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GUIDE TO THE RIVER FINDHORN (Dulsie Bridge to Logie Bridge) NAME OF RIVER: Findhorn. WHERE IS IT?: NE Scotland. PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Dulsie Bridge to Logie Bridge or alternatively take out at Ardclach Bell Tower, you'll see signs for it on the right as you do the ferry. Great fun getting a trailer back up the hairpins from the river. This is a much better take out if you don't want the final slog to Logie Bridge. APPROX LENGTH: ? 10 Km. TIME NEEDED: 2-3 Hours. ACCESS SITUATION: Good (I think) Be sensible at Dulsie bridge. WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Dulsie rapid should tell it all. If it is really honking then Levens Gorge might be too hard. GRADING: 3 (4) MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Levens Gorge - the section immediately below Levens Gorge has several nasty sumps on the right hand side - only visible in LOW water. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Findhorn flows through a large open valley over this section providing classic paddling with something for everyone. The first rapid just above Dulsie bridge is one of the more difficult. Either put on just above for a rude awakening or just below if you are too nervous or it is very cold. To put on above a footpath takes you round above the rapid which gives you a good opportunity for inspection. Dulsie rapid is Grade 4. From above the line is obvious. If you are short of excitement you can always do the bridge jump. I've seen it done and always just stuck with running the rapid. The valley opens out and provides a nice bimble for a few kilometres nothing too serious here and a good opportunity to practice your moving water skills. After quite a long way the river starts to close in taking a sharp left turn and then dropping away out of sight. Inspect from the right or the last eddy on the left. This is the start of the Levens Gorge. In high water this is pretty serious and continuous. It is possible to portage the first drop on the right. A river wide ledge best run right to left and after that you decide which way you want to avoid the mid-stream rock. LOOK for yourself, don't take my word for it. The entertainment continues downstream and round to the right, and here the technicalities ease. Inspection isn't too difficult for all of the Levens Gorge and is possible from your boat for those of you who are in too tight to get out !! The run continues for another couple of kilometres down to a Church which is on the left. Egress here if you have a small group. Otherwise carry on down to Logie Bridge and take out left. OTHER NOTES: If blessed with high levels I've heard the bit upstream of here is worth a bash. Other sections to consider are Logie bridge to Randolph's Leap, or Randolph's Leap to Mains of Sluie. CONTRIBUTED BY: Andy Evans, Frazer Pearce and Dave Francis. |
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