RIVER NOE

[Jim Pullen]

Guide.

[Pete K]

The Noe has seen some runs this week with the constant rainfall we've been having. A group ran it at very high water yesterday (tree trunks on banks in water) and there was a large tree blocking the full width of the river a few hundred metres after the tunnel. You had to duck in a few places also.
Today it was done just above the minimnum level I'd say it goes at (1 ft below yesterday) and although there were still a few places to duck down, the river blocking tree was just sneakable on river left. You'd not want to miss the line though. Expect a portage in all but scrapey conditions.
Well worth doing the run though. Took 30 mins today. The gorge felt quite full on and the rapids were interesting but free of debris. The big drop was unexpected but okay and the flow was fast throughout. RH tunnel arch was clear and although it felt commiting was really straightforward.
Be warned that there is no warm up to this river, straight in at 2/3.

[Pete K]

Paddled the Noe again yesterday in medium flow similar to the last post. The run from the stone bridge to Townhead was overgrown but there were no portages. 2 things to be aware of though; the tree is still across the river (a few bends after the tunnel) as described above, sneak under on left in low/med flow but be prepared to portage in high levels and secondly, a single strand of electric fence wire crosses the river in a slow flowing section between the 1st g3 and the 2nd. It could easily be limbo'd under but may be a problem in higher water. The local farmer does not appear concerned about boaters but we must not interfere with any fencing as when the river is low cattle can walk down the bed and potentially off downstream.
Please park respectfully on the graveled area near the bridge, you are just down the road from the farm and a National Trust depot/office.

To show you that we do have nice rivers in the Peaks I prepared a rough edit from yesterday. Not great but I'd only had the GoPro out of the box long enough to tie it to my helmet.
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[andy wa]

Done this run about 10 times now, still enjoy it. Also recently paddled from Upper Booth to Barber Booth in high water. Very tree ridden with lots of pinning potential and branches to avoid, with one portage. Lots of good rock slides and small drops. If there was no trees it would be fantastic, continous grade 3 gorge section towards the end of this run.

Andy

[teddy_simmon]

Does anyone in the area know what the river levels are looking like for the Noe, if the weather carrys on as it is i was hoping to come and paddle it on saturday.

What levels are we looking for on the ea gauges?

Thanks

Matt

[Pete K]

Hi Matt, no EA gauge available I'm afraid. It is well up today (been working up the road) and will be up tomorrow. As for later in the week.... It does rise and fall very fast but if the rain continues topping it up it may just go. Last day I'm near is Thursday so I'll try to remember to post up about it. I'd join you but I'm in the Dales caving on Saturday. Go to Townhead bridge on the Edale road and see if you can paddle under it. If so you are on, if too rocky go elsewhere.
Consider a run of the Wye from Wyedale car park to Litton Mill, very good at 0.60m at Buxton gauge.
That or the Derwent is running from Ladybower, make sure it is 0.60m and up also.

[teddy_simmon]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the info i think it may be worth the run up and have a look, on the list ot look at are the noe, wye derwent and dane.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks a lot


Matt

[Pete K]

Goyt will be up, anything over 0.55m is worth doing. It is over 1.10m now!

Etherow probably not by the weekend.

[Pete K]

TREE DOWN
Just after the layby get-out before Townhead bridge. Trunk completely crossing river just above water level at low levels. Likely to be on or just under when in spate. No eddies likely. Get out at layby get off.
You can see this tree from the road.

[Murray carp]

Out of interest what boat are you paddling the Noe with?

[Pete K]

I've done it in a Burn and Jefe. It has been done in an Inazone, Master TG, Mamba and probably more. Quite a rocky trip.
All kayaks if that's what's you meant.