Drummond Outdoor - Upper Severn Canoe Rally

Rally Report

Friday 5th of May 2006 saw the start of the 20th Upper Severn Canoe Rally with a large number of paddlers registering for the event based at the Royal Hill pub and campsite on the banks of the Severn at Edgerley on the border of Shropshire with Wales. The Rally attracted canoeists from across the country with many familiar faces as well as those taking part for the first time.

The Rally is a fun, social paddle, suitable for families and novices as well as the more experienced canoeist, journeying down a 34 mile stretch of the River Severn over two days.

The initial leg, starting on Saturday morning, covers the stretch of river from Pool Quay, near Welshpool, (the head of the Severn navigation) to the Royal Hill approximately 15 miles down stream. With good weather and little wind a pleasant paddle was anticipated and proved to be the case. "Stony Rapid" a few miles into the trip took a little bit of negotiating with slightly lower water levels and over hanging willows causing one or two paddlers to take an unintended dip!

Continuing down stream towards Llandrinio the meandering nature of the river gives rise to ample shingle beaches and opportunities for picnic stops with the picturesque view of the Breiddon Hills and the conspicuous monument of Rodney's Pillar.

Downstream of Llandrinio the wider straighter course of the Severn provides a fairly fast afternoon paddle back to Edgerley and with the good weather and pleasant paddling conditions it was almost a shame to step off the river! However, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere continued on the banks of the Severn with paddlers and supporters enjoying a barbeque or good pub food whilst quenching a hard earned thirst at the Royal Hill pub.

On Sunday morning campers and caravaners emerged to another bight and sunny start to the day and, following suitably hearty breakfast, paddlers were soon back on the river heading ultimately for Frankwell Quay in Shrewsbury. Whilst the river on this stretch is fairly wide and provides few technical obstacles the wildlife gave paddlers something to look out for especially a particularly territorial swan making itself well known to several canoes paddling their way down to the lunch time stop at Montford Bridge! With the continued good weather picnic lunches were enjoyed by many with some taking advantage of the carvery served up at The Old Swan pub.

The option of leaving the Rally at Montford Bridge was taken up by some families with young children or those with a long journey home. However, the final leg to Frankwell, remained well supported: the five miles around the Isle eased by the suberb wooded estates on this stretch and so on down to Shrewsbury.

In summary an excellent weekend of paddling was enjoyed by all in good weather and good company. Drummond Outdoor would like to thank all those who attended the 20th Upper Severn Canoe Rally and the landowners for their support. We very much look forward to seeing you all again next year and to welcoming yet more new faces to the Rally.

21st Upper Severn Canoe Rally, on the 11th 12th 13th of May 2007!

THE RAFFLE

This years raffle raised £72 for The Severn Hopsice.

This was added to Roger's total following his London Marathon success.

Thank you for your support.

NEWS/EVENTS

Click to enlarge