M&M are really excited to be running a white water CLUB TRIP for a week up in Scotland between the 26th Oct to 3nd Nov 2024 (Shropshire half term), with options to come up for a shorter time if you prefer.
What will we be doing?
We will be paddling some of the best rivers in Britain, including the Gary, Etive, Spean, Roy and hopefully many others (water levels depending) over the course of the week.
It is our intention to run this as a Club Trip to encourage as many paddlers as possible to come along. Between the Monday and Friday we will put on at least 3 Club Paddles led by qualified Leaders on Grade 2/3 rivers. We also plan to get a bit of hill walking in as well, perhaps up Ben Nevis if the weather allows for it.
We will also be facilitating Peer Trips around these Club Trips on slightly higher graded rivers that put our Leaders outside of BC qualifications but not experience for running them safely. Paddlers will be welcome to join these Peer Trips as well, either in full or to portage the trickier bits.
The exact rivers and plans for each day will be determined once we have an idea of water levels, the aspirations of the attending paddlers, etc.
We expect the Sunday and the following Saturday to be Peer Trips.
Be prepared that to get the most out of the week we may need to do a bit of travelling around the highlands when up there, despite our central location. We will seek to car share and make the shuttles as efficient as possible.
Where will we stay?
We will be staying at Aire Cruinnichadh, a lovely bunkhouse 15 miles outside Fort William in the Spean Valley.
https://highland-hostel.co.uk/
We have secured an initial 16 beds at the hostel at a cost of £25 pppn. The bunk house will sleep 28. Any bulk booking has to be confirmed by the end of March. The options for the week are;
1. Nights of Sat 26 October to Sat 2 November inclusive (8 nights)
2. Nights of Sun 27 October to Sat 2 November inclusive (7 nights)
3. Nights of Sun 27 October to Fri 1 November inclusive (6 nights)
4. Nights of Mon 28 October to Thus 31 October inclusive (4 nights)
5. Booking own accommodation at same bunkhouse or elsewhere
Booking and full payment prior to 31 March means a priority booking at the bunk house, and the Club will settle the accommodation bill. If you choose to come after 31 March, then only booking option available will be own accommodation, which you can either book directly at the bunkhouse if they still have space or elsewhere locally.
The bunk house costs are non-refundable after booking unless you or the Club can sell on your place.
The accommodation will be self catering, and we will sort such logistics out further nearer the time. Also some pubs and hotels locally to eat out.
Is this trip suitable for me?
This trip is suitable for all paddlers who have spent the summer on the river with us on a few WW club nights, and ideally a successful run or two down the Tryweryn / Serpents Tail, etc. We will do our best to put on trips in Wales to build confidence for this Club Trip over summer.
Paddlers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian staying at the bunk house with them and available locally.
If in any doubt, please get in touch with Marc or Matt to get some advice.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring;
- personal paddling kit suitable for a Scottish October. Ideally a dry suit or good quality wet suit
- white water boat with airbags
- paddle, deck and helmet
- any safety and rescue equipment you have
- the usual snacks and drinks to bring on each river trip
Anything else?
Be prepared to come along, and have a great time with us! Any questions please give us a shout.
Matt - 07549 528735
Marc - 07764 313762
