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aman
27-08-2012, 03:42 PM
Hi Guys

I am quite new to the open canoe so I am looking for a nice place in Cornwall to do a two day canoe/camping trip on still water.

I went up to Llyn Brianne in Wales last weekend and it has whet my appetite for more of the same.

I did think about the reservoirs on Dartmoor but I'm told you are not allowed to canoe on them :confused2:

I might have a look at the parts of the Fal or the river Fowey that are navigable at low water.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

aman

Ashley Cawley
27-08-2012, 04:12 PM
Our resident Mod Martin has just got himself an open Canoe recently, we were out on the river Fowey just the other night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleycawley/sets/72157631213078508/). It's certainly got me wanting an open Canoe again!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7846671816_604858dd70.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleycawley/7846671816/)
Martin's Old Town Canoe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleycawley/7846671816/) by Ashley Cawley (http://www.flickr.com/people/ashleycawley/), on Flickr

Martin
27-08-2012, 04:16 PM
I don't believe that there is anywhere in Cornwall to do what you want. The rivers just aren't long enough and there's not really anywhere, that I've seen, that you could realistically camp out. Of course, there is plenty of coast line, but I don't fancy taking my canoe out on the sea.

I reckon you'd need to get to the Lake District or maybe up to Scotland to do what you're thinking of. Of course, if you find anywhere which would fit the bill, let us know.

Martin

aman
27-08-2012, 04:33 PM
Thanks Guys

What about paddling up the Fal on the tide, camping the night and coming back down on the tide the next day. There must be loads of places to stealth camp along the river as long as there were not too many of us.

Plus, if anyone in the Falmouth area wants to have a go in an open canoe just give me a shout. Any excuse to get out on the water.

Aman

alvino78
27-08-2012, 05:17 PM
river wye and around loch lomonds islands are a great trip!!

alvino78
27-08-2012, 05:19 PM
http://www.adventuresuppliesuk.com/canoe_the_river_wye.html

Ashley Cawley
28-08-2012, 08:39 AM
What about paddling up the Fal on the tide, camping the night and coming back down on the tide the next day. There must be loads of places to stealth camp along the river as long as there were not too many of us.Yeah, I don't doubt you could do this on a few rivers in Cornwall, Martin was probably thinking of a proper campsite on the riverside and perhaps travelling new water each day?

Martin didn't Glen say he knew of a campsite right next to the river Camel?

aman
28-08-2012, 09:12 AM
The great thing about the Fal is there are loads of small creeks to explore so you could go up on the tide on one side of the river and down on he other side of the river and not really see the same things twice.
I am not all that interested in staying at campsites to be honest. I would prefer to wild camp

TreeCamper
28-08-2012, 09:38 AM
http://www.helfordrivercamping.co.uk/helford-river-campsite.htm

What about this one Martin. They even have hairdryers :ashamed:

If I remember rightly there is a campsite above Penmarlem quay which is on the Fowey river near mixtow. There is now a cafe there too by the river with toilets,showers,fresh water and a place to wash your boat.

Its one of my favourite stops for launching and landing. You can park there too all day.

aman
28-08-2012, 09:47 AM
http://www.helfordrivercamping.co.uk/helford-river-campsite.htm

What about this one Martin. They even have hairdryers :ashamed:

If I remember rightly there is a campsite above Penmarlem quay which is on the Fowey river near mixtow. There is now a cafe there too by the river with toilets,showers,fresh water and a place to wash your boat.

Its one of my favourite stops for launching and landing. You can park there too all day.

It's a bit of a trek from the river.

TreeCamper
28-08-2012, 09:52 AM
It's a bit of a trek from the river.

Yes its uphill too at Penmarlam unless you pay which is a bit expensive. But a handy spot nontheless. Maybe the Helford River one is worth a look.

aman
28-08-2012, 10:25 AM
There are lots of wooded areas around the Helford that do not seem to have houses too close according to google maps.

aman

TreeCamper
28-08-2012, 10:32 AM
There are lots of wooded areas around the Helford that do not seem to have houses too close according to google maps.

aman Yes just had a quick look. Plenty of woodland about, might check it out for a hang.

aman
28-08-2012, 10:35 AM
I really need to make myself a hammock and tarp

delboy
28-08-2012, 03:30 PM
Spotted this thread last night, so I had a word with a mate at work as he lives around that area and does a lot of canoeing around there. He reckons to drop in at Mylor quay as there is free parking, then work your way up river past the King Harry ferry, lots to explore in two days and loads of riverside to wild camp. But you need to watch the tides, as a lot of the upstream area turns to mudflats on low tide.

aman
28-08-2012, 04:24 PM
Thanks Delboy
Maybe we should organise a group float and hang sometime in September

Martin
28-08-2012, 07:13 PM
I was more thinking that the rivers in Cornwall are too short to sustain a two day trip. I've only canoed on the Fowey and the Tamar but trying to find suitable wild camping spots will be extremely difficult in my opinion. Bear in mind, the difficulty in launching your canoe and where you could actually get out of the river (ideally at the half way point of your trip), leave your boat overnight, get all your gear in and out of the canoe and then do the reverse the next morning depending on favourable tides.

Like I said, it seems unlikely that there will be many/any likely spots. That's not to say that there aren't any and I'd be really interested to hear about any that you may come across.

Martin

aman
28-08-2012, 07:39 PM
Maybe do two short days. Paddle Saturday afternoon camp Saturday night paddle back Sunday morning. I don't need to go far. It would just be great to get out on the water, do some fishing, do some camping, trundle back next day.

Martin
28-08-2012, 09:22 PM
Maybe do two short days. Paddle Saturday afternoon camp Saturday night paddle back Sunday morning. I don't need to go far. It would just be great to get out on the water, do some fishing, do some camping, trundle back next day.

Good point, well made. I can't help thinking about early starts and late finishes when it comes to expeditions. Got to get into the more laid back way of things. ;)

Martin

delboy
29-08-2012, 09:29 AM
Thanks Delboy
Maybe we should organise a group float and hang sometime in September
Unfortunately I swim like a brick, only time I`ve considered canoeing was on the Thames where the bank is a few metres away. I even get a bit skittish on cross channel ferries. :ashamed: