Brief River Description

Mellow enough grade 2, continuous enough at the start and flattens out the further down you go.

Directions to the Put-in

This is the section of River from below Jacksons (Laragh) down to Clara Vale church. Put in either in Laragh at Lynams Hotel (take out for Glenmcnass/Annamoe), or at Ballard Bridge. Please don't take up parking at Lynams during busy times for the hotel.

Directions to the Take-out

The Take out is at Clara Vale church, take the R755 out of Laragh towards Rathdrum, until you see a signpost on a lane to the left for Clara Vale church, go down a steep hill and over a bridge which is a take out. This is very tight, and there is not much space for parking. Please don't block it up, or take up the space in the church car park, particularly when the church is likely to be used!

River Description

The rapids are all grade two, with no particular hazards. In normal level there are gaps between each of the rapids, but in higher flows these can disappear and trees can become an issue. It is normally a great run for novice paddlers, but be wary at higher levels as wave trains can become quite large and the stretch is quite continuous, making it difficult to recover swimmers and their gear.

 The rapids near the start are more frequent and slightly steeper until the picnic site rapid (an actual picnic site which is on river right, if you have no shuttle you can get off here and walk back up to Laragh.) This rapid can easily be run a couple of times as access is easy on the river right bank.

 After this the rapids are a bit less frequent, but of a similar standard. You pass Clara Lara water park part of the way down. Descents of the slides in kayaks are possible, but it is private property!)

A few KM after Clara Lara, you will pass a steep sandy cliff on the river left, this means you are approaching the get-out, which is at the bridge, get out in the church yard on river left. (The eddy here is easy to catch, but a bit small, so be wary with large groups).

Local issues

The area at the get out by the church is small, don't abuse the parking there. The river right bank is private property.

Lynams Hotel don't like paddlers taking over the parking there when trade is busy. Give them some custom if you are there. The soup is good.

River level gauge

Levels can be determined by checking the Annamoe, if it is high this will be high, if it is low, this will be low too.

River Hazards

None in particular. Wave trains and encroaching trees can become an issue in high flows.

Author(s)

Original Author: Ken

---

Note: Comments have been disabled. Please use the forum for banter or questions.
Please add river details by adding to/editing the guide.