GUIDE TO THE RIVER HODDER
(Burholme Bridge to Higher Hodder Bridge)
NAME OF RIVER: Hodder.
WHERE IS IT?: North Lancashire near Clitheroe.
Map.
PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: A careful examination of the relevant OS map will show two or three unobtrusive access points but I have accessed from Burholme Bridge (left Bank, upstream) and egressed at Higher Hodder Bridge (Right Bank, downstream). Both of these points are on public rights of way.
Probably best to be changed and ready to go preferably with a kind person to drop off and pick up.
APPROX LENGTH: Long?.
TIME NEEDED: 2-3 hours?
ACCESS HASSLES: Apparently very difficult, jealously guarded by fishing interests but I have had no incidents on the two occasions I have paddled (both times in the dark days of December).
WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: It needs a spell of heavy rain as most of the catchment is captured by Stocks Resevoir and the river is wide.
GRADING: 1 - 2.
MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: None.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful touring river (ideal for open canoeing) flowing through 'remote' countryside well away from roads and houses. It is on a par with the Eden in North Cumbria. No detail is required as there is only one small rocky drop halfway through the trip.
OTHER NOTES: I am really hoping that this entry will open a debate. I do not know of a comparable quality touring river with greater access problems. I am 47 years old and am not prepared to wait for the slow wheels of government and natural justice to allow access to this beautiful river.
Anyone paddled other sections of the Hodder?
CONTRIBUTED BY: David Leedham (Kendal, Cumbria).
