DUCHRAY

See page 314 of the Scottish Guidebook.

Flows into Aberfolye from the hills to the west. Access is tricky due to ongoing Forestry operations (ring 01877382258 for advice). Basically turn left at the top of Loch Ard and follow the track up the hill then under a bridge and left. Eventually you reach a bridge: the get-on. The get-off is back down the road to Aberfoyle, near the campsite at Milton (signed).

Lots and lots of water is needed for this. Everything needs to be going off for this to go, but it's well worth it. If it's brown at the top, it'll be great! Doesn't go as often as you'd think.

The run starts at the bridge, and leads into several drops with not small holes in high water. Watch out for trees stuck in the dogleg fall and the drop downstream: we found a couple last time we were there. Things then flatten off a bit, but there aren't many eddies. Grab one quick as the first drop is approaching. At over 30ft the drop (below) feels like a long way down but a massive boil helps to soften the landing. Watch out for trees floating about in the pool! (Portaging is possible on the left but a bit of a 'mare).

After this things flatten off again, but you feel as though every corner has another drop lurking! The second drop is fairly close to the get-off, and consists of a big ramp into a huge hole. The line is left, but portaging can be achieved down the right bank. Don't get stuck in this hole: protection is difficult. Soon the getoff arrives, on a big right hand bend with a clearing in the forest on the left. Walk the five minutes up the track to your car with a big grin.

 

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