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GUIDE TO THE RIVER EAST OKEMENT (A30 to below Okehampton) NAME OF RIVER: East Okement. WHERE IS IT?: Rises on northern Dartmoor to the South of Okehampton and subsequently flows through the town and into the Torridge. Map. PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: You can start on the harder upper section. If you just want to paddle the lower easier section, the most commonly used put-in is Father Ford GR 603947, which is immediately beneath the A30 viaduct. On the main road in to Okehampton look out for the sign to the riding stables. Note that this put-in overlaps with the section described in the guide to the upper East Okement. Take out below the town at a lay-by GR598978. APPROX LENGTH: 5 km. TIME NEEDED: One hour. ACCESS SITUATION: There is no agreement, but we've never had any problems. WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs quite a bit of rain, as the run-off is very quick. Very scratchy at low levels. The put-in is the widest bit you'll see, so if you can float here then it's a goer. In BIG water, look out for the footbridge 15m below the put-in. If you can get under it, the rest should be OK(ish) GRADING: Mostly a quick 3, but the upper bit probably 4 with more water. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: The crux is a two stage weir followed by a tight section in the town. Worth viewing before you get on the water as there is a walled section leading up to it. In high water look out for the pipe bridge below the town! The whole of the upper is very tight, so break-outs could get a bit crowded with anything but a small group. There is currently (Jan' 2003) building work in the river in the park in town which needs portaging. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: From the put-in, it's straight into a tight, fast toboggan run with no major drops and just enough eddies to scout for tree hazards. Trees clear as you get into the park, but it stays fast until you apprach the first weir (see above). Another weir follows soon after, then the confluence with the West Okement swells the volume. Pretty straightforward after this, but there are still enough features and play spots to keep you on your toes. OTHER NOTES: The upper section is well worth a trip if you are up to it. CONTRIBUTED BY: Mike and Pete Stothert. |
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