GENERAL INFO
A series of caches that were all placed from a kayak. However, some may be found by other means, we will let you decide if you are the adventurous type, and don’t mind risking getting wet?
All are placed to be found by cachers, and not muggles, who also regularly use this stretch of water, and are therefore placed appropriately. Check the hints, as these will hopefully give you an indication of roughly where to look, and feel free to print out the ‘crib sheet’ which you might find useful to laminate and take with you
(see cache #1 in the series for this in its picture gallery).
We would love to see your photo’s, of the logbooks, spoilers, the varied wildlife and anything else appropriate
THE CACHES
At the time of placing these, only one required exiting your craft, near an unexpected feature (#3), but some are higher than others, one specifically (#20) will require a pole of some type, with a reversible hook, or two hooks on the same device, that can reach up to three meters! This so you can both retrieve AND replace the cache (see hint and photo on relevant cache page)
All logs are stone paper, and double potted to help protect the log sheets as this river regularly floods after heavy rain. Please ensure they are screwed up tight, but not too tight!
Containers types are mostly either small Aluminium Bison tubes, or Plastic Preforms, all in various types of camo tape or disguise
(see photo on #1)
Any issues, please message us and we will try to respond and correct the problem ASAP, but this may take longer in Winter when the river regularly floods! We would also welcome maintenance by cachers embarking on the series if they contact us before heading out onto the water.
SAFETY
As always, you cache at your own risk, neither us nor Groundspeak accept any responsibility for your actions or decisions. Only attempt these caches if you are confident of your ability both ON the water, and IN the water should you fall in. Be especially careful around the Weir’s. Remember it is safer in small groups, and perhaps also more fun!
Please be mindful of Fishermen (and Ladies), they also have the right to use the water, and will mostly be found on the RHS going downstream.
There is just one PORTAGE, at the weir/lock at Keynsham. Other than that, there are no obstacles to negotiate on this river which is also used by canal boats!
USE OF A QUALITY FLOTATION DEVICE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY WHEN ON THE WATER
PARKING & TRAILHEAD INFO
Parking, trailhead and launch waypoints are given on cache #1 for each section of the series.
The car parking location at Hanham by this cache #1 and a local hostelry, have erected a notice stating that no launching of Kayak's or SUP's should be performed from their property. I will continue to try and clarify if they will allow either a drop off or pick up, subject to their car parking not being used for non customers. Updates will be posted here on cache #1 as and if they become available
UPDATE 26.8.21 - Hanham pub car park
The manager has agreed that you may launch and\or recover your craft from here, providing you adhere to these few guidelines - if you do not, you may spoil it for all that want to follow you, so please respect their wishes
1. Do not leave your vehicles in their car parks - parking coordinates are provided below
2. They currently open from 12.00 until 22.00 hours - Please do not launch or recover during these times as it has caused problems with their customers enjoying their meals and drinks, as people prepare and inflate their craft and carry them between the tables.
This is a concession, please respect it or we all loose it!
Best parking and river access is to be had at Keynsham, in the middle of the series, and you can then head out and back in each direction, or complete the series in two sections.
And REMEMBER
Drive on the RIGHT on the water.
A VALID RIVER AUTHORITY LICENCE, Available from ‘The Canal and River Trust’, or from ‘British Canoeing’ is a requirement for many British Waterways, and helps contribute to the waterways upkeep.
And most importantly
WE HOPE YOU HAVE FUN