River Rothay

River Rothay

Map of River Rothay
WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: You can view a fast section of the river from Rydal Village on the A591. It should be fairly obvious whether the river is paddleable or not. Friends have paddled the river when it is flowing through people's gardens(!), and report that the difficulty does not massively increase but the danger does, particularly from trees..
GRADING: Grade 2+.
MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Trees. 'Tree cover on this section is getting very close to water level in places with no easy way through other than to duck! A helmet or machete are advised especially in higher water levels.'
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: After launching in Grasmere, figure out which end of the lake is downstream and find a small ledge weir where the river leaves.
The kilometre stretch down to Rydal Water is mostly Grade 2 rapids, with numerous tree branches lurking overhead...part of the National Trust 'White Moss' park, and very pretty it is too.
After you pass the park's footbridge, the river slows into Rydal Water, another beautiful lake (or 'tarn', if you come from thereabouts). A slog along this will bring you to the river's outflow (obviously) where more trees need dodging as the river accelerates in pace towards the fastest and rockiest stretch of the river. This rock- infested rapid which can reach grade 3 in high water may need inspecting if you are unsure of the route.
The river slackens off after you pass a set of stepping stones (which you have to lean your boat through in low water). The river is quick but tame until the road joins on river right and you meet Stock Ghyll flowing in from river left. You can see the last fall of this from the river and might consider carrying up to it. Just after this point is a small weir which provides a nice play wave. This is a possible point to finish the trip.