Loch Ken and the River Dee.

flat cap Andy · Dec 22, 2014#12014-12-22T12:05+00:00

Hi Folks, being a bit of a fair weather paddler most of my winter activity is confined to dreaming up, I mean planning, trips for the warmer weather (soft southerner). Now Loch Ken is looking like a good candidate for a visit as I have Rellies in Dumfries. Seeing my Aunt whilst being able to do some paddling comes under the 'two birds one stone' idiom as far as I am concerned.
Anyway Sotp has a fair amount of good info on the Loch but not so much on the River Dee. So can you paddle from the Loch down the Dee to Kirkcudbright? I know there is hydro generating plant in the way but I am sure one could portage past it ?....Your experiences would be gratefully received.
Ta Andy

Chainsaw · Dec 22, 2014#22014-12-22T12:19+00:00

We did Loch Ken and the Dee a good few years ago, bloggage here. We only went down as far as Bridge of Dee though not sure if there is anything nasty past that.

flat cap Andy · Dec 22, 2014#32014-12-22T12:24+00:00

Chainsaw wrote:We did Loch Ken and the Dee a good few years ago, bloggage here. We only went down as far as Bridge of Dee though not sure if there is anything nasty past that.

Paah I missed this one...ta Alan

Crow · Dec 22, 2014#42014-12-22T15:36+00:00

You can certainly paddle upstream on the Dee, from Dumfries to the hydro plant and then back.

Some pics here:

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/ ... post496911

Quercus · Dec 22, 2014#52014-12-22T16:10+00:00

Have a look at the aerial view on Bing maps and Google maps, one shows river and Loch Tongland at lower water levels the other at higher level.

The Bing aerials show up the rocks and likely spots for rapids if low. The Scottish Canoe Touring book indicates rapids at Threave Island where river re-joins and also 100 metre rapid starting from the A 75 bridge. Also egress (awkward) from Loch Tongland suggested on right at a layby on the road.

Looks like portage from Loch Tongland might be a fair distance on road to the tidal limit by A 711 bridge.

flat cap Andy · Dec 22, 2014#62014-12-22T21:18+00:00

Crow wrote:You can certainly paddle upstream on the Dee, from Dumfries to the hydro plant and then back.

Some pics here:

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/ ... post496911

T'was your blog that got me a wondering!

Quercus wrote:Have a look at the aerial view on Bing maps and Google maps, one shows river and Loch Tongland at lower water levels the other at higher level.

The Bing aerials show up the rocks and likely spots for rapids if low. The Scottish Canoe Touring book indicates rapids at Threave Island where river re-joins and also 100 metre rapid starting from the A 75 bridge. Also egress (awkward) from Loch Tongland suggested on right at a layby on the road.

Looks like portage from Loch Tongland might be a fair distance on road to the tidal limit by A 711 bridge.

Great info, thanks....hopefully my Aunt will want to see me this coming spring!