Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Canoeing and Watersports => Topic started by: brendanmcc on June 10, 2012
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Hi all
Any one have experience of paddling the river Blackwater to coney? Planning an outing with family and friends (all adults) for a paddle/ camp and would like a bit of guidance on how long it might take. Thinking of starting at Moy. Any one paddled this?
Brendan
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Great guides on canoe NI, routes, camp spots and distance guides with itineraries.
http://www.canoeni.com/canoe-trails/river-blackwater/
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Hi there,
I'm sure there are more experienced paddlers than me out there, but I’ve paddled that stretch of river a fair bit over the last year so here’s my two cents……….
The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland run recreational paddles on the Blackwater regularly – their trip usually starts at Blackwatertown , stops at Moy for lunch and continues onto the Argory. That trip usually takes about six or so hours, although there is a fair amount of faffing about.
There are numerous put in points on the Blackwater, and therefore numerous options. You could start at the Argory (Bond’s Bridge) or also at Verner’s Bridge. These are a couple of miles further down river from Moy.
How far you can travel in a day will very much depend on your level of paddling. Remember, you’re slowest paddler will be setting the pace. Safety first and all that - when it comes to water, you really don’t want to f**k about.
I would suggest you leave plenty in the tank for the final crossing over to Coney from Maghery slip.
This last stage of your trip will be over open water, and depending on the weather (wind speed/direction) can really be a test of endurance for the less experienced paddler.
Flapjack’s right – check out the Blackwater Canoe Trail online – this’ll give you a better idea of distances etc.
All in all, it’s a great trip to take if you get the chance. Let the warden on Coney (Pete) know you’re staying over and he’ll make you more than welcome. (07887 827230)
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Good points - It is a nice, flat, slow moving river suitable for novice paddlers. Coney is lovely and it feels like you are a million miles from anywhere even though it's only a 10min paddle from Maghery Slip. Good for spotting Kingfishers.
Bad points - Not much of a view due to the high banks, if the wind is from the North it's a tiresome paddle with not a lot of shelter. On two occasions I've been buzzed some local a**h***s who visit the river in jetski's and seem to enjoy getting as close as they can as fast as they can to canoe's and kayaks. Open lough can be rough in bad weather.