Hope and Anchor loop
Date : SATURDAY, 27 JUNE 2020
From: Thurmaston
Distance: Approximately 6.4 miles
Thanks for the warning Neil about Mill Lane in Thurmaston, its tiny and very easy to miss ….. and I did!
After gathering in the car park the group helped each other to carry kit down to launching site which was a little further than my arms could carry, so thanks for the help guys . It was great catching up with those that I have not seen for some time.
After a quick safety/ COVID briefing we got onto the water in our small groups. Emma on SUP, Martin in the canoe and the rest in kayaks. I was impressed with the picturesque launch area between the weir and boat yard. However, once we started paddling we sadly soon came across a lot of rubbish/ cans etc which is heartbreaking to see the lack of care by some for our environment and wildlife.
The first leg on the River Soar was quite narrow and shallow in places, which I quite like. With low foliage and branches to duck and a dive around (well done Emma!) the saws were soon out (any excuse to get them out!). The banter soon started too especially between Alex/Al/Alice/Alfred/Alexa busting the “twins” (aka. Neil and Paul).
We paddled up to Cossington Lock and those that tackled the weir did so with ease. Following lunch with a very heavy downpour we got back onto the water launching from the side of the lock. A couple of us soon got even wetter (you know who you are!) and one of us did a beautiful obviously deliberate pirouette 😂 launching.
The return followed the River Wreake to the Grand Union Canal with another portage and launch off a pallet (tricky those pesky spray decks Ali) and back along the canal to our start point.
Thanks to all for a great fun filled day out.
Carolyn
Pictures courtesy of Kat….
