip had taken approximately five and a quarter hours, with a mixture of every type of weather - snow, rain, sun and gusty winds.
Despite the near zero temperatures, the 14km trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all!!
Many thanks to Dawn and Ian for their organisation of the trip, to the two nicest and most helpful fishermen that I have ever met, for all their help, and also to everyone who paddled for making it such a successful and enjoyable trip.
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