Collingham, Yorkshire
OS map 104 Leeds and Bradford
Get in at Linton Road bridge, on the right (south) bank, with car parking at 388464, there is an overhead barrier to the car park at 6’6” and unfortunately no suitable nearby parking alternative, (without blocking the narrow roads) so please don’t come in high vehicles. It’s about 100m to the river for a level carry to launch from an easy shingle beach.
Our usual paddle is to go upstream for about a mile, to an island, play on a wave and return to the same get out. However if you want to shuttle, then as well as the two mile ‘up and down’, a further two miles can be added by cruising down into Wetherby and to get out at the swimming pool car park at 402481 (now OS map 105). Please do not carry on to the weir. A lot of money was raised locally to repair and preserve the weir and we are not welcome. Besides which it’s no big deal and not worth the intrusion.
The ‘up to the island’ trip is a real test of your ability to read the water (mostly Grade 1, with a wriggle of a 2) and your time will be dependant on the recent rainfalls. Allow about 40 minutes if you want to clock watch.
The trip starts you with a 50m Grade 1 rapid which is possible at most levels if you use the eddies to hop n’ ferry. Don’t put too many clothes on if it’s a warm evening or you’ll be wet sooner than you hoped. Carry on under the road bridge until you meet another rapid round an island. Looking up stream you may be able to pick a route up the right next to a (caution) fallen tree. In practice this route rarely goes, as you will not be able to get enough of your paddle into bight. However it is fun to sit back and watch the undefeated get… well, defeated. So have a go now at the left. Again trees are ever present, but these aren’t quite as threatening. This route will go, so keep trying, that is of course unless you are paddling your upturned coffee table which is so short you keep it in the boot instead of the on the roof rack! In which case join the others and get out and walk up the island.
Re-launch and you might see the resident Kingfisher. We have for the last two summers. In any event it’s a very rare evening when we don’t see the Heron or the Dipper.
The river makes a slow bend to the left, and then you will be able to see your goal. The playwave has been paddled up, if you give it a blast. If not, you can get out, walk up this island and re-launch to shoot the ‘rapids’. Watch out for a couple of rocks that stand sentry to the play wave train, as they often catch out those who think it’s all over. It is now!
If you are doing the longer trip down to Wetherby, pass where you got in and immediately set yourself up for a shingle rapid which runs slightly right. All you are really trying to do is to pick the best line to avoid having to shove yourself all the way down it. You will have guessed by now that I’m giving you the routes and slight hazards based on our normal summer levels.
Look out for new golf balls in the shallows, as the course is on your left. Also look out for the Martins that nest in the river banks you’ll soon be passing. The river now runs quite straight, for about a mile. Towards the end of the straight on the left you’ll see concrete steps, which are to the King Charles V playing fields which will take you to swings and toilets should you need either!
If not carry on and under a footbridge then follow the river round to the right for the last bit of this lovely river. You’ll see your cars parked on your right in the swimming pool car park, only 10m from the bank and gate. This area is very popular with dog walkers so watch your feet!
Wetherby has got one of the best fish and chip shops in the main street, the Wetherby Waler, so go spoil yourself. You’re worth it. You will also find all services in the town; including (being a market town) the lesser spotted black sheep.
Dick Constable