Caithness Kayak Club

   
    Dunbeath    
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The Dunbeath river has a lovely continuous *grade 2-3+ section that needs a lot of water to make it run able. The water falls off quickly after the rain stops so you have to be quick to catch it a a run able level. Check the level at the the get out. If it looks rocky and low here then it is not worth running. If it looks good here chances are it is on. To give you a rough idea if it is worth a look check out the sepa website for river levels and if the River Thurso has risen to above 0.8m that day or the day before it might be worth a look. The Thurso will be a good run at this level and it would be possible to do both runs in a day. There is only space for 1 car at the get in and you need to contact the Dunbeath estate to let them know what you are planning as they might lock you in on the private road up to the cemetery.
**New Info. After paddling at very high levels it was found that the river has very few eddies big enough for more than 1 or 2 boats. Taking it up to grade 4 due to the continuous nature of the river. Several river wide stoppers were found and make it a more serious undertaking. The webmasters boat spent 24 hours jammed under a tree after a swim. Luckily enough for me I was not in the boat at the time!
           
The get out GR ND159299 The old mill plenty car parking and a picnic table. If you want and the level is ok you can continue on down to the harbour and get out instead
The get in
Park here		 GR ND140311
GR ND143311

Park the car without blocking the gate and walk down to the river. Only room for one car.
           
The get in point, This is the river at the lowest run able level quite a scrape! Straightforward rapids at this level, They get meatyer at higher levels Some rock dodging going on      
           
It is possible to walk up the river from the get out point as there is a good path for quite a way. An attractive walk for the non paddlers amongst us.        
           
* Grading of river is as we found it on the day, As always please ensure that the river is within the abilities of your paddling group. Inspect before paddling if unsure.
           
           
         

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