DANGER TO PADDLERS AT FESHIE BRIDGE ~ April to July 2013.

In the last couple of days, the wonderful Scottish snows of 2013 ~ until a couple of days ago forming a playground for skiers ~ has, in the sudden warm temperatures, quickly melted ~ the melt-water transforming Highland rivers into raging torrents.

For water-sporters who like their water shaken and stirred, once such river, with relatively easy access is the attractive, lively River Feshie ~ paddled by mainly acrobatic ‘play-boaters’ accessing by Achlean Croft and journeying on down to the Feshie’s confluence with the majestic Spey.

Included in the lower part of this section of this river is the very picturesque Feshie Bridge. Following recent surveys this historic stone bridge has been judged to be in serious need of immediate repair. The road has not been closed for ongoing work but rather, an intricate lacing of scaffolding has been erected on either side of the bridge causing no impediment to traffic.

However, the scaffolding poles, erected in recent weeks, when water-levels were unseasonally low, reach down almost to the ‘low-water mark’. Now that the Feshie is filled to torrent level with the melt-waters of the snows, the scaffolding metal-work, (including thick, horizontal poles) ~ at times under water, poses a lethal hazard to paddlers.

Paddlers looking to enjoy the Feshie, especially in these ideal conditions of swollen waters, are advised to avoid Feshie Bridge at all costs.

(Water-sporters should be aware that they are always welcome to access/egress the Feshie via grounds of (even stay at!) City of Edinburgh’s excellent outdoor centre ~ Lagganlia ~ http://www.lagganlia.com/

From Spey to Thames

Although the sky was overcast, early morning in Speyside was lit by the golden radiance of rich, autumnal colours emanating from the departing leaves of summer 2012. Although only a gentle breeze, the large, rounded leaves of the once lush, riverside alders danced liked heavy, leathery feathers, downwards towards the surface of the now chilly waters of the River Spey.

Today, however, I am looking only at Lady Spey from above and at a distance as the train I am travelling on gathers speed on its route south to London. As we move towards Dalwhinnie, crossing the rail-bridge just upstream of Newtonmore, this is the last glimpse of my river I will have until my return to Speyside late tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.

Having in 2010 previously worked on the Spey with a small group of boys from St Paul’s School, situated on the banks of the River Thames by Hammersmith Bridge, I have been invited by the school’s Headmaster to talk to boys, parents and staff about the majestic Spey.

This evening I am to meet with parents of boys and the boys themselves, likely to take part in a wonderful, unforgettable Canoe Journey on the historic River Spey in the summer of2013. Tonight we will concentrate mainly upon matters relating to practical aspects of a Spey Journey extending over several days ~ dates; section of this beautiful river to be paddled; my provision of all specialist canoe/safety equipment; what the boys need to bring; transport arrangements ~ to Speyside and along the river; even whether en route we ‘stay close to nature' and camp or perhaps stay overnight in some of the well-appointed Speyside guest-house/hotel accommodations.

Tomorrow morning I am to address boys and masters at the school’s morning assembly. Here I will very willingly talking about the history, culture, working practices and the people of the Spey. Hopefully, the St Paul’s link with the wonderful Spey, with the boys taking part in this unique adventure will become an annual event on the St Paul’s calendar.

I would confess to today feeling quite excited about my journey south to the UK Capital and to be by the mighty Thames. Hopefully the boys from Thames Valley will be excited and inspired by their magical Journey north to Strathspey, and will in years to come, reflect fondly on their Spey Experience.

Strathspey Business Community

Thurs 16th ~ I and a number of fellow Strathspey business-people ~ mainly outdoor-activities and accommodation providers attended an interesting and enlightening E-commerce Business Day in Boat of Garten organised by the Cairngorms Business Partnership ~ www.visitcairngorms.com

Hello

The designer will be finishing the website within the next couple of weeks.  Very exciting as it should be a portal of information for all.  Spirit of the Spey will also be featured on Trip Advisor, so please do leave comments after your time with us. 

Thanks, Dave Craig