Unfortunately the planned club trip to the Exe had to be cancelled and none of the usual alternatives were practical on this occasion. A few of us therefore decided to have an exploratory paddle down the river Monnow which flows into the Wye at Monmouth giving the town it's name. At the get-in at Skenfrith there was no sign of the river level gauge, it's top being well below the surface of the dark brown water. The high levels meant an exciting trip with the biggest challenge being to find safe eddies amongst the trees! Just before Monmouth is a large sloping weir. At these levels there was a significant stopper across most of the river and the one section which might have been possible to run swept straight into more trees. Time for a portage!

We all agreed the Monnow is a lovely river and definitely one to be repeated. Highly recommended.