Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

Monday Bank Holiday morning was beautiful here in Cumbria, so I thought that the best thing to do for some peace and quiet was to head up to Dumfries and Galloway to get away from the hoards. Even though I didn’t get away as early as I’d planned, I was still at the put in at Loch Ken by eleven o’clock. My late start gave serendipity a chance to work her magic though, as Ian ( Barelyafloat ) paddled under the viaduct just as I was about to launch.
We had a chat about a mutually agreeable itinerary, and then went for a look up the Blackwater of Dee to see how far we could get.





I was looking for an easily accessible camping spot to take my son at some time in the future, but we were soon blocked by a small rapid that I wouldn’t want to track up with Li’l Cumbrian on board. The next time I come I might bring my prospector and see how far I can paddle / pole / track my way up. The short stretch that we paddled was lovely though.

Ian in his exotic translucent canoe:





Heading south after this,





we stopped for a brew just beyond the church at Parton before heading north again.










We passed though the waterski zone on the western shore, with the wakes off the speedboats making things a little more fun than the usual flatwater.









We had a go in each other's canoes,





and landed on Green Island







after which we rounded Burned Island and pointed south again,





with a bit of a headwind back to the put in beside the viaduct.





An excellent day was had by both of us, and I was very impressed by Loch Ken. It's beautiful in an understated way, there was almost no litter, you can find lots of bivvy sites in the trees or camp at well appointed campsites. The various zones of the loch seem very sensible and allow many different types of people to enjoy it. I even caught a few glimpses of the famous Red Kites.


Cheers, Michael.

Really enjoyable TT and some great photos Michael. looks like you had some reasonable weather for the trip. Thanks for sharing it with us.

That is one knarely looking tree! Loved all the pics, looks like an all around great day.

Nice one Michael, Loch Ken is a personal favorite of mine you could really do with a week to explore it fully now theres a plan for a trip.

Nice one Michael, looks like a great little trip and fancy meeting up with another member like that.

Must have just missed you as I was staying at the caravan site by the viaduct. Was on Loch Doon that day. Met Ian the following morning while having a breakfast paddle and he said he'd been paddling with you. Funnily my wife had joked to me the day before "when are you going to mention the forum members you've arranged to meet up with?" As if I would.