So, after twice trying to get a run down the River Fechlin (Abhainn Fhaichlinn in Gaelic) but having to go elsewhere due to a lack of water, today was the day.

The Tarff was running high on www.wheresthewater.com and that meant only one thing, the Fechlin was sure to be running – at a runable level at least!

While the new hydro scheme means that the river needs a good dump of water to run, it’s far from wrecked it completely and when the skies have been pouring for a couple of days over the Monadh Liath, Loch Killin (home to some glacial relics: Arctic Char) spills over and the Fechlin comes online.

It’s pretty much Grade 4(4+), with some scrapy grade 2/3 in between; a fantastic run though. The levels today were low/medium, so it was tight and technical at times, but most features had a couple of lines/options.

There are some lovely little drops, on this river, some nice tight sections, a lot of rocks to dodge and a few bits of water that catch you by surprise, but it’s all good. Apart from hurricane force winds wipping up the glen at times (it can be VERY cold up there), and not forgetting Dave Young’s textbook pin on the biggie near the end (the one with the huge rock in the centre of the flow), all was good and some sweet moves were made by many!

Hopefully some photos and video will follow soon, but for now, here’s the low-down on UKRGB:

www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=612:scotlandfarnorth-fechlin&catid=31&Itemid=117

A great wee run down the Meig Gorge (Am Mòr-Ghil Mhìg in Gaelic) tonight after work; the benefit of light evenings!

It’s such a great section of steep-sided, pool drop action paddling. From the get-go, you’re into the action. A nice tripple step drop into the gorge, but only after you’ve navigated the weir and its associated metal spikes…this time, m’boat made it through unscathed!

Kenny managed to get down the first drop in style, albeit much of it spent under water. He held in for an award-winning period of time, topped off with an eskimo rescue. That guy is a machine when it comes to subaqua paddling; mucho respecto!

The rest of the trip was good craic, with some lovely boofs and lines all round. Torq gave the constriction a shot, with Kevin (aka ‘The Stig’) providing a little safety after a serious rock climb down.

Tea Cup falls, the iconic main drop, provided fun for all. Some good lines from us all and only one swim (after all the hard work was done).  Next time I’ll definately take a camera as it’s a great place for epic photos…

Anyhow, the next few weeks are going to constitute less ‘me’ paddling and a lot more paddling for ‘others’; the club’s intro spring course is about to start. I always love coaching new starts, reinvesting in the future of the club and putting a bit back into the sport…more kayaking-related feel good factors!

Great wee paddle down the Top and Upper Findhorn today.

Levels were probably around a low medium, but a nice level for most of the features; albeit the U-Bend looked a bit nasty with a tricky and limited run in and a grabby looking hole!

Thanks to Donald Macpherson of www.ExploreHighland.com for some wee vids of the day…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/explorehighland/sets/72157626093053077