I’ve paddled the Findhorn Gorge a couple of times now, a classic Scottish East Coast run. Whilst fun, I do think it’s been a bit overhyped in some online guides – particularly difficulty wise, so maybe some people have been put off paddling it by reputation, who in reality would have enjoyed it. The main rapids are Randolph’s Leap at the start, then Triple Step and Corkscrew further down, all decent grade 4′s (The Leap probably touches a soft but sketchy g5 if you take the cauldron line – I’ve always been too scared and so sneak down the right) but easily portageable if you’re taking less experienced paddlers – the other rapids are grade 2/3 bimbles. Being relatively fast flowing and in gorge, shit can hit the fan quickly if you’re not on the ball with swimmers, as kit can go along way, but with good safety boaters the Gorge makes a great g3/4 club trip – just make sure you portage the siphon drop at the end!. I’m yet to paddle it in high water though, and I can imagine that being a slightly different ball game.
I had a great day on it last summer with Stu, Steve, Baker, Campbell and Victoria – with Ian tagging along as photographer/shuttle bitch. Here are some of his snaps (all photo credit to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ian-McDougall-Photography/196231783756155?sk):
Myself going for the flare on the drop just below Randolph's
Steve doing his thang on one of the bimbles
Stu on the middle drop of Triple
And boofing the bottom of it
Myself going for the boof on the last drop of Triple Step
Baker stuck at the bottom of Triple - just as well given the look on his face peering down into the hole!
Steve skirting a big hole on the entrance to Corkscrew
Following the tongue through to finish the move
And being rad
Cambell pretending to be a submarine on the entrance move of Corkscrew
Me coming through the middle of Corkscrew
Then riding the waves through the exit
