Well I've finally got back in my boat. Motivation levels had diminished and left me floundering as to why I wanted to go boating. This has happened before, and the more I get used to it, the more I learn just to go with it and take a break from pursuing paddling.  The enthusiasm has always come back - maybe on different themes, but I guess thats what it takes to keep things fresh and interesting.

A few easy classics at good water levels led me and Jack to an idea that it may be worth checking the unique Dee in Dentdale. Caves, resurgences, drops and gorges all in full on limestone territory. Last time I was in there there was a huge limestone block right in the middle of the biggest fall meaning a mandatory portage and that required lowish water levels. Rumours on the internet suggested that the block had moved...

A whizz down some nice mini canyons and drops led through Ibbeth Peril to the main event, a little, 30ft high walled out gorge, which opens with a 2m ledge. We boofed in and made the bank to inspect the blocked drop. Sure enough the blocks had moved, and just enough to make running it feasable, but it also means the portage down the right is only practical by rigging a rope.

Time for some thinking;

We transferred to river left;

The drop is clean but the blocks create a tight squeeze on the landing and are obviously very undercut and sharp. There are plenty of undercuts in all directions, this limestone stuff really doesn't stop the water going where it wants! There was an easy exit on the left bank, but Jack wound up to fire the drop up.

Giving me the confidence to follow without much psychological drama :-)! - it works

On under a cave roof, and then down to the next sequence, an ugly rapid into a walled pool and over a blind drop.

So the the low water restriction can be revised. The Dee should go at higher levels because you can get down the gorge without the portage. I would imagine though that things may get a bit spicey, as those ledges will create some wicked holes and there will be some important lines to make. A new challenge awaits. I guess that is the game we play, and why I will get back in a boat.

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written by Anthony (lancs_lad), September 05, 2009

You beat us to it!! Im glad the vid I mad of Ibbeth inspired you. http://www.vimeo.com/6120023 Good stuff.

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written by ned, September 08, 2009

cheers, hopefully catch you soon

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