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GUIDE TO THE RIVER DERWENT (Seathwaite to Derwentwater) NAME OF RIVER: Derwent. WHERE IS IT?: Borrowdale, Lake District. Map. PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: At a very high level access at Mountain View (NGR NY 250137) or even Seathwaite (ask permission at the farm). At a high level access on Stonethwaite Beck at Rosthwaite Bridge (257171). Access is usually possible at Grange Bridge (254174) and near the Bowderstone (parking at Bowderstone car park), in summer this area is often congested. Access at Hollows Farm campsite for residents. Kettlewell car park on Derwentwater (267195) is a useful point of egress (avoid parking trailers here as in the past this has led to the erection of a height barrier). APPROX LENGTH: 8 km from Mountain View to Derwentwater. TIME NEEDED: Unknown. ACCESS SITUATION: Steve Lenartowicz, BCU River Advisor... (Spring 2006) 'The Keswick Anglers' Association have the fishing rights for most of the Greta and the Derwent down to Bassenthwaite Lake. There is an access agreement in operation and it is important that canoeists demonstrate their integrity by keeping to the agreement. The agreement is here. John Crosbie (2006)...'Delicate access situation with Baliffs being called in to arrest paddlers in the past. We now have an agreement which is date and water level dependant. For the future of paddling this river it is essential that we adhere to this agreement. 1st November to 31st January. Canoeing permitted providing water above red lines on guages. 1 February to 31 May. As above, however, Bassenthwaite Lake to Isel Bridge closed (for nature conservation purposes. 1 June to 31 October river closed to paddlers except by special permission (and this is likely only to be given in June and July). Groups of more than 10 people and Outdoor Centres are requested to avoid this river between Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth due to the sensitive wildlife and access issues. Leaders of groups and individuals should ensure that: - Each person is sufficiently trained to make a reasonably trouble free passage. - Straight through, quiet passage is requested. - Landing other than at the agreed sites should only be necessary in the case of an emergency - Groups should be sufficiently well equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise. Wildlife - This river is designated under European legislation as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) for sea, river, brook lamprey, salmon, otters, marsh fritillary (butterfly) and luronium natans (floating water plantain) and as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Canoeists must take care and make as little disturbance as possible to the wildlife and habitats present. Consideration should also be made to wintering wildfowl, such
as goldeneye, found on the river and banks in the upper reaches, between Bassenthwaite
and Isel Bridge. These can be found in large numbers WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs rain. GRADING: Grade 2. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Trees, possibly fences. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: There is a grade II+ rapid by the Longthwaite Youth Hostel. OTHER NOTES: Further up the valley is Langstrath Beck. The Derwent can be paddled below Derwentwater. CONTRIBUTED BY: Steve Lenartowicz. |
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